How to handle a nervous or squirmish crested gecko without stressing it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, crested geckos are an excellent choice if you have never kept reptiles. An enclosure is easy to set up and the proper diet is easy to purchase. Follow the link for a caresheet. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/

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!

Hello, I suggest you refer to this article on handling tips. There is more information than I am able to fit in this forum. If after reading this you have more questions feel free to ask again. Please be as specific as possible when asking questions. ( http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/handling.htm ) There are also many YouTube videos that may be helpful. Just search for them! Best wishes.