Do you think that leopard geckos know their owners?

Question

my female leopard gecko is now 4months and i've had her since 4weeks, im the only person really who handles her, although if i get her out of her viv and pass her to my boyfriend then shes fine.the other day though my boyfriend picked her up out of the tank and sat holding her,she started clicking like mad. so i was wondering if anyone else has had anything like this, do they really know their owner? and i know she likes being handled becuase if i dont handle her she gets depressed and stops eating and as soon as i put my hand into the viv she walks onto it. any ideas ?? thanks!

Answer 1

No they do not- although they are more likely to respond favorably to gentle handling, as opposed to rough handling.

And I don't believe they recognize people by their voices.

Answer 2

Since your b/f has been handling her as well, I wouldn't think she'd be too upset about that.  He may not have lifted her the same way you do, though (did he grab her, or let her walk onto his hand?).

And yes, they are people aware.  They recognize voices/tones.  Mine always dash into hiding when company arrives, though they had been content basking or sleeping in the open.  They do not do this when my daughter visits or my fiance' comes in.

They especially do not like my landlord's voice (very grating) and he has seen nothing more than an empty tank on the days he drops by.

Or - she could have just been unhappy to have her sleep disturbed.

Like all animals, they have moods, too.

Enjoy your Leo, and I hope this has been helpful.