How Often Can Leopard Geckos Be Handled?

Leopard geckos are a popular choice for pet reptiles due to their gentle nature and relatively low maintenance. One common question among leopard gecko owners is how often they can be handled. The answer varies depending on the age, health, and temperament of the individual gecko.

Young Leopard Geckos (Under 6 Months)

For young leopard geckos, it is recommended to limit handling to only a few minutes at a time, no more than 3 times per week. This is because these geckos are still growing and developing, and too much handling can cause stress and potentially harm their fragile bones.

It's also important to note that young leopard geckos are typically more skittish and may not enjoy being handled as much as adults do. It's important to respect their boundaries and not force them to be held if they show signs of distress.

Adult Leopard Geckos (6 Months and Older)

Once leopard geckos reach adulthood, they are typically more comfortable with being handled and can handle longer sessions. However, it's still important to monitor the individual gecko's behavior and only handle them for short periods of time, no more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

It's also important to take into consideration the overall health and well-being of the gecko. If they are shedding, sick, or have recently eaten, it may be best to give them some space and not handle them until they are feeling better.

Signs Your Leopard Gecko Is Over Handled

Negative Behavioral Changes: If your leopard gecko begins to show signs of stress, such as biting or hissing, it could be a sign that they are being handled too frequently.

Weight Loss: Overhandling can also cause weight loss in leopard geckos. This is because handling can disrupt their feeding schedule and cause them to not eat as much as they should.

Stress Marks: Leopard geckos have the ability to change color to show their mood or level of stress. If you notice dark stress marks on your gecko's body, it could be a sign that they are being handled too much.

Other Considerations

In addition to the frequency of handling, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when handling your leopard gecko:

Proper Technique: It's important to handle your gecko gently and support their entire body. Avoid grabbing them by the tail or squeezing too tightly, as this can cause harm.

Washing Your Hands: Before handling your gecko, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria or other harmful substances to your gecko.

Bonding: While handling your leopard gecko can help build trust and a bond between you, it's important to also provide them with plenty of enrichment in their enclosure. Make sure they have hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and a varied diet to keep them happy and healthy.

Decreased temperature and humidity levels: Handling your gecko too frequently can also disrupt their temperature and humidity needs, which can lead to health issues. Make sure to monitor these levels and adjust them if necessary.

Precautions You Should Take When Handling Your Leopard Gecko

Choose An Appropriate Environment: Before handling your leopard gecko, make sure they are in a safe and secure environment. This will help prevent them from escaping or getting injured.

Avoid Handling During Shedding: Leopard geckos often shed their skin as part of their natural growth process. During this time, it's best to avoid handling them as their skin may be more sensitive and they may be more prone to stress.

Avoid Handling When Sick: If your leopard gecko is sick or injured, it's best to avoid handling them until they have fully recovered. Handling can cause further stress and potentially harm their recovery process.

Pick Them Up Carefully: When picking up your leopard gecko, make sure to do so with gentle and slow movements. Avoid grabbing them by the tail or other body parts, as this can cause harm.

Wash Your Hands After Handling: After handling your leopard gecko, it's important to wash your hands with soap and water. This will help prevent the spread of any potential bacteria or parasites between you and your gecko.

The Times When You Shouldn’t Handle A Leopard Gecko

Underdeveloped Leopard Geckos : If you have recently acquired a young leopard gecko, it may be best to avoid handling them until they have had time to acclimate to their new environment and grow stronger.

Stressed or Injured Leopard Geckos: If your leopard gecko is showing signs of stress or has recently been injured, it's important to refrain from handling them until they have fully recovered. Handling can cause additional stress and harm to their already weakened state.

Newly Purchased Leopard Geckos: If you have just brought home a new leopard gecko from the pet store or breeder, it's recommended to give them some time to adjust and settle into their new environment before handling them. This will help reduce their stress levels and allow them to become more comfortable with you as their owner.

When They Are Brumating: Leopard geckos may go through a period of brumation, which is similar to hibernation in other animals. During this time, they will become less active and may not want to be handled. It's important to respect their natural instincts and avoid handling them during this time.

When They Are Shedding: As mentioned earlier, it's best to avoid handling your leopard gecko during shedding. Their skin may be more sensitive and they may not want to be handled during this time.

Handlers With a Weaker Immune System: If you have a weaker immune system, such as those with autoimmune disorders or pregnant individuals, it's important to take extra precautions when handling your leopard gecko. This may include wearing gloves and washing your hands more frequently to avoid potential bacteria or parasites. It's always best to consult with a vet if you have any concerns about handling your leopard gecko in regards to your health.

Final Thoughts

Handling your leopard gecko can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to do so with caution and respect for their well-being. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can ensure that both you and your gecko have a positive experience during handling sessions. Remember to always monitor their behavior and adjust handling frequency accordingly, as each gecko may have different preferences.