Is my baby crested gecko comfortable with handling? Why hide?

Hello. While 75-80F is a good range for the warm end of the cage, it would be ideal to have temps from 68-75 at the cooler end so he can self regulate his temperature. If the enclosure is too small to allow such a temperature gradient, then you may find your gecko will become stressed from being either too hot or too cold, and then susceptible to infection. Look through the enclosure and over his body for signs of infection or illness. Count food items offered so you can be sure how much he eats. Also consider a red or blue bulb for night viewing. This may help you observe his nocturnal activity better. Regardless, a new pet exam by a veterinarian is always a good idea to ensure good health and proper husbandry. Good luck!

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.

Hello, here is a link to care sheet for crested geckos. I suggest you read it carefully and make sure you are doing everything correct with regards to husbandry. I think this will answer most of your questions but if not, feel free to post again. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/ ) You cannot tell their age unless you know when they were born. Short of that all you can do is guess based on size.

I suggest you refer to this article. It may help you and answer all of your questions. http://www.moonvalleyreptiles.com/crested-geckos/care/crested-gecko-handling Also, there are some good YouTube videos that people have made on this subject. You can look some of those up as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX47aYkrNSg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB4iZI-MSWc Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is definitely OK! It is possible he was handled frequently before you got him, so he is already used to being handled. He may also just have a personality where he isn't afraid of being picked up. As a reminder, geckos can carry infections that can make humans sick, so always wash your hands well after handling him! I hope this is helpful.

She may be a bit cautious and apprehensive in her new environment. Give her a few days to acclimate. Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially heat /temperature. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. make sure the lighting is not too bright also.

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.