Leopard geckos (a type of gecko more commonly called “leo” by their owners) are explorers who love to play when cared for properly. Follow the steps below to learn how to play with your pet gecko. You wouldn't expect these little lizards to be fun to play with.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Knowing the Basic Rules of Playing with a Leopard Gecko
Step 1. Start playing with your gecko when he is young
When you buy it, your gecko needs time to adapt to its new home; keep your gecko in its cage for a few days to let it explore and make itself comfortable. Don't worry if your gecko hides for a week when it's first brought home. As you know, the sooner you get used to your gecko the better because if you play with your gecko as a child, it will become calmer and more affectionate with its owner as it grows older.
The ideal age for a gecko to play with is around four to five months, but any age doesn't really matter as long as the gecko is comfortable with humans
Step 2. Understand that your gecko may be a little scared of you
In the wild, anything larger, such as a human, could be considered a threat to all geckos. Don't feel bad if your gecko doesn't want to come to you. Just imagine if a friendly giant came up to you, and wanted you to crawl on his hands. You'll also need a little time to confirm that the giant is really good.
- Don't force your gecko. If you can't wait to play with your pet gecko, relax yourself by learning all you can about the leopard gecko. When you build the cage, create a place to hide so your gecko can enter without feeling watched. Sometimes geckos want some alone time, and remember, geckos are nocturnal, so don't disturb your gecko during the day.
- While watching your gecko, familiarize yourself with your new pet. Locate the gecko's ears (something shaped like a hole on the edge of the gecko's head). Count the number of toes your gecko has on each foot. Count the number of spots on your gecko's body and record it (the leopard gecko's spots will change as they grow).
Step 3. Talk to your gecko
An important part of making your pet gecko feel comfortable around you is getting it to recognize your voice. Speak in a soft tone, and look at the gecko through the glass. Are your geckos looking at you too? Speak while making eye contact with him so he knows that you are making the sound.
Step 4. Let the gecko adapt to your hand
This is very important because if the gecko is not used to the palm of a human hand, it will never be able to play with. Geckos will be active at night, usually after you turn off the cage lights. At this point, slide your hand into the cage all the way to the bottom. Do not make sudden movements because it can scare the gecko. Let the gecko examine your hand-the gecko will probably lick your fingers, crawl on your palm, and eventually settle down on the warmest part of your palm. Don't pull your hand away if your gecko tries to lick it. Until you bond with your pet gecko, it will see you as a predator. If you leave while he is trying to lick you, he will try to lick you to get you to leave and leave him alone. If you don't try to get close to them, your gecko won't want to be around humans, and this can make your gecko hostile.
Don't give up if your gecko doesn't crawl on your hand right away. All geckos are different-some are more adventurous than others. Every night, repeat this step and place your hands on the floor of your gecko's tank. Gradually, the gecko will approach your hand and examine it
Step 5. Know the proper way to lift your gecko
Once your gecko gets used to your hand and is willing to sit on it, you can easily lift your gecko with your right hand to get it out of the cage. Be sure to tuck your left hand under or next to your right hand so you can catch your gecko if it makes a sudden movement that could knock it out of your hand.
If you have to lift your gecko without waiting for it to crawl into your hand, do so very gently. Lift the gecko only in the middle of its body and use your fingers as much as possible (using all of your fingers on one hand to reach all over the middle of its body can provide a firmer grip). Place your other hand under the gecko in case the gecko falls
Step 6. Pay attention to the gecko's tail
Geckos can sever their tails on their own when they feel a predator is holding them, or when they feel startled. Never pick up a gecko by pulling its tail. Don't make your gecko feel cornered or threatened. If he doesn't like being touched and keeps running away from your grasp, stop picking him up and try again later.
Step 7. Know what kind of treats you should give your pet gecko
There are several different treats you can give, and most of these can be purchased at your local pet store. These snacks include caterpillars and baby mice.
Roof caterpillar: This caterpillar is a type of snack that is usually given to geckos. Geckos really like the taste of these caterpillars, but these caterpillars are very rich in phosphorus and fat. So give your gecko in moderation (don't give more than one every two weeks, especially if your gecko is over a year old as these caterpillars can lead to obesity)
Step 8. Know how often you should play with your pet gecko
Every gecko is different, but the basic rule is that you can only get your gecko out of its cage 2 to 3 times a week. If you do this more often, your gecko will feel irritated and agitated.
Part 2 of 2: Playing with the Leopard Gecko
Step 1. Create a safe play area for your gecko
Leopard geckos, especially young ones, move very quickly and will run away if they can. When you start playing with your gecko, create a space where your gecko can't escape, such as a box. You can also choose a spot and create a barrier out of pillows or other soft objects to prevent the gecko from escaping. Make sure that the barrier you make is not made of something sharp that could injure the gecko.
When the gecko is used to being removed from its cage, the gecko will feel a little calmer and you can invite him to play on the mattress, sofa, floor, and others
Step 2. Let the gecko explore
Geckos are generally active creatures who are always curious and like to explore, so let the gecko do it. Allow your gecko to crawl on your arm, rest on your shoulder, or even in your hair. Be prepared when your gecko settles down and finds a warm place on your body-geckos are cold-blooded animals and human skin feels like sunburned stone to them. Don't be surprised if your gecko decides to settle on your neck or in the folds of your arms.
- Another way to let your gecko explore is to roll up a piece of cloth (such as a shirt or towel) and place it on the bed. Let the gecko crawl around the towel and find its favorite "cave" or hiding place. Be sure to always keep an eye on your gecko so you know where it is hiding when you are about to put it back in its cage.
- Let your gecko explore an empty room or your bed. Geckos love to climb and find places to crawl in, so allow them to crawl behind or around pillows. Make sure to keep an eye on him at all times and never leave your gecko alone as it can run away.
Step 3. Create an “obstacle” for your gecko
Take a large container or box and place some “obstacles” in it. This obstacle could be a roll of tissue paper that the gecko can enter, a small box in which the gecko crawls on it, or other objects. Be creative! Place the climbing tree in a box that your gecko can climb (these can be purchased at pet stores) or your old toy to make your obstacle course look unique.
Step 4. Make a gecko carnival
The gecko carnival has the same principle as creating an obstacle course for your gecko. What sets it apart is that the gecko will not try to move from one place to another. Instead, fill the box with “toy geckos” (climbing trees, carpet scraps, rolls of tissue paper, etc.) and let your gecko play. You wouldn't expect a gecko to do such funny things. Some geckos like to climb trees and jump down. Others really like to roll on tissue paper rolls. Creating a gecko carnival is a good way to learn about the activities your gecko loves.
Step 5. Watch a movie with your gecko
While this isn't as important as "playing" with your gecko, it's a great way to spend time with your gecko. Let your gecko feel comfortable by sitting on a warm part of your body and enjoying the movie. Some leopard gecko owners notice that their gecko is staring at the TV screen. Other geckos will go to sleep immediately when they stay in a warm place.
Step 6. Know when to return your gecko to its cage
Geckos need warmth to maintain their energy. When they are climbing or running around in areas that are not as warm as their cage, they can become exhausted. As a rule, you should check your gecko's stomach after playing with it for 10 minutes. If his stomach feels cold, return your gecko to its cage so it can warm up.
Tips
- Let the gecko get used to being touched. You have to be patient and give your gecko time to recognize you. Geckos don't like turning from solitary creatures to pets that are touched every day.
- Always be gentle with geckos because geckos are delicate and fragile animals.
- Always be gentle and never tug on the tail as it could be cut off.
Warning
- Don't give your gecko too many caterpillars as they can lead to obesity and are very unhealthy.
- never ever pulling or touching the gecko's tail vigorously as it could cut it off.
- Never put your finger under his jaw. This can make the gecko feel threatened and it will try to bite you, causing injury to its jaw.
