Help with Taming an Older Leopard Gecko

[Gary_the_Gecko]

Hi,

I've had my gecko (Leo) about 3 years now, but she's never seemed to like me... I got her when she was 3, making her roughly 6 years old now. She's always seemed to not want to held by me, I've managed to hold her in my hand for a couple minutes until she just wriggles and tries to run away.

I have tried using some Waxworms to lure her to my hand and show her that it is safe, but she doesn't take the bait.

Leo's had a rocky life, I got her for free from someone working at my local pool who didn't want her anymore - she was in a pretty decent shape! However, because she was already 2 years old, I never got to tame her effectively and she's always wanted to be alone. She used to be caged with my previous gecko, Gary (note the username!). Both females were great together until they had a fight and Leo bit Gary's tail which lead to their separation. Gary was given away to a family friend a few weeks back and now I'm focusing hard to getting Leo to cooperate with me and become my lil buddy.

Any tips would be amazing! :biggrin:

Thanks,
Gary_the_Gecko

 

[Gary_the_Gecko]

View attachment 44241

Here is a picture of her! )

 

[acpart]

Welcome to GU! I can't see the picture for some reason. Some geckos just never get to like being held. I have one that I got as a young adult and starts to squirm every time I pick him up. Your gecko may never care to be held. However, if you find a number of places for him to explore, like behind the couch cushions (pull the seat cushions forward and let him walk between the back of the couch and the bottom), bathroom, carpeted stairs, cardboard box with things in it --you can bring him there, let him explore and talk to him. He may never want to chill out in your hands, but may come to tolerate being carried from one place to another and give you pleasure with his explorations

Aliza

 

[Gary_the_Gecko]

Hi sorry for the slow replies! I want to put her onto my bed and just let her run about but I'm scared she'd fall off or run under my bed... Has anyone had this issue? I've had her on my shoulder but when she gets moving again, she can easily slip bc her toes aren't that grippy so I'm worried she'll fall down my back. Would it be stupid to let her onto my bed or away from my hand where she can free roam?

 

[acpart]

Start trying this in a place where you have more control like the bathroom or behind the couch cushions. As you get to know her better you'll be able to tell how likely she is to make a break for it and what the signs are before she takes off.

Aliza

 

[mdevries08]

You could also try getting a couple of pet playpens for small animals. They're really cheap, usually $10-$15 and you can hook two or three of them together so you can sit in the pen with her. She won't be able to climb or fit through the bars and you'd be able to control the spaces she gets to.

 

[CheshireGleam]

Something that's helped me tame all of my pets, reptiles and rodents alike, is letting them walk at their own pace on my hands. Just move one hand slowly forward as they walk so they're always on your hands, it helps you both become familiar with each other. Definitely do this in a secure and low area to prevent escapes or falls. I also had a bit of a schedule when I first got my leopard gecko which consisted of me holding him at least every other day for a few minutes at a time. Wish you luck!