Key Takeaway:
- Gargoyle geckos have individual preferences for handling; some may enjoy it, while others may not.
- Start handling your gecko after at least two weeks of acclimation and limit sessions to 20 minutes or less per day.
- Respect your gecko’s cues – they’ll let you know if they’re comfortable with being held or not.
Gargoyle geckos, like any other pet, have their own preferences when it comes to handling. Some enjoy it, while others may not.
Understanding their needs and respecting their boundaries is essential for a positive relationship with your scaly friend.
In this article, we give you a complete guide to handling gargoyle geckos properly.
Do Gargoyle Geckos Like To Be Handled?
Whether a certain gargoyle gecko likes being handled is a matter of its personal preferences.
Some gargoyle geckos like being handled while others don’t. And then some gargoyle geckos tolerate handling for shorter durations but don’t like being handled for too long.
You will only learn about your pet gargoyle gecko’s preferences about being handled by trial and error. It is important to be very patient with your pet through this phase of trials.
It is also important to understand why some gargoyle geckos like being handled and why others don’t.
Such insights can help you strategize better and gently get your pet used to being handled by you.
3 Reasons Why Gargoyle Geckos May Like Being Handled
- They are social creatures. Some gargoyle geckos are social creatures, and they enjoy interacting with their keepers. Handling can provide them with the stimulation and companionship they need.
- They are curious creatures. Gargoyle geckos are curious creatures, and they enjoy exploring new things. Handling can provide them with an opportunity to explore their surroundings and learn about their keepers.
- They have been handled gently from a young age. Gargoyle geckos that are held gently and regularly from a young age are more likely to enjoy being handled as adults.
3 Reasons Why Gargoyle Geckos May Not Like Being Handled
- They may have had a negative experience in the past. If a gargoyle gecko has been handled roughly or dropped in the past, it may associate handling with a negative experience. This can make it less likely to enjoy being handled in the future.
- They may be stressed or anxious. Gargoyle geckos are prey animals, so they are naturally wary of being handled. If a gargoyle gecko is feeling stressed or anxious, it may be more likely to bite or try to escape when handled.
- They may simply not enjoy being touched. Some gargoyle geckos simply do not enjoy being touched. This is perfectly normal, and there is no need to force them to be handled.
How To Properly Handle Your Gargoyle Gecko
When you first start handling your pet gargoyle gecko, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind.
These precautions ensure that handling is a safe and stress-free experience for your gargoyle gecko.
General guidelines for handling gargoyle geckos:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your gecko. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
- Approach your gecko slowly and offer it your hand to climb onto. Do not grab it suddenly or tightly.
- Support your gecko’s body with your other hand.
- Avoid handling your gecko near its tail.
- If your gecko seems nervous or stressed, put it back in its enclosure.
Steps for handling a gargoyle gecko:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Sit down in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
- Place your gecko’s enclosure on a flat surface.
- Open the enclosure door slowly and carefully.
- Offer your hand to your gecko. If your gecko climbs onto your hand, gently support its body with your other hand.
- If your gecko does not climb onto your hand, you can try to gently pick it up from underneath its body. Be careful not to grab its tail.
- Once your gecko is on your hand, you can hold it close to your body and let it explore.
- If your gecko seems nervous or stressed, put it back in its enclosure.
- After you are finished handling your gecko, wash your hands thoroughly again.
Additional tips:
- Start by handling your gecko for short periods of time, such as 5-10 minutes. As your gecko becomes more comfortable with being handled, you can gradually increase the handling time.
- Handle your gecko in a quiet and calm environment. Avoid handling your gecko when it is feeding or shedding.
- Offer your gecko a hiding place in your hands. This will give it a place to feel safe and secure.
- Be gentle and patient. It may take some time for your gecko to become comfortable with being handled.
There are a few key differences in handling a baby gargoyle gecko, a juvenile gargoyle gecko, and an adult gargoyle gecko.
Baby Gargoyle Gecko
- More delicate: Baby gargoyle geckos have more fragile bones and skin than adult geckos. It is important to be extra gentle when handling them.
- More likely to drop their tails: Baby gargoyle geckos are more likely to drop their tails if they feel threatened. Avoid handling them near their tails.
- More likely to become stressed: Baby gargoyle geckos are more likely to become stressed than adult geckos. Start by handling them for short periods of time and in a calm environment.
Juvenile Gargoyle Gecko
- Less delicate: Juvenile gargoyle geckos are less delicate than baby gargoyle geckos, but they are still more delicate than adult geckos. It is important to be careful when handling them, but you do not need to be as gentle as you would with a baby gecko.
- Less likely to drop their tails: Juvenile gargoyle geckos are less likely to drop their tails than baby geckos, but they can still do it if they feel threatened. Avoid handling them near their tails.
- Less likely to become stressed: Juvenile gargoyle geckos are less likely to become stressed than baby geckos, but they can still become stressed if they are not handled gently and carefully.
Adult Gargoyle Gecko
- Less delicate: Adult gargoyle geckos are the least delicate of the three age groups. They can still be injured if dropped, but they are not as fragile as baby or juvenile geckos.
- Less likely to drop their tails: Adult gargoyle geckos are very unlikely to drop their tails.
- Less likely to become stressed: Adult gargoyle geckos are the least likely of the three age groups to become stressed when handled. However, it is still important to be gentle and careful when handling them.
When To Handle or Stop Handling Your Gargoyle Gecko?
The best time to handle your gargoyle gecko is when it is calm and relaxed.
Avoid handling your gecko when it is feeding, shedding, or gravid (carrying eggs). You should also avoid handling your gecko if it is sick or injured.
Here are some specific times when you should handle or stop handling your gargoyle gecko:
When to handle your gargoyle gecko:
- When you are first getting to know your gecko and trying to build trust.
- When you need to check your gecko’s health or perform any necessary husbandry tasks, such as cleaning its enclosure or changing its food and water.
- When you want to socialize your gecko and help it become more comfortable with being handled.
When to stop handling your gargoyle gecko:
- If your gecko seems nervous or stressed.
- If your gecko is trying to escape.
- If your gecko bites you.
- If your gecko is sick or injured.
- If your gecko is gravid (carrying eggs).
It is also important to limit the amount of time you handle your gecko each day. A good rule of thumb is to handle your gecko for no more than 20 minutes per day.
Common Mistakes When Handling Your Gargoyle Gecko
If this is the first time that you will be handling your pet gargoyle gecko, then there are some common mistakes that you should be aware of.
In this section, we have highlighted the top 5 mistakes that people make when handling gargoyle geckos.
- Handling them too often: Gargoyle geckos are prey animals, so they can become stressed if handled too often. It is important to limit handling sessions to 20 minutes per day or less, and to avoid handling them when they are feeding, shedding, or gravid (carrying eggs).
- Handling them too roughly: Gargoyle geckos have delicate skin and bones, so it is important to be gentle when handling them. Avoid grabbing them suddenly or tightly, and avoid handling them near their tails.
- Not supporting their bodies: When handling a gargoyle gecko, it is important to support its body with both hands. This will help to prevent injuries if the gecko falls or tries to escape.
- Handling them when they are sick or injured: If your gargoyle gecko is sick or injured, it is best to avoid handling it unless absolutely necessary. Handling a sick or injured gecko can cause it additional stress and pain.
- Not washing their hands: It is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling your gargoyle gecko. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
How Long Should You Handle Your Gargoyle Gecko?
It is generally recommended to handle your gargoyle gecko for no more than 20 minutes per day. This is because gargoyle geckos are prey animals, and too much handling can stress them out.
However, the ideal length of time to handle your gargoyle gecko will also depend on the individual gecko.
Some geckos may enjoy being handled for longer periods of time, while others may prefer shorter sessions.
It is important to pay attention to your gecko’s body language and cues to determine how long it is comfortable being handled.
How To Know If Your Gargoyle Gecko Wants to Be Held or Handled?
Here are some signs that your gargoyle gecko wants to be held or handled:
- It approaches you and rubs its head against your hand.
- It climbs onto your hand or arm.
- It licks your fingers.
- It stays calm and relaxed when you hold it.
- It explores your hands and arms.
- It looks at you with interest.
If your gargoyle gecko shows any of these signs, it is likely that it is open to being held or handled.
How To Know If Your Gargoyle Gecko Doesn’t Want to Be Handled?
Here are some signs that your gargoyle gecko does not want to be held or handled:
- It tries to escape.
- It bites or hisses.
- It flicks its tail.
- It drops its tail.
- It changes color.
- It hides.
If your gargoyle gecko shows any of these signs, it is best to put it back in its enclosure.
How Many Times Should Your Gargoyle Be Handled in A Day, Week, Or Month?
You should handle your gargoyle gecko for no more than 20 minutes per day, up to 5 times per week. This is because gargoyle geckos are prey animals, and too much handling can stress them out.
However, the ideal number of times to handle your gargoyle gecko will also depend on the individual gecko. Some geckos may enjoy being handled more often, while others may prefer less handling.
It is important to pay attention to your gecko’s body language and cues to determine how often it is comfortable being handled.
How Fast Should You Start Holding a Gargoyle Gecko?
It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before starting to handle your gargoyle gecko.
This will give your gecko time to adjust to its new surroundings and become comfortable with you.
Once the two weeks have passed, you can start handling your gecko for short periods of time, such as 5-10 minutes per day.
As your gecko becomes more comfortable with being handled, you can gradually increase the handling time.
It is important to be patient and gentle when handling your gargoyle gecko. Avoid grabbing it suddenly or tightly, and avoid handling it near its tail.
If your gecko seems nervous or stressed, put it back in its enclosure.
Can You Tame a Gargoyle Gecko By Handling?
Yes, you can tame a gargoyle gecko by handling it regularly. However, it is important to be patient and gentle, as it may take some time for your gecko to become comfortable with being handled.
Here are some additional tips for taming a gargoyle gecko:
- Offer your gecko a treat after handling it. This will help to associate handling with positive experiences.
- Talk to your gecko in a soft and soothing voice while handling it. This will help to calm it down and make it feel more comfortable.
- Allow your gecko to explore your hands and arms at its own pace. Do not force it to do anything it does not want to do.
Summary
Handling your gargoyle gecko can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and care.
Pay attention to their cues, be gentle, and remember that not all geckos will enjoy being held. Building trust takes time, but it’s well worth the effort for a happy and healthy gecko.
