Best ways to acclimate an emerald swift to occasional handling?

There should be a temperature gradient across the enclosure. Aim for a basking spot of 90F-95F, a warm side in the high 80s F and a cool side in the low 80s F. Nighttime temps can drop between 70F and 75F.

If you don't know the birth date, size is the best (but not most accurate) method to determine age. Adult emeralds are about 6-8 inches long when fully grown. This length can be reached anywhere between 6 and 12 months. It depends greatly on environment and diet/nutrition and can vary bewtween lizards.

If he isn't struggling or trying to escape, he's probably okay with being held. Don't hold him for too long initially. Gradually increase the handling time to acclimate him. Even though he doesn't struggle, it may still be stressful, so he'll return to a safe place when returned to the enclosure. As he adjusts to his new surroundings, he may begin to explore. A "best guess" on age would be 12 to 16 weeks. Reptiles have different growth rates depending on diet, availability of food and environmental factors.

You will need to gradually acclimate Peanut to handling. Begin by simply sitting by the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Move slowly and speak softly around her. She may retreat to her hide or to the far side of the cage initially. Don't worry, this us normal. When she becomes more accepting and calm, progress to placing your hand in the enclosure. Again, for ever increasing periods of time. She may once again retreat. Make no attempt to touch or hold her. Use small treats to coax her closer to you then onto your hand. Be patient and be consistent. The more you interact with her, the quicker she will become acclimated.

It will take patience and consistency on your part. Spend time sitting by the cage. He may run or hide initially, but when he doesn't, place your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Once again, he may run and hide but make no attempt to touch or hold him. Once he stops running from your hand, use special food treats/prey to entice him onto your hand. Eventually, he will anticipate your presence as meaning a potential meal or treat.

Let him adjust to the new environment for 3-5 days. Do not handle him during this time. After several days, gradually introduce your hand into the enclosure for ever increasing periods of time. As he acclimated to you, you can handle him for shortly periods of time initially. Increase the time as he becomes comfortable but be aware that he can get chilled if not returned to the warm cage.

As long as he is eating regularly, there is no cause for concern. Some days he may eat more crickets than other days. Be sure to remove any uneaten crickets from the cage though. Gut load prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Healthy crickets will lead to a healthy swift. You can also offer mealworms, dubia roaches or waxworms. Confirm pret is no bigger than the space between his eyes.