I started into the crazy world of herps this summer with anoles. i chose these guys because they were inexpensive, i could get more than one, and they don't like to be handled (which was fine with me, as I really had no idea how to handle something so small and quick, my only reptile handling experience was with a three foot long iguana that was owned by my college roommate).

now I have a gecko. and i'd like to start handling it more. but my problem is, i'm not really sure how to pick it up properly, without hurting it but still keeping a grip on it. being that its a sticky toed variety, it climbs all over the place, making it difficult to catch (i'm always trying to make sure it doesn't get out before I can get my hands on it). to catch it to clean out the enclosure, i usually resort to removing everything from the tank, then herding him down into a corner and into a plastic container that I then slip a lid on. it works, but i'd like to be able to actually handle him then as well, to get it used to me.

so how do you all recommend I go about trying to start handling him more often without hurting him? he's not as small as an anole, but still small enough I worry about squeezing too much or something like that

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1.2.0 Green Anoles ("Gillespie, Billie, Lena")
0.1.0 Crested gecko ("Betty")
1.0.0 Rosy Boa ("Boomer", we're assuming he's male for now)

Hi Mam-

Handling is key to socializing reptiles. Anolis are a completely different story.

Is this a Crested Gecko?

You'll need to do the capture thing for quite a while until they realize youa re not a predator. The trick is to enclose the gecko in your hand and then securing it by closing your fingers around it. Let it's head peak out, but always maintain control over it. If it leaps away, don't panic. trap it in a corner or against a wall and cover it with you hand once again.

Once you get the little fella to a point where you are able to capture it without too much struggle, begin releasing your grip slightly. If is struggles to escape gently close your grip. You are now using behavior modification techniques to teach the gecko that as long as it remains calm, you will release your grip. If it tries to escape, you will regain control over it. Evenually they learn.

Handle the gecko frequently for short periods of time, maybe 15 minutes or so each day. This trains the gecko to expect handling and learn not to struggle.

Once the gecko gets more familiar with you and is not so inclined to jump away, begin petting it with a finger gently to get it used to the sensation.

Once you are fairly certain the gecko will not jump away too quickly use a hand over hand method to "play" with it. In the following photo you will see that you keep alternating hands so the gecko has somewhere to move too and it helps reduce the stress of handling.



One last word of caution. Under no circumstances should you try to capture a gecko by the tail. The result is shocking. The gecko will drop the tail (autotomy) in an attempt to escape perceived danger. So, the body is the best place to grab it.

Some might suggest you use treat-training to get the gecko to climb on your hand. While this is effective, it can take a very long time and in my opinion it's time lost for socializing. In this respect, once your develop a certain level of trust with the gecko, where is does not constantly try to run away from your hand, you can try placing a treat in your hand and teach the gecko to climb on board.

Once again, these techniques vary by species, so it would help to know exactly what kind of gecko you have.

Good luck!

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

sorry, should have clarified the gecko type. right now I have either a bibrons or a tuneri gecko (jury is still deliberating on this). a pachydactylus (sp?) variety if that helps. he's a thicker bodied gecko, about 2 to 3 inches head and body, add 2 or 2.5 inches for tail.

thank you for adding the tail bit, though I was quite aware of that. but accidently doing something to cause a tail drop IS a major concern for me. i'm so careful when I herd him into the container. i will try the cornering method for now and then work up to actually trying to hold him. the biggest problem, being sticky toed, is that he can climb right out of the tank. i amy have to try taking him into the bathroom for handling sessions, as I have a dog and two cats, all of which would make a quick meal out of him should he get loose.

i also hope to get a crested in the future, but I wanted to be sure I could literally handle this guy before I bought another gecko species (don't worry, i wasn't planning to put the two togehter). thanks for the advice thus far.

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1.2.0 Green Anoles ("Gillespie, Billie, Lena")
0.1.0 Crested gecko ("Betty")
1.0.0 Rosy Boa ("Boomer", we're assuming he's male for now)

If you want a gecko thats pretty easy to handle look into a leopard gecko.

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1.1 Cats: Princess, Buddah "Boo"
0.2 Rats: Noah (hooded) & Winston (himalayan)

I have an innate love for all creatures big and small, no matter if they are furry, scaled, slimy, or feathered.

There's only a handful of small lizards that will tolerate being held with little stress (lol, a handful! ). Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos, some skinks, and a few others will take to it just fine after they get used to it. Unfortunately, like your anoles, your gecko won't ever be a handling kind of pet. He'll resist, possibly loose his tail, and most likely bite too, and there's not much that can be done about that. If you're intersted in a herp you can hold, most of the time you need to look at something a bit bigger, like a bearrdie. For something smaller, a leo or a crestie would be your best bet.

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+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

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