Are Leopard Geckos Smart? The 119 New Answer

Many people do not consider geckos to be bright animals, so they tend to think that these reptiles cannot remember. However, many experienced keepers and herpetologists would argue otherwise. Surprisingly, their memory can be comparable to ours!

In general, experts believe that geckos can store memories ranging from just a few days to several years. A reliable memory makes a gecko thrive. They can recall past experiences and accumulated knowledge and use this to determine how they will respond or solve a problem.

Geckos forget after a few seconds? Yes and no – it’s complicated! Read on to understand the science behind your gecko’s memories.

What is the memory span of geckos?

The average gecko is able to remember for at least 5 days. However, experienced gecko keepers and researchers have also observed that geckos not only remember different information (e.g. name, smell, etc.) after years of initial presentation, but can also recognize them.

I still see many new pet parents get dejected and dismissed when they ask about a gecko’s ability to remember over a long period of time. So I thought I really needed to address this question.

This way, hopefully, reptilian beginners can find the answers they’re looking for without feeling like their questions aren’t valid.

Most, if not all, animals are capable of forming and recalling memories [1]. Their memories are made up of a variety of different experiences that may be unique to them and could also be shared with others.

Given how long they can live, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that geckos can actually remember.

Just keep in mind that their ability to store memories most likely ranges from a few seconds to many years – which is actually the case for us humans!

Geckos remember for days

One experiment in particular has shown that geckos are able to remember information several days after initial exposure.

The minimum memory span for geckos

In this 2006 study, the researchers were not interested in determining the memory span of a leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) [2]. They were actually trying to see if males would be able to tell old and new females apart.

Still, this is one of the few scientific papers currently available that provides actual numerical data on how far back a gecko can remember.

How could they find out?

For convenience, the experiment was performed as follows:

Male geckos were each introduced to three potential breeding partners, of which only one will serve as the ‘new’ mate. The scientists allowed the male to meet with the first familiar mate every day for five days, with the second familiar mate for only four days, and with the new mate for just one day – the last day. Finally, they compared the collected data and were able to show that geckos are able to distinguish the new partner from the familiar female. Males made less effort to court familiar females after being consistently rejected and enthusiastically began courting new ones.

In other words, geckos are able to remember other geckos they encounter for at least 5 days after their first encounter.

I would normally avoid generalizing this to other aspects of a gecko’s life. However, I’m pretty sure this applies to many things – shelter, hunting, and more.

Geckos have remembered for years

Both regular keepers and scientists who study geckos believe that geckos are capable of retaining memories for many months and even years. Such memories may have a unique aspect and/or biological significance to the animal.

Many pet owners who started keeping geckos at a young age are likely to have a similar story ahead. A story in which they were recognized by their small scales after being out of contact with each other for months or years.

Learn more about reptile recognition in our article on geckos that remember their owners.

I usually hear cases like this when a student returns home after leaving for college. Since not everyone can take their pets with them – for various reasons I won’t elaborate on – they usually have no choice but to leave their geckos in the care of a close friend or family.

But after meeting their gecko again, it’s like they said goodbye just the day before! Of course, some geckos need a while before they recognize their owner.

I’ve heard similar stories from researchers, especially when they’ve had lengthy encounters with each other during a study.

Some would argue that this is only happening because these animals have learned to associate us with comfort — food, heating, security, etc. But even if that’s the case, it only further confirms that geckos are capable , long to remember!

My final verdict on gecko memory span

A gecko can indeed form and remember memories, whether they are wild specimens or captive pets. What is uncertain, however, is the upper limit of their memory (ie how far back they can remember).

First of all, I would like to disagree with the claim that geckos are not able to remember after a few seconds. The wording alone causes a lot of confusion, because memory is quite complex – there are short-term memories and long-term memories (more on that later).

If that were the case then our precious geckos probably wouldn’t have very long lives due to the constant stress – nothing looks familiar and everything is considered dangerous.

Although I’ve been part of the reptile keeping community for several years, I have yet to find any conclusive research studies on how long geckos can store information. In other words, we don’t know exactly how far back dudes can think in their lives.

To complicate things further, there are no standardized tests that can determine the exact memory span of geckos and reptiles in general. Spatial memory (navigation) tests alone are also still being systematized.

Learn more about spatial cognition in our article on gecko intelligence.

This is largely due to the growing interest in cold-blooded cognition in research. Who knows, maybe in the future we can get memory test kits for our geckos. Doesn’t that sound interesting?

The Reptilian Brain and Memory (busting memory myths)

Geckos do not have brain structures identical to mammals involved in creating, processing, and retrieving memories. However, they have comparable parts of the brain that function in a similar way. In particular, reptiles possess a medial cortex that plays an important role in memory.

In reality, scientists still don’t fully understand our own memories, let alone how our minds work. So it makes sense that many reptile owners and breeders still have many outdated ideas about the reptilian brain.

Years ago, scientists believed that geckos were unable to engage in high-level cognitive tasks, such as forming memories and recalling past events and information. This is mainly because geckos didn’t have the same brain structures as we do.

But recent research proves otherwise. The medial cortex of a gecko, for example, is the reptilian equivalent of the mammalian hippocampus, which plays an essential role in both learning and memory.

Gecko Memory: About remembering and forgetting

How do memories work? Well, similar to mammals, reptiles probably have short-term and long-term memories [3].

Reptiles like geckos first encounter a new object/animal or experience a new situation. During this time, the short-term memory is activated and the information received is processed.

In order for a gecko to receive information, it must pay attention to its surroundings and what is happening. Then it will either be saved or not. Unfortunately, the underlying processes for this are still not fully understood.

Not all information a gecko receives is consolidated (remembered) in long-term memory for later retrieval. Information could be discarded or stored.

The popular hypothesis is that animals will only store biologically relevant information in their long-term memory:

Which insect is edible

Which path they must take to return to their place of refuge

Who provides and takes care of them

How to avoid a predator

Where it’s safe to escape

So if a gecko gets useless information in its short-term memory, it’s likely to forget it easily because it doesn’t significantly affect its chances of survival.

But even if information is successfully stored in their long-term memory, there is a chance that it will be forgotten. It makes a lot of sense to me, since people forget important details and events too.

Why do geckos remember?

Memory plays a valuable adaptive role in the lives of geckos and many other reptiles. As cold-blooded animals, this is crucial, as geckos need to be able to conserve as much energy and heat as possible.

If a gecko had to learn and relearn everything from scratch, it would waste a lot of its resources and lose body heat quickly.

Imagine if that were actually the case with your little lizard. Your gecko would have to learn to walk every time it needed to move, it would have to constantly try to catch a live insect to feed it, and so on.

A gecko that has a variety of useful memories will be able to learn how to do something as soon as it completes the first attempt – errors and all, if any. It also serves as a sort of cheat sheet for important details on location, foraging, and the like.

In addition, memory is also necessary for training and conditioning.

Learn more about conditioning in our article on training geckos.

Exploring the memory of other reptiles (lizards to turtles)

Many other reptiles have also amazed people with their long history! This includes other lizards, turtles, tortoises and even crocodiles!

lizards

Below are incredible examples that demonstrate lizard memory.

1. Same partner

Lizards looking for the same mate

Shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) generally seek out the same mate, although they don’t stay together all their lives. Pairs usually seek each other out during the breeding season.

2. Problem solver

Monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) and pearl lizards (Heloderma sp.) not only could remember how to solve a task after a break of almost 2 years, they also started to solve it faster with each attempt [4]!

3. A careful reunion

Fido, the laboratory pet iguana at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, would nod his head when he saw students who had cared for him 4 years earlier. However, the scientists do not believe that the iguana showed such behavior out of affection [5].

4. Get food

Studies have shown that side-spotted lizards (Uta stansburiana) have remarkable spatial memory [6]. You can properly move through a maze after enough tries to get food!

turtles and tortoises

Similar to lizards, turtles and tortoises have long been known to have great memories. They have demonstrated their ability to store and retrieve information for many years and even decades.

For example, red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) have been taught several visual cues corresponding to different foods [7]. Then, after a year and a half, they were tested again. Guess what? You could correctly distinguish the clues and choose the best option!

Note that in the time between briefing and re-examination they did not have an opportunity to put what they had learned into practice. Her performance is all the more amazing.

That being said, sea turtles have long been known to return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs. They can also do this after being unable to return to that particular location for several decades.

crocodiles and alligators

A seasoned reptile trainer who has dealt primarily with alligators and crocodiles firmly believes they can retain and remember for decades. In particular, they can recognize their coaches even after many years apart.

He was able to observe how good her memory was several times. In all incidents he had no contact with the animals. They weren’t trained like he was before they left his care.

But when he came closer and called them one by one, they reacted just as they did then. That’s because he trained them to respond to the name he gave them all those years ago.

Even more amazing is that they showed no signs of aggression towards him at all! Rather, they let him touch them and feed them by hand.

Further questions

Can geckos remember everything they see and experience? Like the average human, geckos don’t retain all of the information they receive throughout their lives. Geckos have the ability to remember for a long time. But it is inevitable that they will forget information, especially when it is not essential to their survival. Can geckos suffer memory loss? Although there are no studies to prove this, it’s possible that geckos have memory problems due to brain damage or cognitive disorders. For example, a certain leopard gecko morph is well known for having a neurological condition called Enigma Syndrome, which affects cognition. Do geckos miss their owners? It is unclear whether a gecko can miss its owner. However, there are stories of geckos recognizing their keepers even after years of not seeing or staying close to one another. Can geckos remember humans? Geckos are able to remember people. What’s even more surprising is that they can even show a fondness for a specific person or people. An example: A gecko may only be stroked by a certain person. This lizard could also approach only a few people actively and calmly.

Summary of How Far Back Can Geckos Remember?

Geckos have relatively good memories, which they can remember for years to come. However, more research is needed to quantify the lower and upper limits of a gecko’s ability to remember over time.

The ability to form, process, and use memories not only allows geckos to survive, but also to thrive. It provides them with myriad vital information, including but not limited to safe havens, successful foraging strategies, and locations rich in resources.

Sources

[1] https://abdn.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/plant-ecology-meets-animal-cognition-impacts-of-animal-memory-on-

[2] https://www.jstor.org/stable/4536392

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657600/

[4] https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-herpetology/volume-54/issue-3/19-122/Long-term-Memory-of-a-Complex-Foraging-Task-in-Monitor /10.1670/19-122.short

[5] http://www.anapsid.org/recognition.html

[6] https://reptilesmagazine.com/six-studies-on-reptile-intelligence/

[7] https://royalsosocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsbl.2016.0853

Geckos are typically small to medium-sized lizards native to the warmer parts of the world. There are over 1,600 different species of geckos, but not all are commonly kept as pets. The geckos, which are most commonly kept as pets, are typically less than a foot in length and have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years. Because of their small size and long lifespan, geckos have become very popular pets, but their care can still vary somewhat depending on the species.

Popular Pet Gecko Species

A handful of gecko species are growing in popularity as pets:

There are of course many other species of geckos both in the wild and as pets, but these other species are not seen as commonly as the ones mentioned above.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Choosing a gecko

If you want a pet gecko, it’s best to acquire a captive-bred one from a reputable breeder. If you eat a wild-caught gecko, you don’t know what diseases or ailments it carries. Look for a gecko with clear eyes, skin without dry patches, all of its fingers, toes, and tail, and a healthy appetite.

gecko behavior

Although there are many species of gecko, some of them share similar temperaments and exhibit similar behaviors. For the most part, geckos make pleasant, docile pets, but most prefer not to be touched too much by humans as this can be stressful for them.

Activity: Most geckos, including the popular leopard geckos, crested geckos, tokay geckos, and African fat-tailed geckos, are nocturnal, so they’re most active at night, but there are a few species of geckos that are active during the day, including the geckos aptly named day gecko.

Most geckos, including the popular leopard geckos, crested geckos, tokay geckos, and African fat-tailed geckos, are nocturnal, so they are most active at night, but there are a few species of geckos that are active during the day, including the aptly named day geckos. Vocalizations: They are not very vocal, but some geckos make noises like chirping, barking, and clicking when defending their territory or attracting a mate. Geckos are completely silent most of the time.

They’re not very vocal, but some geckos make noises like chirping, barking, and clicking when defending their territory or attracting a mate. Geckos are completely silent most of the time. Temperament: Geckos are not typically aggressive reptiles unless two males are housed together. For this reason, it’s best to separate male geckos, as they can attack one another without warning. It’s rare for a gecko to bite a human, but there are some species that are more likely to do so, such as B. the tokay gecko.

housing a gecko

Care requirements vary from species to species, but for the most part, geckos need to be kept in enclosures that have branches to climb on, a water bowl, hiding place, and secure lids. Geckos can escape through small holes, so an aquarium with a tight-fitting lid is recommended for housing geckos. Most geckos only require a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium since they are small reptiles, but larger species will require more space.

To line your gecko’s cage, use a substrate such as coconut shells or orchid bark, both of which retain moisture and will not harm your gecko if ingested in small amounts. Paper towels and newspaper can also be used, but some concerns about bleaching and dyeing these paper products are leading reptile owners to more natural options.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Heating and Humidity for Geckos

The ideal temperature range for most geckos is between 70 and 90 degrees, but some require areas with higher sun temperatures, well into the 100s. These high temperatures are achieved through the use of heat lamps and heating pads. An appropriate temperature gradient should be provided in the appropriate temperature range for the specific gecko species you are caring for. This usually means that one side of the case will be in the 70’s and the other side in the 90’s or 100’s.

Nocturnal species do not usually require UVB-emitting bulbs, but gecko species that are active during the day do need this special light. UVB rays are invisible but very important for the growth, appetite and activity of many reptiles.

There are many different types of UVB, heat, and light bulbs, and some may be better suited to your particular species of gecko than others. Regardless of which bulbs you choose, a reasonable day and night cycle should be maintained to illuminate the enclosure. White light must be visible during the day, even if it doesn’t provide heat or UVB rays, or your gecko may become stressed and confused.

Humidity in a gecko’s enclosure should be maintained between 70 and 80 percent. Spraying the enclosure with water is the most common way to achieve this percentage, but providing a large bowl of water is also helpful. A hygrometer can be used to measure how humid a gecko enclosure is.

feeding geckos

Most geckos don’t eat plants or vegetables, so you have to be comfortable with live insects if you want a gecko. There are several insect options, and some are favored over others by different gecko species. The most commonly fed species of insects are:

mealworms

grilling

superworms

waxworms

Crickets and mealworms are usually geckos’ staple foods, with the superworms and waxworms being more of a treat. Some gecko species eat fruit and are often given a compounded diet to meet their specific dietary needs. Feeding schedules vary based on the gecko’s age and species and can be daily or weekly.

Before feeding a gecko, the insects must be fed a nutritious diet. This will give the insects a good boost so they can better feed the gecko. Calcium powder should also be dusted on the insects intermittently to supplement the gecko with this mineral.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

handling geckos

Never grab a gecko by its tail, as it will often drop its tail (a natural defense against predators). Should this happen anyway, there is no reason to panic. It will grow back, although it may be a different shape and/or color. The gecko should be well fed and ideally separated from all cagemates until the tail has grown back.

Figure: Nusha Ashjaee. © The Spruce, 2018

Common Gecko Health Issues

Geckos are not immune to health problems. Some of the most commonly seen complaints are:

Stomatitis – Also known as mouth rot, stomatitis is as gross as it sounds and needs to be treated as early as possible. You will notice a reddish discoloration around the gecko’s mouth and possibly some pus that looks like cottage cheese.

– Stomatitis, also known as mouth rot, is as gross as it sounds and needs to be treated as early as possible. You will notice a reddish discoloration around the gecko’s mouth and possibly some pus that looks like cottage cheese. Respiratory problems – A gecko that is panting or drooling may have a respiratory infection. These are usually caused by drafts or low temperatures in the housing.

– A panting or drooling gecko may have a respiratory infection. These are usually caused by drafts or low temperatures in the housing. Parasites – Both internal and external geckos are commonly attacked by parasitic infections. Worms and microscopic eggs can be found in feces, and small mites can be found on the surface of the skin. Parasitic infections on the skin look like a red rash or you may find that your gecko is having trouble shedding, while internal parasites can cause sluggishness, changes in appetite, and unusual poo.

– Geckos are often affected by parasitic infections, both internally and externally. Worms and microscopic eggs can be found in feces, and small mites can be found on the surface of the skin. Parasitic infections on the skin look like a red rash or you may find that your gecko is having trouble shedding, while internal parasites can cause sluggishness, changes in appetite, and unusual poo. Dysecdysis – This fancy word for shedding problems is a big problem for geckos that don’t have adequate humidity in their enclosures.

Edited by Adrienne Kruzer, RVT

Believe it or not, reptiles are quite intelligent creatures. In fact, the intelligence level of some reptile species rivals that of birds or even mammals! And research shows these cold-blooded creatures are getting smarter. An article in Wired magazine suggests that global warming is changing reptile habitats around the world, and that a warmer nest makes for smarter residents. Of all the reptiles in the world, here are the five smartest. Some of them are in your favorite Reptile Encounters programs!

5. THE SNAP TURTLE

Despite its slow physical movements, the Snapping Turtle is lightning fast! Turtle owners report that they are learning to recognize the sight of their feeder and the sound of food rattling around inside. Another owner shared that her turtles would try to climb rocks or dig through mud to try to escape from their outdoor pond enclosures. Wild turtles that are caught and later freed head towards the nearest water source. One researcher suggests that their ability to adapt to a variety of environments is further evidence that the snapping turtle is the most intelligent species of the turtle family.

4. THE KING COBRA

The king cobra is a snake that lives in tropical areas of the world such as Africa and southern Asia. Despite having no hands or feet, this agile reptile can not only slide on the ground, but can also climb trees and swim through streams and ponds. Unlike other snakes that strike in response to something else, like the presence of a human that frightens them, the king cobra takes a moment to figure out the best way to finish off its prey.

3. THE Ruffled Neck Lizard

Also known as the Ruffled Dragon, this reptile gets its name from the large ruffle around its neck.

They were made famous in the Disney film The Rescuers Down Under. Opened, the ruffle looks like a large lace collar worn by people in the Renaissance. The lizard quickly undoes the ruffle around its neck to deter predators. However, when the frilled lizard is in danger, it jumps to its hind legs and runs away on two legs at a fast pace, upright like a human. The frill-necked lizard above is called Boof. Can you picture him with his ruffles spread out?

2. THE EMERALD ANOLE

Native to Puerto Rico’s Luquillo Mountains, the Emerald Anole is a clever little reptile! A group of behavioral ecologists at Duke University in the United States conducted a study of evolution and cognitive abilities using emerald anole lizards and an experiment in which the creatures had to find insect larvae hidden under plastic panes. The result was that the Emerald Anole emerged with the higher level of cognitive intelligence normally reserved for birds and mammals.

1. THE MONITOR LIZARD

And the smartest reptile in the world is the monitor lizard. Monitor lizards can be over a meter long and weigh more than 10 kg. Monitor lizards belong to a family of carnivorous lizards called Varanidae. These creatures are some of the most intelligent reptiles on earth, with some species learning to count snails at feeding time and exhibiting distinct personality traits. Some have even figured out how to use their forearms to extract insects from tree trunks. The National Zoo in Washington DC reports that the Komodo dragons housed there even recognize their human keepers at first sight.

Many species of monitor lizards call Australia home and first roamed the earth alongside their dinosaur cousins. Two good examples of modern lizards in this family are Pano the Yellow Spotted Monitor Lizard in the show Threatened & Endangered Species and Lucy the Lace Monitor Lizard seen in this image. You might see them next time you attend a Reptile Encounters program!

The “magnificent” in a leopard gecko’s night vision does not mean clear, but is somewhat relative to the low light conditions. In general, their ability to pick up colors in low light does not give a crystal clear image of the subject; They can distinguish shapes and colors in the dark, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re seeing a very sharp image. So the general clarity of the object isn’t that great, but it’s usually enough to tell where the object is, what it’s doing, how big it is, and other helpful information.

Most people name their pets because they want them to have a unique and individual designation. It’s a lot easier to call them and you have a way to show them when they’ve been naughty.

Is it necessary to name your leopard gecko? Find out if they can recognize their names and how to teach them!

Can leopard geckos recognize their names?

Leopard geckos can recognize their own names. However, it’s more about the tone of voice and the noises you make than the name itself. If you keep making the same noises around them, they’ll respond positively. Leopard geckos will also learn your scent and recognize you.

Just be aware that it can take a long time for your Leo to recognize his name. Some people have reported training their geckos for years before the gecko responds. Leopard geckos just aren’t that smart.

Can leopard geckos learn their names?

It may be possible for leopard geckos to learn their names. However, don’t expect to call them by name while they play and let them run to you.

When someone says your name, you turn around and ask what they need. They can ask you to put something down or pick it up, and you do it. However, your leopard gecko probably can’t understand what you’re saying.

Leopard geckos cannot understand human speech (English, Spanish, French, etc.)

For example, if you call out your leopard gecko’s name and say, “Come here,” they probably won’t run to you. Your brain is not programmed that way.

If you have a dog, you can call it and give it commands. Over time, the dog will learn to understand what these noises and tones mean. They get shy when you sound angry at them and run excitedly when you’re happy.

However, leopard geckos are not necessarily like that. They learn to distinguish you as a positive energy in their life as opposed to an enemy. In addition, they hear very well and after a while they can recognize different sounds.

How does bonding help leopard geckos learn their names?

Leopard geckos are attached to their owners through physical bonds. If you handle them with care, they will learn to trust you because you won’t harm them and you won’t be aggressive.

It is also possible to offer them enrichment activities. This includes walking on your body, hand feeding them, and petting/petting them.

In general, leopard geckos become attracted to their owner’s scent over time. They trust this smell because it means they are likely to be picked up and taken on an adventure. Also, they could get food.

You probably shouldn’t touch your leopard gecko when you first get your leopard gecko. However, you can still stay near the tank and do quiet activities around it. They’re curious creatures, so they’ll likely come out of their shell and become comfortable with your presence.

When they get used to seeing you outside the tank, you can stick your hand inside. Do this gently at first so as not to startle or upset her. It may also be advisable to place your hand on the opposite side of the gecko’s perch.

Just don’t force or rush this step, it’s counterproductive. Over time, they may even migrate to your hand so you can pet them. From there you can pick up the leopard gecko and let it sniff and mount you.

When picking up, consider the scooping method. They grasp your hand and gently slide it under your front legs and chin. Do not grab a leopard gecko from above because they are naturally defensive and fear a bird will attack them.

Just remember that bonding with a leopard gecko can take a long time, so be patient. If you rush it, you can cause him undue stress, which can affect health and decrease confidence.

How do you teach a leopard gecko its name?

Because leopard geckos can learn their names and even respond to them, knowing what to do is important.

You have learned to bond with your leopard gecko. All of the above pointers can help you build trust with your new pet.

You should talk to them from the start. Yes, they mainly respond to smells, but after a while they learn to recognize your voice.

There are no specific rules to help you teach your leopard gecko its name. However, it’s best to enter the tank’s room, move to the gecko’s level, and then say hello or hello. Acknowledge that they are there.

You are probably awake and already know that someone is in the room. Therefore, they learn that the “hello” sound is welcome.

You may also want to say its name while hand-feeding it. This way they associate feeding time with your voice and their name. When they hear these sounds, they know food is coming.

Do these things every time you interact with your leopard gecko. That’s how they get used to it. Likewise, you can decide to make a different sound, such as B. a click of the tongue. They might think her name is all those noises, but it signals to them that you want her around.

Can a leopard gecko be trained?

While your focus right now is getting your leopard gecko to recognize its name, it’s more about training. They can accomplish simple tasks if you work with them enough, stay positive, and have patience.

It all starts with building that bond and having that trust, so consistency is key. People have different personalities and behaviors, and your leopard gecko is the same. They may respond differently to similar training, and there are no strict rules.

Overall, it would be best if the leopard gecko is very young. At this age they have not yet developed their survival instincts. You can become their support system. From then on, the sky’s the limit.

You can teach them to complete obstacle courses, respond to your voice (their name), and hunt crickets.

Final Thoughts

Leopard geckos are like other types of pets. You can learn their names and recognize them over time. Although teaching dogs and cats their names is easier, a lot of patience and a positive attitude will do the trick. It all starts with building a bond and building trust. Keep working on it!

All leopard gecko owners want their leopard gecko to be tame and love them. But as we know, leopard geckos don’t have the ability to love their owners, but they can associate you with positive things. There are some tips you can follow to make a leopard gecko love you more. In this post, we’ll discuss how to get a leopard gecko to love you, why your leopard gecko might not like you, and we’ll share tips and ideas. All of these tips will keep your leopard gecko happy too if you follow them consistently.

Tip #1: Tame and bond with your leopard gecko

You must tame your leopard gecko before it can love you. Taming a leopard gecko can take around 3-6 weeks after you bring it home, but you can start the process over if you think you’ve done something wrong.

If you successfully tame your leopard gecko, it will trust you more and become more comfortable around you. Domestication involves not only acclimatization and socialization, but also providing your leopard gecko with a suitable aquarium, setting up its habitat, and including accessories (e.g. branches and 3 hiding places).

In addition, you will need to let your leopard gecko acclimate by not touching it for the first 3-4 weeks and so on. If you want to know everything about how to tame a leopard gecko, you are welcome to read this post.

Tip #2: Give your leopard gecko a name and make a noise to say hello

Believe it or not, leopard geckos can get used to a particular sound or their name over time. As soon as you get your leopard gecko and bring it home, give it a name and come up with a sound.

After the acclimatization period (2-3 weeks), begin calling your leopard gecko by name and making a noise (such as clicking with your mouth) before approaching or feeding the tank. Over time, your leopard gecko will begin to respond to the name and the sound. This also helps with bonding.

If you want a list of 250+ cool and badass names for your leopard gecko, you’ll find it in this post.

Tip number 3: take care of your leopard gecko

Getting along with your leopard gecko will really help bond with your leopard gecko and get him to like you more. Make sure to be patient and consistent when handling a leopard gecko.

Start treating about 4 weeks after bringing your leopard gecko home. Treat for 5 minutes for the first few weeks or at cleansing/health checks and then gradually increase the time. It is better not to touch baby leopard geckos until they reach 5-6 inches in length, as they are very fragile at this point.

Don’t make any sudden movements and make sure you support your leopard gecko’s legs, tail and body when handling it. Have your leopard gecko walk on your hands and/or knees when handling it. This will avoid jumps, anxiety or other injuries. Never put your hand on your gecko as it is a sign of threat. Don’t pull his tail.

You can also put your hand in the tank more often to help your leopard gecko get used to your presence and smell. Leopard geckos are very likely to smell and lick your hand – this is how they learn about their surroundings. Do this very slowly and carefully so as not to startle your gecko.

Keep in mind that leopard geckos don’t particularly enjoy handling, but they will become tolerant. Don’t make sudden movements or drop your gecko if it pees or poops on you while handling it.

If it poops/pees on your hand, don’t put it back in the tank right away as it will think you can leave it alone that way. Your leopard gecko may also chirp when you touch it—meaning it’s uncomfortable. Keep trying as handling it will also help your leopard gecko get used to you better.

If you want to learn more about the right techniques and tips for dealing with leopard geckos, visit this post.

Tip number 4: Respect your leopard gecko’s needs

You can make your leopard gecko love you more if you respect their needs. You must remember that leopard geckos are crepuscular, meaning they become active at dawn and dusk.

This means that you must not disturb your leopard gecko during the day when it is resting. Only interact with your gecko when it’s active – it’ll definitely make it love you more.

Other important needs of leopard gecko are 3 hiding places in the tank (warm in a sunny spot, cool in a cool spot and a wet one in the middle). Don’t handle your leopard gecko too often, a few times a week should be enough.

Also, avoid shining bright lights on a sleeping leopard gecko’s face or having a high-UVB lamp in the tank (leopard geckos don’t need UVB lighting if you’re supplementing their food, a maximum of 2% UVB will suffice).

Diversifying their diet, providing them with fresh drinking water, creating a stimulating environment, supplementing their food – all of these will help keep your leopard gecko healthy and happy.

Tip number 5: Feed your leopard gecko regularly!

Eating is one of the main needs of leopard geckos. You can use feeding times to bond with your leopard gecko and associate it with a positive experience.

Hatchlings and baby leopard geckos up to 5 months old need to eat every day, so this is a perfect opportunity to bond with your leopard gecko and build trust at this stage. Start hand-feeding 3-4 weeks after acclimatization—you don’t need to touch your leopard gecko when feeding.

Approach your leopard gecko slowly and make some noises so he can see you coming. Present his food in a container or feed him with tongs. Make sure the tips of the pliers are covered with a cloth or something similar to avoid injury. You can also choose soft-tipped feeding tongs like this one.

As your leopard gecko gets older, it will need to eat two to three times a week. This means you can still hand-feed your leopard gecko once a week, and if you’ve had your leopard gecko for a while, he’ll associate you with a positive character who brings food.

Tip number 6: Eliminate all sources of stress

Truth be told, a leopard gecko that is often stressed will not like you or be generally happy. From the first day you own a leopard gecko, think about their comfort and never compromise.

Make sure other pets cannot easily reach the tank and stare at your leopard gecko as this can stress them out. Also, do not leave inexperienced people alone with your gecko, as they may make mistakes or become frightened and injure your leopard gecko.

Be patient when handling, feeding, cleaning and never make jerky or sudden movements. Make sure there is a temperature gradient and that the temperatures and humidity in the pool are optimal.

Do not leave uneaten crickets or other bugs in the tank as they may hide and bite your leopard gecko when it is hungry. Don’t keep two males together and separate leopard geckos if you see bulling. It’s always a good idea to keep leopard geckos separate and never mix species.

Do not illuminate your leopard gecko with bright lights and do not have the aquarium illuminated with bright UVB light. Never yell near your leopard gecko or place a loud TV near the tank as they can easily become frightened. All of these mistakes can break confidence or stress your leopard gecko, especially early on in bonding.

Why doesn’t my leopard gecko like me?

If your leopard gecko yells, wags its tail, doesn’t want to be handled, or hisses at you, you may think your leopard gecko doesn’t like you. But it’s not because your leopard gecko doesn’t like you — it’s just stressed or hasn’t bonded with you yet.

Of course, some leopard geckos never become tame and don’t like being handled. But most leopard geckos will become tame with patience and bonding, feeding, and handling sessions.

You need to understand leopard gecko behavior to know why it is doing something. There’s no reason for a leopard gecko not to like you, and it probably has to do with the time of year, the facility, or the diet.

For example, if your leopard gecko is raising its tail and wagging it back and forth, it’s probably stressed. Make sure the temperatures in the tank are optimal – if the temperatures are too high, your leopard gecko may hide a lot and you may mistakenly think it is scared.

Your leopard gecko can also become stressed and lethargic from low temperatures, loud noises, other predators nearby (when it sees other lizards nearby), improper handling, etc.

How do I make my leopard gecko happy?

Building trust in your leopard gecko, touching and feeding it regularly will make your leopard gecko happy. You can also create a very lifelike terrarium for your leopard gecko with lots of skin, branches and plants. This way your leopard gecko will be stimulated and enjoy exercise. You can even upgrade to a larger 30-40 gallon terrarium if you can afford it.

In addition, you can let your gecko play and explore on your lap or in a small safe area. Most leopard geckos enjoy spending some time outside exploring their surroundings. Don’t keep your leopard gecko out of the tank for too long – it can get cold.

You can examine his tummy and if he feels cold, it’s probably time to put him back in the tank (often 20+ minutes, but depends on room temperature).

Thank you for reading this article! In summary, leopard gecko will be happy and love you if you give it everything it needs and take care of it! Be sure to read about tank lights and temperatures in this post. Read this post about taming and caring for your leopard gecko.

Leopard geckos are cold-blooded, which means they need external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Humans, on the other hand, are warm-blooded, which makes it easy for us to adapt to changing ambient temperatures. And as humans, we all love a warm hug now and then?

But does that also apply to our geckos? Do leopard geckos like to be held?

Finding a new pet is very exciting! You want to buy a reptile, but not just any reptile. You want a species that not only makes a good pet but also enjoys your company. You are looking for the friendliest reptile for a pet. But what is it? Actually you have several options! In fact, many reptiles are friendly and enjoy being pets, so the choice is yours!

The friendliest reptile for a pet

Reptiles aren’t typically known for their cuddly natures, but the truth is that there are certain species of reptiles that enjoy being around you. With proper socialization, these reptiles can learn to handle it on a daily basis! This makes them a good choice for families with children and for classrooms, science museums and other educational institutions. Our top pick is:

#1 Bearded Dragons

If you are looking for a reptile that will like you as much as you like it, you will want to buy a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons can become close companions to their humans. As your pet Beardie gets to know you better, they’ll even learn to climb on your body and ride around on your shoulders. The care level of a bearded dragon is considered “simple”. Their overall hardiness and small to medium size make these lizards an excellent starter reptile. These friendly lizards are most active during the day and not nocturnal like many reptiles, so they’re great for someone who wants to spend time with their reptile during the day. They feed on vegetables, plants, insects and fruits.

#2 Leopard gecko

They are one of the most popular pet reptiles! Leopard geckos are known for their calm demeanor. They are easy to use and maintain. They do well in a simple 10 gallon aquarium. Many families with children have decided to buy a leopard gecko as a pet. They can be handled by children as long as young children are supervised and warned of the potential of injuring the gecko’s tail. Leopard geckos are captive bred in the United States, so they come in a variety of color morphs.

#3 Black and White Teju

You might think that just a small lizard would be friendly enough to keep as a pet, but that’s a common mistake. In fact, the black and white tegu makes a wonderful, friendly pet! With proper socialization, these large lizards are friendly and social. Adult tegus are very docile, and these lizards are smart too. They can even be housebroken!

Reptile Pets by Jabberwock Reptiles

This list is just the beginning of the reptile pets that we offer! If you have any additional questions, concerns or are simply ready to purchase your new pet, you can contact Jabberwock Reptiles. We are committed to providing the highest quality, healthy, captive bred reptiles. We strive to provide an informed and responsive service to our prospective pet owners. These animals are fascinating and intriguing, and we love sharing our passion!

Crested geckos make great pets – they’re tiny dinosaurs with the prettiest eyelashes. They are quite docile and like to be handled. It’s no secret why humans have so much affection for crested geckos, but you might be wondering if they can feel the same affection for us. The answer may surprise you!

Are Crested Geckos affectionate? Crested geckos are not clingy in the traditional sense of the word. This is because reptiles are not social creatures. They don’t have the means for loving feelings. However, crested geckos may prefer a human if trust is established.

If you have your crested gecko’s absolute trust, you can treat them as if you have their full affection. Want to know how to gain that much-coveted trust? Read on for some helpful tips.

Reptilians and Affection

It’s not just crested geckos that don’t show affection, it’s all reptiles. They don’t want to cuddle, they don’t give you kisses and they don’t run to your side when you’re feeling down. It’s not because they’re heartless – they just can’t feel those emotions that other species can.

Reptilians feel basic emotions. Most of the time, they are hardwired to feel fear and aggression. Reptiles, however, can rejoice. These pleasurable emotions mostly come from eating. Some also feel comfortable when they are gently touched or stroked.

Despite the lack of reciprocal affection, having a reptile as a pet is incredibly satisfying. As with any other animal, you must work to gain his trust, which is rewarding for both the pet and the owner. So don’t get discouraged. You can still have a great relationship with your scaly friend.

The importance of gaining trust

Would you like your lizard to run up your arm and perch on your shoulder? How about eating out of the palm of your hand? Your lizard can be your meeting point, but only if there is trust.

At first, your lizard sees you as a threat. In your lizard’s eyes, you’re a huge, warm-blooded stranger. Combine that with a brand new exhibit in a strange location, and you’ve got a recipe for a scared lizard.

But it doesn’t always have to be like this.

It takes some work, but building trust with your reptile is necessary if you want an ideal relationship. With confidence, your reptile can confidently enjoy its surroundings and its human companion. Below are the best tools to help you build a trusting relationship.

But remember, trust isn’t built in a day. To give you a little help, we’ve created a complete Crested Gecko Bonding Guide which you can read here!

Also, we’ve listed some taming tips for you below!

How to get your crested gecko to trust you

Get a captive bred gecko.

Your gecko’s background can make or break your bond. It is best to get a gecko that is bred in captivity. Each new generation of captive born geckos loses a bit of their wild instinct. This makes them easier to care for.

Wild caught geckos are much more difficult to tame. When accustomed to a life of hunting and hiding from predators, the adaptation to captivity is frightening.

Additionally, geckos are bred in captivity by people who care about the welfare of the animals. You don’t have to worry about parasites or diseases.

Get a cub.

It’s hard to build trust once your crested gecko has walked the block a few times. You don’t know what a previous owner did. Unfortunately, some gecko owners don’t know how to properly interact with their pets, negatively affecting how the animal sees people.

If absolute trust is your goal, look for a captive bred hatchling.

Do you have a proper facility.

If you want your crested gecko to trust you, it must first have a comfortable enclosure. Make sure the tank is vertical. They live in trees and need a tank with height. However, make sure there are plenty of leaves, vines, and branches for your gecko to climb on.

Since they don’t spend time on the ground, buy food and water bowls that stick to the side of the tank.

It is also necessary to have some hiding places in your crested gecko’s tank. It’s important for building trust because it gives your gecko private safe spaces. Some plants make great shelters for crested geckos. You can also buy a coconut skin.

We also recommend reading the following articles. Here’s a way to make sure you have a proper setup:

Do not force handling.

Force handling is a great way to scare your gecko to death. It’s difficult not to touch your new pet when you just want to love them. But remember, your gecko doesn’t yet know you’re harmless.

Premature treatment will either cause your gecko to run and hide or freeze in fear.

In this article, we will show you how often you should touch your gecko!

Gain his trust with food.

This is the best tool for gaining your gecko’s trust. In the beginning, it’s best to feed your gecko with pincers to ensure minimal interaction. It helps to stay present while your crested gecko is eating. If you think your gecko is comfortable with this feeding method, you can hand-feed them.

With a bit of luck, your crested gecko will eat out of your hand.

Once your gecko is comfortable with hand feeding, it can be handled. It is best to let your gecko come to you instead of picking it up. Let your gecko explore your hand and climb up your arm. Don’t force interaction in the early stages of handling; it can reveal your progress.

Do you have a right approach.

Once your crested gecko is comfortable in your hand, you can begin handling it. However, it is important to treat your gecko properly. Never approach your gecko in a threatening manner.

For example, don’t reach over your crested gecko and grab it like a metal claw grabbing a stuffed animal in a toy machine.

Instead, let your lizard take control. It is best to approach your gecko from the front, not from above or behind. Keep your hand lower than your gecko. A towering hand can feel like a threat. Finally be gentle.

Poke your gecko to encourage climbing on your hand. With any luck, your gecko will climb into your hand and up your arm.

Use familiar sounds.

It may be difficult to spot a crested gecko’s ears, but they are there. Use this to your advantage to build trust. Repeat familiar sounds or words when spending time with your gecko. They can recognize their owner’s voice and associate it with a positive experience.

Speak in a pleasant tone or make soothing noises. Loud noises can startle your reptile.

Yes, crested geckos can hear fairly well, although it seems they don’t respond to sounds. You can even feel vibrations. We explain more about this in this article!

Do not lose hope.

Forming a strong bond with your crested gecko takes work, and it can be discouraging when things don’t go as planned. Some take months or years to gain full trust. Even if you have that confidence, your gecko will have a few days when he doesn’t want to be handled at all.

Do not take it personally. It’s all instinct to protect yourself. Regardless, crested geckos are beautiful creatures and make excellent pets. Enjoy your gecko whether in the palm of your hand or from afar.

related questions

Can crested geckos feel love? Your crested gecko may not love you the way you love him. They don’t have the necessary part of the brain needed to feel love. This applies to all reptiles. However, crested geckos can be trusting of their humans.

What is the behavior of a crested gecko? These nocturnal reptiles are easygoing. They are cautious and like to spend their time on a branch. They are educational animals that make great pets for gecko novices and gecko experts alike. They require little maintenance and are easy to handle.

Most people name their pets because they want them to have a unique and individual designation. It’s a lot easier to call them and you have a way to show them when they’ve been naughty.

Is it necessary to name your leopard gecko? Find out if they can recognize their names and how to teach them!

Can leopard geckos recognize their names?

Leopard geckos can recognize their own names. However, it’s more about the tone of voice and the noises you make than the name itself. If you keep making the same noises around them, they’ll respond positively. Leopard geckos will also learn your scent and recognize you.

Just be aware that it can take a long time for your Leo to recognize his name. Some people have reported training their geckos for years before the gecko responds. Leopard geckos just aren’t that smart.

Can leopard geckos learn their names?

It may be possible for leopard geckos to learn their names. However, don’t expect to call them by name while they play and let them run to you.

When someone says your name, you turn around and ask what they need. They can ask you to put something down or pick it up, and you do it. However, your leopard gecko probably can’t understand what you’re saying.

Leopard geckos cannot understand human speech (English, Spanish, French, etc.)

For example, if you call out your leopard gecko’s name and say, “Come here,” they probably won’t run to you. Your brain is not programmed that way.

If you have a dog, you can call it and give it commands. Over time, the dog will learn to understand what these noises and tones mean. They get shy when you sound angry at them and run excitedly when you’re happy.

However, leopard geckos are not necessarily like that. They learn to distinguish you as a positive energy in their life as opposed to an enemy. In addition, they hear very well and after a while they can recognize different sounds.

How does bonding help leopard geckos learn their names?

Leopard geckos are attached to their owners through physical bonds. If you handle them with care, they will learn to trust you because you won’t harm them and you won’t be aggressive.

It is also possible to offer them enrichment activities. This includes walking on your body, hand feeding them, and petting/petting them.

In general, leopard geckos become attracted to their owner’s scent over time. They trust this smell because it means they are likely to be picked up and taken on an adventure. Also, they could get food.

You probably shouldn’t touch your leopard gecko when you first get your leopard gecko. However, you can still stay near the tank and do quiet activities around it. They’re curious creatures, so they’ll likely come out of their shell and become comfortable with your presence.

When they get used to seeing you outside the tank, you can stick your hand inside. Do this gently at first so as not to startle or upset her. It may also be advisable to place your hand on the opposite side of the gecko’s perch.

Just don’t force or rush this step, it’s counterproductive. Over time, they may even migrate to your hand so you can pet them. From there you can pick up the leopard gecko and let it sniff and mount you.

When picking up, consider the scooping method. They grasp your hand and gently slide it under your front legs and chin. Do not grab a leopard gecko from above because they are naturally defensive and fear a bird will attack them.

Just remember that bonding with a leopard gecko can take a long time, so be patient. If you rush it, you can cause him undue stress, which can affect health and decrease confidence.

How do you teach a leopard gecko its name?

Because leopard geckos can learn their names and even respond to them, knowing what to do is important.

You have learned to bond with your leopard gecko. All of the above pointers can help you build trust with your new pet.

You should talk to them from the start. Yes, they mainly respond to smells, but after a while they learn to recognize your voice.

There are no specific rules to help you teach your leopard gecko its name. However, it’s best to enter the tank’s room, move to the gecko’s level, and then say hello or hello. Acknowledge that they are there.

You are probably awake and already know that someone is in the room. Therefore, they learn that the “hello” sound is welcome.

You may also want to say its name while hand-feeding it. This way they associate feeding time with your voice and their name. When they hear these sounds, they know food is coming.

Do these things every time you interact with your leopard gecko. That’s how they get used to it. Likewise, you can decide to make a different sound, such as B. a click of the tongue. They might think her name is all those noises, but it signals to them that you want her around.

Can a leopard gecko be trained?

While your focus right now is getting your leopard gecko to recognize its name, it’s more about training. They can accomplish simple tasks if you work with them enough, stay positive, and have patience.

It all starts with building that bond and having that trust, so consistency is key. People have different personalities and behaviors, and your leopard gecko is the same. They may respond differently to similar training, and there are no strict rules.

Overall, it would be best if the leopard gecko is very young. At this age they have not yet developed their survival instincts. You can become their support system. From then on, the sky’s the limit.

You can teach them to complete obstacle courses, respond to your voice (their name), and hunt crickets.

Final Thoughts

Leopard geckos are like other types of pets. You can learn their names and recognize them over time. Although teaching dogs and cats their names is easier, a lot of patience and a positive attitude will do the trick. It all starts with building a bond and building trust. Keep working on it!

To successfully handle your leopard gecko, you must know how to handle it properly to avoid falling, injuring, and startling your gecko. In this post, we will discuss how to properly handle a leopard gecko, how often to handle leopard geckos, and whether they even enjoy being handled.

When can you start handling your leopard gecko?

After you’ve brought your leopard gecko home and given it time to acclimatize, you can begin to tame it. Only after you have successfully tamed your leopard gecko can you begin regular handling sessions.

You can generally start handling your leopard gecko 3-4 weeks after bringing it home. Don’t rush and give him time to get used to you, or you’ll have to start the taming process all over again.

Read more about taming here.

Do leopard geckos like to be touched?

In general, leopard geckos are not fond of handling. But once you tame your leopard gecko and it starts to trust you, it will take handling sessions just fine.

You must always be slow and gentle with your leopard gecko or he will lose confidence in you. Some leopard geckos never fully grow tolerant of handling, especially those with a bad past.

Only handle your leopard gecko if necessary until it reaches 3-4 months or 5-6 inches of age. This is because babies tend to be moody and their bodies are fragile and they are more likely to drop their tails.

How often and how long can you handle your leopard gecko?

With new leopard geckos, start with 5-minute handling sessions once every three days. Add a minute every 5-6 days and be patient.

After you’ve tamed your leopard gecko, it’s not recommended to treat it more than every other day, no more than 20 minutes a day. Over time you can increase it to a maximum of 30 minutes with good home heating.

Otherwise, prolonged treatments can stress your leopard gecko. You can even limit handling sessions to cleaning the tank.

If you’re going to be around them for any length of time, be sure to keep your leopard gecko warm. Leopard geckos are cold-blooded, so they need an ambient temperature of about 77-82 (25-27.7 °C) degrees when handling them.

When can I handle my leopard gecko?

The best time to handle your leopard gecko is before a meal, during the day (will be less jittery but don’t wake him up), or some time after he wakes up in the evening (they are crepuscular and come out during twilight, dusk and dawn).

Don’t touch your leopard gecko after a meal – it needs to digest food by lying flat in warmer temperatures – around 32C. Otherwise, it could vomit food and not digest it properly. It’s better to touch your leopard gecko before eating so that it associates you with a positive experience.

Various handling techniques

Handling techniques differ between new and tame leopard geckos. If your leopard gecko is new, you must use a method that involves gently welcoming your leopard gecko onto the palm of your hand.

Handling your leopard gecko will become easier over time, but proper technique should always be used.

How do you deal with a new leopard gecko?

The proper way to deal with a new and shy leopard gecko is to put your hand low on the bottom of the tank and wait. If you have a terrarium with front-opening doors, slowly insert your hand in from the bottom.

However, if you can only access the tank from the top, make sure you insert your hand from the other side and lower down the side as well. Never put your hand on your gecko as this will provoke defensive behavior.

Approach your leopard gecko’s shell slowly, making sure he can see you and your hand. Speak in a soft voice and slowly slide your fingers under his legs.

Your new leopard gecko will likely approach your hand and lick it to learn more about you

Don’t actually hold your leopard gecko for the first 3 weeks, let them see, smell, and lick your palm. You can start hand feeding your leopard gecko by the second week or use a feeder like these long ones.

Also, don’t touch it in the first week of handling and start with only small touches in the 4th week. It’s also a good idea to avoid handling if your leopard gecko falls off as they can be quite moody.

What is the right way to deal with a leopard gecko?

To properly handle your leopard gecko, pick it up with your hand. Hold it in a cupped palm with the leopard gecko’s head pointing toward the top of your index and thumb fingers.

For more jumpy leopard geckos, keep index and thumb fingers together slightly, but make sure the head is free to pass. When you hold your leopard gecko, you are supporting its legs, back, and tail.

You should also let your leopard gecko walk on your hands as this will keep them occupied and relaxed. Your leopard gecko is also less likely to jump if you let it walk on your hands.

To switch hands, place your hand, palm up, in front of your gecko so it can walk free. Switch hands constantly, and if your leopard gecko tries to escape, gently close your fingers.

You can walk your leopard gecko on your legs and shoulders if you feel comfortable. Sitting on the couch or the floor is always a good idea to avoid injuring your leopard gecko.

Keep in mind that most leopard geckos are not afraid of heights and can jump, but will be seriously injured if they fall.

Leopard gecko handling behavior

If your leopard gecko isn’t happy with your handling, he’ll show you so. If a leopard gecko is unhappy that you are approaching, let alone dealing with it, it will scream, chirp, and wag its tail from side to side, often wagging its tail.

It can also arch its back while wagging its tail from side to side. When your leopard gecko chirps, it means it’s scared or uncomfortable. It is better not to touch your leopard gecko and try later.

If your leopard gecko bites you while you are handling it, do not startle or put it back in the enclosure immediately. That way, your leopard gecko will get used to biting you if you handle it.

Instead, hold your leopard gecko a few more minutes and then return it to the tank.

Your leopard gecko may be unhappy with the handling throughout its life. But most will become docile and tame with patience and handling sessions. Some leopard geckos become very tame and will sit on the owner’s shoulders and relax in their arms.

Thank you for reading this article. Be sure to read a post about taming your new or older leopard gecko.

You can also read how to prevent leopard gecko bites (if you have trouble with that) in this post.

Leopard geckos are popular with reptile owners because they are docile, lovable, and more adventurous than some other reptile species. But do leopard geckos like to be held?

Although leopard geckos tolerate it much better than other reptiles, they don’t particularly like it. If you take the time to build trust with your leopard gecko, he won’t feel scared or stressed during the handling experience, but he won’t look forward to it either.

To learn more about why leopard geckos don’t particularly like being handled and the best way to treat your pet, read on. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to care for a leopard gecko.

Do pet leopard geckos like to be held?

Unfortunately, leopard geckos don’t like being handled. Even if your pet doesn’t run away from you or show any signs of fear, it still doesn’t look forward to the handling experience. At best, leopard geckos are indifferent to being touched.

While it might be a bit sad to know that your leopard gecko doesn’t like being handled, it’s important to note that leopard geckos are much better adapted to being handled than other reptiles. If you are patient with your leopard gecko and slowly introduce it to your hand, the gecko is unlikely to experience stress or anxiety during handling.

In other words, leopard geckos can be trained not to hate handling, although they’ll likely never love it like a dog or cat.

Why don’t leopard geckos like to be held?

To understand why leopard geckos don’t like being kept, you need to understand something about reptiles in general. Reptiles don’t have the ability to form emotional connections like humans, cats, or dogs, although they do learn who to trust.

As a result, leopard geckos don’t “like” being treated in the same way that dogs like being petted. That’s not to say they hate being touched. It simply means they have no emotional connection with you, leading to indifference to the handling experience at best.

At worst, the leopard gecko can become incredibly stressed with any posture. Whenever you first get your leopard gecko, he doesn’t know that he’s safe with you. As a result, geckos and reptiles can become very stressed when kept.

Build trust with your leopard gecko

Even if geckos don’t like being held, you can still handle them without stressing your pet, but you need to build trust first. As long as you take extra care to be gentle and patient with your leopard gecko, caring for your pet can be perfectly ethical and rewarding for both you and the gecko.

Introduce yourself slowly

The most important thing to do if you want to handle your leopard gecko is to introduce yourself slowly at first. Whenever you first get your gecko, it’s not yet no, you’re not a threat. As such, you don’t want to try handling your gecko just yet. If you try to hold the gecko too early, it will likely become stressed and hate the experience in the future.

Instead, you should slowly get used to the gecko so that the gecko learns that you are not a threat. Start by simply feeding the gecko so that it associates you with food.

After that, you can slowly put your hand inside the cage, allow the gecko to come to you, and possibly touch its back. If the gecko isn’t showing any signs of stress at this point, you can start holding it. Start by holding your gecko for just a few minutes and gradually work your way up.

Build trust with food

Leopard geckos may differ from dogs in that they don’t particularly like being handled, but they do have one key thing in common: they love food. Just as you can teach dogs to love you and obey your commands by offering treats, you can build trust with your leopard gecko by giving them food.

Be sure to feed your leopard gecko consistently so it gets a routine. Once the routine is established, the leopard gecko will associate you with food and know you pose no threat. Once you’re comfortable enough with the leopard gecko, you can even try hand-feeding small treats as a surprise.

By giving the leopard gecko treats while it’s being handled, it’s much more likely to enjoy the handling process. Treats really are the key to almost every animal’s heart.

Let the gecko explore

Although geckos don’t particularly like being held, they do enjoy exploring new areas in a safe environment. To keep them associating you with fun and new experiences, allow your gecko to explore on their own while you interact with them.

For example, you may want to place the leopard gecko in your bed or other safe environment during the handling process. These types of environments will be new to the gecko, meaning they will look forward to exploring them. At the same time, you know the environment is safe, so the gecko doesn’t have to worry.

Create obstacle courses

If you really want to go the extra mile for your gecko, try creating an obstacle course for him. You can do this in the tank or outside the tank. Either way, the obstacle course will challenge your gecko and allow it to introduce you to new and fun experiences.

If you want to create an obstacle course inside the tank, simply rearrange the tank’s items. You can also put tunnels and other items in the tank. For obstacle courses outside the tank, you don’t have to do anything special because the whole experience will be new. You can place small cushions or other items for the geckos to crawl on when they are outside their enclosure.

How to collect leopard geckos

In addition to building trust with your leopard gecko, knowing how to hold and handle the gecko is very important. Geckos are very delicate creatures. If you’re too rough with them, you can easily injure and frighten the creature, essentially negating all the trust building you’ve done.

Picking up the gecko

To begin lifting your leopard gecko, make sure there are no signs of stress or anxiety. When your gecko is hiding, hanging its tail, running away, or chirping, it doesn’t want to be touched. Don’t force your gecko into your hand if he’s already scared.

Once the gecko shows no signs of fear, you can slowly move your hand towards it. Always try to show your hand and avoid sneaking up on the gecko. This lets them know they are not being attacked. Pick up the gecko with a scooping motion. Be as gentle as possible to avoid injuring the gecko.

Set the gecko down

While holding your leopard gecko, be careful but be ready to catch him should he run away. Never try to grab the leopard gecko’s tail if it tries to take off. You should not touch the gecko for more than 15 minutes. After the time is up, slowly lower your hand into the cage and let the gecko slide down.

Related Read: What to do when your leopard gecko drops its tail

Final Thoughts

While you probably enjoy handling your leopard gecko, at best the gecko is indifferent to being held. If you don’t take the time to introduce your hand to the gecko, it might actually be scared of being held.

Because of this, it’s imperative to build trust with your gecko so that he knows he’s not in danger if he’s held down. Also, you need to be gentle and careful when holding the gecko to avoid accidentally hurting it. By being patient and gentle with your gecko, it will likely learn that you are not a threat and allow you to hold it without stress.

Selected image source: Dr.Pixel, Shutterstock

Leopard geckos are cold-blooded, which means they need external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Humans, on the other hand, are warm-blooded, which makes it easy for us to adapt to changing ambient temperatures. And as humans, we all love a warm hug now and then?

But does that also apply to our geckos? Do leopard geckos like to be held?