Help with crested Crested gecko handling

[Alfie]

I've had my crested gecko ziggy for three weeks and I've tried to handle him but when I do he runs up my arm and attempts to jump away or runs up to hide in his tree. Does anyone have any advice as I want him to get used to me but I don't want to frighten him. Thanks in advance.

 

[LittleGoldSnail]

I've had my crested gecko ziggy for three weeks and I've tried to handle him but when I do he runs up my arm and attempts to jump away or runs up to hide in his tree. Does anyone have any advice as I want him to get used to me but I don't want to frighten him. Thanks in advance.

Don’t push it. Let him get used to you. It’s best to just have your hand in or near the enclosure with no sudden movements so he gets used to you. If he starts getting more comfortable with you (maybe after a few days of doing this), then you can try very very slowly moving a little closer and leaving your hand there. Don’t go for him or frighten him, you don’t want him to feel cornered.

You can also offer him food from your hand. Maybe get a little on you finger and offer it to him (again, avoid sudden movements). He needs to realize you are nice, and the only way for that to happen is just to be nice and gentle to him.

 

[Cat001]

I'd go with the above advice. You want to build that reptile-keeper bond slowly through small interactions at first, then gradually building to handling.

Usually you don't want to handle a new reptile at all for the first 3 or 4 weeks as this is usually the most stressful time for them, with everything being such a big change. You want to reduce your stress factors down (disturb as little as possible, making slow movements etc) and slowly build up that trust. I find jumpy and nervous reptiles can be calmed with time and patience.