Could it harm my Leopard Geckos or AFTs to be carried around on my shoulder. The seem to like it, so I don't think it stresses them out (no stress indicating behaviors). What concerns me is temperature. We are all so careful to keep tems in the right range for the time of day, etc. But when he's on my shoulder it seems that he'd get cold. Heat that he picks up from me would dissipate off his back into the cooler air blowing over him as we walk around. Perhaps it's OK for a certain amount of time? If so, then how long?

THanks for the answers. You guys are relly wonderful. So far, your help has been invaluable.

Jennifer

While I don't keep Leo's any more, I really can't see a problem doing this for short peoids at home if the animal is willing to stay put. The only real problem I do see is it they were to fall. From all the Leopard Geckos I bred none really liked being held and some were all but nice. Though this changes from animal to animal. I wouldn't take them out into the world like that but around the house when it's not too cold should be fine.

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Thanks for the info. The gecko seems to like it; he hardly moves. I'm so careful not to drop him. If I notice that he's going too far down on my shirt, which would render him verticle, then I adjust my position and gently nudge him back up to the 'plateau' of my shoulder. This is one of the few occasions where I wish I had bigger boobs, because that would provide a more-or-less horizontal service for him, and would keep him warmer, and it would be easier to keep an eye on him.

Anyway, he's sittin' on me right now. What a joy!

jen

"Could it harm my leopard geckos or AFTs to be carried around on my shoulder."

-No. Only if he/she fell off (still unlikely that they would suffer any real damage, after all they fall off stuff in the wild and survive).

"The gecko seems to like it; he hardly moves."

-Yes, they do like to just sit there.

"But when he's on my shoulder it seems that he'd get cold. Heat that he picks up from me would dissipate off his back into the cooler air blowing over him as we walk around"

I certainly wouldn't worry about temperature being a problem. As long as the room is at or around room temperature he'll be fineis fine. It wouldn't be the end of your gecko if the temps were a little higher or lower than room temp either. Of course there will be heat exchange between him/her and the environment. I'm sure you know the whole "cold-blooded" spiel, so I won't bore you with that (unless you really want me to).

"I wish I had bigger boobs"

-Nice.

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Grammostola rosea 0.1.0
Pandinus imperator 2.0.0
Lampropeltis getula nigrita 0.1.0
Uromastyx maliensis 0.1.0
Rhacodactylus ciliatus 2.2.2
Uroplatus henkeli 0.0.1
Eublepharis macularius 1.0.0

lol!

I carry Sunshine around too..Matt (4) loves her on his shoulder...with no problems. I do agree that her body does seem to feel cold if she is out awile, but she isn't out all day, so I guess there is no harm.

=)

As stated, the only "real" issue is with the leo falling or trying to jump. That could be an issue. Some leopard geckos have no issues with it, while others are finicky and could make a random leap for freedom.

This is especially true when something startles them. Use caution when you have them out on your shoulder. The most passive leo could suddenly get spooked by something and fall or leap. That could pose some issues.

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.:: Rich ::.

+ Spread The Info

They also fall off of stuff in the wild and DIE!
You really can't make that sort of blanket statement. The danger level of the fall would be dependant on the height from which they fell and what they landed on. A fall from 4-5 feet in the air onto a hard surface would pose a serious risk of injury!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks for all of your comments. I get something out of everyone's input. When the geck is on my shoulder, I put a towel there that's easy to 'claw' into, and that is leopard pattern so they feel more camouflaged. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that they feel less safe on a stark, light colored surface. Anyway, in the winter I'm thinking about wearing turtlenecks when I carry them, so they can crawl up in the collar and be warm and safe. I'm so careful with them. A fall would be devastating. Anyway, thanks again for the help.
Jen Gal

"They also fall off of stuff in the wild and DIE!"

-Touche Merlin, touche.

"The danger level of the fall would be dependant on the height from which they fell and what they landed on. A fall from 4-5 feet in the air onto a hard surface would pose a serious risk of injury!"

-Very true. A fall from 1.5 feet onto a soft couch will do no damage at all. The damage would indeed be relative to the fall height and the surface upon which they fell.

"As stated, the only "real" issue is with the leo falling or trying to jump. That could be an issue. Some leopard geckos have no issues with it, while others are finicky and could make a random leap for freedom.

This is especially true when something startles them. Use caution when you have them out on your shoulder. The most passive leo could suddenly get spooked by something and fall or leap. That could pose some issues."

-Yes, right on Rich. Jen, I'd learn what type of temperment (ie. jumpy, calm, skittish, etc.) your Leo is and base your carrying strategy on that.

__________________
Grammostola rosea 0.1.0
Pandinus imperator 2.0.0
Lampropeltis getula nigrita 0.1.0
Uromastyx maliensis 0.1.0
Rhacodactylus ciliatus 2.2.2
Uroplatus henkeli 0.0.1
Eublepharis macularius 1.0.0

ROFL @ Mike
-I'd give you some of my boobs if you want. I have too much. (not you mike)


I let my frogs run around on me, the couch, the table, wherever the cats aren't. they like getting out of the enclosure.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.