Handling

Give a new crested gecko one to two weeks to settle in before handling, then keep sessions short and calm. Gentle, regular handling helps most geckos become comfortable, but they are quick, they jump, and they are easily stressed.

How to handle:

1. Wash your hands before and after, since reptiles can carry Salmonella.
2. Handle in the evening, when the gecko is naturally active.
3. Sit down, or work over a bed or soft surface, because a jumping gecko can be injured in a fall.
4. Open your hand in front of the gecko and let it walk on, rather than scooping it up.
5. Let it walk from hand to hand instead of holding it in a closed grip.
6. Start with 5 to 10 minutes and build up slowly.

Never grab or pull the tail. A gecko can drop its tail to escape, and it does not grow back.

Skip handling during a shed, right after a meal, when the gecko is new to your home, or when it seems sick or stressed. A gecko that hides, flattens itself or leaps repeatedly is telling you it has had enough, so put it back gently.

Supervise children closely, and have them sit on the floor. Return the gecko to its enclosure at the end of the session and wash your hands again.