Leopard geckos (or leopard geckos) are curious creatures that, if handled with due delicacy, love to play with their master. Follow these steps to learn how to play with your leopard gecko. You will be surprised at how funny these little lizards can be!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Part 1: Ground Rules
Step 1. Start playing with your gecko when it is still small
Immediately after the purchase, the gecko will need some time to settle into the new home. Don't worry if, once you have inspected the terrarium and found a suitable hiding place, it will hide in it for a whole week. Although, it must be said, the sooner you get to know your gecko, the better. Geckos accustomed to fiddling with their owners from an early age are generally calmer and more affectionate when held in the hand.
The ideal time to start playing with the gecko is when it turns four or five months old
Step 2. Consider that the pet may be a little intimidated by your presence
In nature, any creature larger than his would be a threat to him. Do not be angry if the gecko takes a little time to be affectionate. Imagine being at the mercy of a giant who, however amicably, tries to get you on his hand … In all likelihood, it would take you some time to be sure of his good intentions, right?
- Do not rush. If you are anxious to start playing with your gecko, spend the wait studying its behavior and anatomical details. When you set up his lair, place any possible hiding places against the glass, so that you can observe him even when he hides.
- While observing the gecko, study it carefully. Try to figure out where his ears are (it may be harder than you imagine!). Look at how many toes it has on each paw. Count its spots and write it down on a sheet (with advancing age, the spotting of the leopard gecko tends to change).
Step 3. Talk to your gecko
To get him used to your presence, it is extremely important that he get used to your voice. Speak to him sweetly. Meanwhile, look at him through the glass and notice if he is looking at you too. Make eye contact while you talk to him so that he knows who is making those sounds.
Step 4. Get the gecko to get used to your hand
Doing so is very important, since it will not let itself be touched without first getting used to the hand of those who want to grab it. The gecko will be most active during the night once the terrarium lights are turned off. At this point, put your hand in the cage, letting the beast be holed up in its corner. Do not make sudden movements or you could frighten the animal. Let him examine your hand - he'll likely walk on it, lick your fingers, or snuggle on it, in the hottest spot.
Don't be discouraged if the gecko doesn't jump right into your hand. All geckos are different, some specimens are more adventurous, others less so. Repeat the operation every night and place your hand inside the terrarium in the hope that it will come to explore. If you feel it needs an incentive, you can put a bait near your fingers, in order to push the animal to get closer
Step 5. Learn how to lift the pet correctly
After the gecko gets used to your hand and sits quietly on it, you can take it out of the terrarium. To be safe, cupped your other hand and keep it nearby, in case it makes a sudden movement and risks falling.
If you are forced to lift the gecko without having time to wait for it to get on your hand, do it as gently as possible. Grab it by the torso using most of the fingers of the hand (the more fingers you use, the firmer the grip). Keep the other hand under the animal, in case it falls
Step 6. Watch out for the queue
Geckos can voluntarily detach their tail if a predator grabs it or, simply, when they are frightened. Never take your gecko by the tail. Avoid situations that could make him feel under attack. If it continues to retract and there is no way to grab it, stop and wait for it to calm down before trying to grab it again.
Step 7. Learn what kind of treats to give your gecko
There are several foods you can offer them, and most of them are available for purchase at pet stores. Among the most suitable tidbits we can mention the larvae of the wax moth and the pinkies.
- Wax moth larvae. This is the typical treat to give to the leopard gecko. The gecko loves their flavor and they are high in calcium and fat. Better to give it to him in some moderation, though (no more than once a day), as they could make him fat.
- Pinkies. They should only be given to adult specimens. Pinkies are baby mice that have not yet developed any fluff. If you find it disgusting to feed your gecko such critters, opt for moth larvae.
Step 8. Find out how often it is possible to play with your gecko
Each gecko is different, but in most cases it is best to take the gecko out of the cage no more than two or three times a week. Doing this too often could make him nervous.
Part 2 of 2: Part 2: Playing with the Gecko
Step 1. Secure the playing area
Leopard geckos, especially juveniles, are fast animals and, if given the chance, they tend to run away easily. When you start playing with the gecko, put it in a place it can't escape from, such as a box or bin. You can also choose any duly fenced play area (with cushions, for example) so that the pet does not run away around the house. Just make sure the barrier is stable and can't collapse on your little friend.
Once it gets used to getting out of the cage, the gecko should calm down a bit and you can place it on the bed, sofa, floor, etc
Step 2. Allow the gecko to explore the environment around it
Geckos are generally curious and active creatures that love to explore; therefore, let him wander around for a while. Allow it to scurry up your arms, walk on your back, or sneak through your hair. Be prepared for the fact that he will seek out the hottest areas of the body, as geckos are cold-blooded animals and your skin will be like a nice hot stone to him to warm up on. Don't be surprised if it hangs around your neck or the crook of your arm.
- Another way to allow the gecko to explore its surroundings is to roll up a piece of fabric (a sweater or tablecloth, for example) and place it on the bed. In this way he will have the possibility to hide where he likes best. Be careful where he is hiding, so that you can find him when it is time to put him back in the cage.
- Let him explore the surface of the bed or sofa. Geckos love to climb and look for spots to sneak in, so give them a chance to explore behind and around the cushions. Always keep him under close surveillance, though, so you don't lose sight of him.
Step 3. Play with your gecko on the stairs
Stairs, especially carpeted ones, are a fun place for the gecko to climb. Some specimens may limit themselves to exploring only one step, some launching themselves on the lower one, still others climbing and descending the steps to consume the energies accumulated in excess.
Step 4. Create an obstacle course for your gecko
Take a large enough bin or box and place 'obstacles' in it. These can be kitchen paper tubes, which your gecko can sneak through, smaller boxes, which it can climb on, and so on. Get creative! Also add some accessories that you can climb on (you can find them in pet shops) or, perhaps, some old toys to give the course a truly unique look!
Use lures to motivate the gecko to complete the course. Put some treats along the way or at the end
Step 5. Build a “playground”
The structure will be rather similar to an obstacle course, except that the gecko does not have to go from one point to another on a track, but will be free to do whatever it wants between the various tubes of kitchen paper, pieces of carpet, boxes, etc. Some specimens like to climb high and then dive back down, while others like to roll in cardboard tubes, etc. Such a “playground” is the ideal tool to understand what kind of activity your gecko prefers to do.
Step 6. Watch a movie with your gecko
Although it is not a playful activity, it is a great way to pleasantly spend some time with the animal. Let him snuggle up where he likes on your body and watch a movie. Some people claim that their leopard gecko looks towards the screen, although most of them simply end up falling asleep in the warmth.
Step 7. Run the gecko into a hamster ball
If you have a particularly active gecko, this could be the right tool to get him to do some exercise. Place the gecko in the ball and close the lid, then place the ball on the ground and let the gecko wander around where it likes best.
To see if the gecko is comfortable in the ball and to prevent it from escaping if the lid is opened, it may not be a bad idea to put the ball and gecko in a box. Thus, if the lid of the ball were to open, the gecko could not get out of the box
Step 8. Try to figure out when it's time to put the gecko back in its terrarium
Geckos need warmth to stay active. When they move around in an inadequately heated environment, they get tired. After playing with him for about fifteen minutes, feel his belly and, if he feels cold, put the animal back in its terrarium, so that it warms up properly.
Advice
- Let the gecko gradually get used to being touched. Be patient and wait for the animal to get to know you. These little animals do not like to go from complete solitude to being touched every day.
- Always treat your gecko gently, they are extremely fragile creatures.
Warnings
- Don't feed your gecko too many larvae or he may gain weight and suffer from health ailments.
- Never rudely pulling or touching the gecko's tail: it may detach.
- Never put your fingers under the gecko's jaw: it will feel threatened and try to bite you.
