It’s no surprise that geckos are amongst the most popular pet reptiles, particularly among beginners. They are generally docile and simple to domesticate, and they require little in the way of care and maintenance. When it comes to picking a pet reptile, the leopard gecko (Leo) is considered to be the best option overall. But along with easy care, are leopard geckos fun to play with?
If treated appropriately, leos are exciting creatures that appreciate having their curiosity piqued and being made to have fun. They are totally fun-loving reptiles.
Basics of Gecko’s Handling and Playing
When your gecko is still young, you should start handling it. After you get your new Leo home will require some time to become used to its new surroundings. It should be left to remain in its tank for a maximum of one day unless it is stressed; in that case, give it some additional time to explore and become comfortable. You shouldn’t feel terrible if, after it has checked out its house, it stays in its preferred hiding area for a time and doesn’t come out to see you. The sooner you get to know your gecko, the better since geckos who are treated and played with when they are young are typically much more docile and affectionate when they are held when they are older. The earlier you get to know your gecko, the better.
If you want to start playing with your gecko, the optimal age to do so is when it is between five and six months old; however, you may start playing with it at any age that is ok for you as long as it is not still a hatchling.
Make your Leo’s area reptile proof
Leopard geckos, particularly younger individuals, are exceedingly nimble and will flee if they are given the opportunity. When you first start to play with your gecko, you should construct an area in which you are sure that your gecko will not be able to escape, such as a container or a bin. You may also select a room and install a barrier made of pillows or other soft objects to separate your Leo from the rest of the home after you have made your selection. Just ensure that the obstacles you have set up are not composed of anything that may cause them to topple over and damage your gecko. When you are moving around the home with your gecko, it is essential to ensure that all windows and doors are shut. This is because your gecko should not be exposed to drafts, and other animals if you have any, might potentially come and bother your gecko.
Your gecko should become more manageable once it has been accustomed to being removed from its cage. When this occurs, you will be capable of handling your gecko in various environments, including your mattress, couch, ground, and so on.
Let your Leo explore
Geckos are inquisitive, energetic, and exploratory creatures in general; thus, you should give your gecko free reign over its environment. Give your gecko permission to climb up your arms, sit on your shoulder, and even coil up in your hair if it wants to. Because leos are cold-blooded and human skin feels like a sun-baked stone to them, you should be prepared for your lizard to find a place on your body where they can find heat and make their home there. You shouldn’t be too startled if your Leo decides to hang out in the crook of your arm or around your neck at some point.
You may also allow your gecko to investigate its surroundings by rolling up a piece of cloth and placing it on your mattress. Allow your gecko to explore the towel at its own leisure in order for it to locate its ideal cave or hiding spot. When it is time to put your gecko back in his tank, you will need to make sure that you keep a close check on him so that you will know where he has concealed himself.
Allow your gecko to investigate an empty room or even your bed. Geckos like to climb, even if they aren’t very adept at it, and they prefer to find spaces to crawl into, so you should let it creep under as well as around the cushions and pillows. You must maintain a close check on your gecko at all times and never allow it to be unattended; otherwise, you run the danger of losing it.
Construct a maze for your gecko to crawl through
Obtain a trash can or a huge box, and then fill it with various “obstacles.” These can be anything from paper towel tubes that are big enough for your gecko to crawl through to smaller boxes that are just the right size for your gecko to climb over. Use your imagination! You may give your gecko’s obstacle course a one-of-a-kind look by placing old toys or climbing mountains in the box for it to climb on. These climbing trees can be purchased at pet stores.
Spend some time watching a movie with your Leo
Even while this activity does not strictly fall under the category of “playing,” it is a beautiful opportunity to have a fun time with your gecko. After you’ve helped your gecko settle in by letting it perch in its preferred warm position on your body, you can finally relax down to watch some television. The owners of leopard geckos have reported that their pets have been observed staring at screens. Others will simply nod out wherever the heat is strongest. However, you should ensure that the music is not too loud because it might frighten and stress out your gecko.
Set up a Leo carnival
This is quite similar to setting up an assault course for your Leo, with the primary exception being that the lizard is not attempting to cross from one side of the enclosure to the other. Instead, you should provide your gecko with “gecko toys” in the form of climbing trees, sections of carpet, and paper towel rolls, and then simply let it play in the box. It’s possible that the amusing things geckos do may surprise you. Some people get a thrill from climbing to the top of trees and then leaping down again. Some people like having fun playing with a roll of paper towels. The best method to figure out what your gecko enjoys is to host a carnival for it and let it choose its own activities.
Learn when it is safe to place your Leo back in its tank
Geckos can only maintain their high energy levels if they are kept warm. It is possible for them to feel tired if they are climbing or moving around in a location that is not as warm as their tank. After interacting with your Leo for ten minutes, performing a belly check on them is a good idea. This will help you avoid any potential health problems. If you notice that the belly of your gecko is chilly to the touch, you should put it back in its tank so that it can warm up again.
What are the dangers of having fun with Leos?
Here are some of the dangers that you must avoid while having fun with your leopard gecko:
- Under no circumstances should your finger ever be placed under Leo’s jaw. Because of this, it will try to bite, which might lead to an injury to the jaw. It will feel threatened
- If you give your gecko an excessive amount of waxworms, it might grow fat and suffer from a host of other health problems.
- To prevent your gecko’s tail from becoming detached, you should never tug on it or touch it roughly.
Do leos require entertainment?
They absolutely adore being amused, played with, and touched in any way. You must begin handling your gecko as soon as it is old enough to be touched, talk to it, and provide it with an abundance of tasty food.