Picking up your Leopard Gecko is a quite a step in the
taming process. You have to be sure that your gecko is ready for this step
before you attempt it. If your gecko isn't ready, this could be a very
dangerous task. Up until this point, your gecko should have been going through
the normal taming process. You've held your hand out and let your gecko climb
onto it. You've maybe enticed the gecko to climb onto your hand with food or
gentle nudges. But picking up your gecko is a huge step forward.
Before you attempt to pick up the gecko, you should start
getting it used to your touch. For a week or two, try gently touching the
gecko’s body on the back or sides. Never ever touch the tail. Remember, we don’t
want the gecko to drop its tail if startled. The first week, the gecko will
probably run away. Once the gecko stops running away, you’re ready to try
picking the gecko up.
To pick up the gecko, use you index and middle fingers on
one side, and your thumb on the other. Gently brush the gecko to let it know
that you are about to touch it. If it doesn’t run, gently squeeze from the
sides and pick it up. Don’t go too high. Remember that the gecko still might
jump. If it squirms or tries to jump, let it go. Try again another day. If it’s
ok, then pick it up and put it in your open hand.
It’s still best to let your gecko climb onto your hand, but
this is helpful if you don’t have the time to wait around. It might be helpful
if you’re trying to clean the habitat and the gecko isn’t interested in climbing
out. Just remember to be careful. You don’t want the gecko to be afraid of you.
That will simply set your taming progress back a few weeks.
It’s been nearly 3 months since Artemis came to her new
home. I’d have to say that the taming process is pretty much complete now that
she allows us to pick her up. Artemis recognizes when anyone comes to the
habitat to talk to her. She’ll come out of her cave and climb up on top to
greet you. This is presumably because she’s hungry and expects food… but the
point is that she does not fear people anymore.
As for an update on her diet, she has been feeding mainly on
mealworms lately. She gets crickets now and then as a bit of a change from her
regular diet. She is still a very healthy eater with a gigantic appetite. She’s
completely healthy and everything is going great!
I want to try to post some more information on a topic here
that we haven’t really discussed yet: Breeding. Look for some updates coming
soon with more information on breeding. We’re also going to try to remember to
get some new photos of Artemis up on here for everyone to see. This should all
be coming within the next week or two.
Very informative post, Many will learn upon reading your article. Keep up the good work. Thanks... Pet Urn
ReplyDelete