How long until I can pick up my gecko?

Question

I just got my Leopard gecko today and he seems very friendly! But I want to know how long I would have to wait until I can introduce him to my hand. I know what to do and all. Keep my hand in his tank, see if he comes up to it. The whole process of slowly letting him get to know me is so exciting and I know that it will take a lot of time even though he is already friendly from when I got him and put him in his tank and all but I was just wondering how long until I can start this process? My friend who has a Bearded dragon said the store told him 8 hours, is that any different from a Leopard Gecko? My boyfriend (who also has a Bearded dragon) said to leave him for a few days. I don't want to do this the wrong way yknow? ;] Thanks!

Answer 1

The actual rule is 3 days to a week.  This is for any new critter for the most part.  This is enough time to allow them to acclimate themselves to their new home.  Waiting over a week is a waste of time.  In fact it could make things harder for you. anyone who say wait longer is not experienced in reptiles.   Anyways,  I personally give it three days, and if nothing, then another three days.  After this I gently coax my small critters on to my hand and lift them out.  i personally do not like geckos, because they can catch you off guard.  They can be sitting so calm and still on your hand and a little breeze could startle them , and I have yet to see a gecko that isn't faster than me when out of its tank.   I also advise frequent contact at least once day, or every other day.  At first for a short period of time and then little by little in creasing the amount of time you hold him until he is use to you.

Answer 2

Give him a couple of days to settle first so not to overwhelm him, taking things one step at a time. Sounds like you've got the right attitude towards your Leo, nice and slow introductions to reduce any kind of stress. After this time period is up you can start handling him, nice to hear he's friendly already. :)

Answer 3

Any  reptile should have 1-2 weeks to be left alone to get used to it's new home before handling.  This will help reduce stress quite a bit.  Then just start with short, gentle daily handling sessions.  Pet stores typically give very wrong information--don't believe anything they tell you!

http://www.drgecko.com/index.html

Answer 4

id say just wait until tomorrow or the next day... just to let him get used to his surroundings...

im glad he's friendly tho... sometimes they are antisocial and wigg out when anyone picks them up... lol

hope you and ur gecko have a good relationship!