Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Playing Basics
• Part 2 of 2: Playing with your gecko
• Tips
• Warnings

Leopard geckos (also called leopard geckos) are curious creatures that will enjoy playing with them if you treat them right. Follow these steps to learn how to play with your leopard gecko. You will be surprised how cute these little lizards can be.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Playing Basics

1. Start playing with your gecko when it is still young. If you have just bought your gecko, it will need some time to adjust to its new home; let him sit in his bowl for a few days so he can get comfortable and explore. Feel troubled if, once he has seen his new home, he does not come out of hiding for a week. That said, the sooner you become familiar with your gecko, the better. Geckos that have been played with at an early age are usually much calmer and cuddly later in life.
   • An ideal age to start playing with your gecko is when he's four to five months old, but any age is good for getting him comfortable with people.
2. Be aware that your gecko may panic a bit about you. In the wild, anything as big as we are is seen by a gecko as a threat. Don't feel bad if your gecko takes some time to thaw towards you. Just imagine if a gentle giant came up to you and wanted you to crawl on his hand. You would probably need a little time to make sure he really is a gentle giant.
   • Don't chase your gecko. If you are impatient to start playing with your gecko, settle for learning everything about your leopard gecko. When furnishing his new home, make sure to create hiding places that your gecko can enter without being watched. Sometimes your gecko just wants some alone time, and remember, they are nocturnal, so you shouldn't disturb them during the day.
   • While watching your gecko, you can familiarize yourself with your new pet. Locate your gecko's ears (the large holes on the sides of the gecko's head). Count how many toes he has on each of his feet. Count and keep an eye on how many spots your gecko has (a leopard gecko's spots will change as it ages).
3. Let your gecko get used to your hand. It is very important to do this because if your gecko doesn't get used to your hand, it will never get comfortable playing with it. Your gecko will be mainly active at night, usually after you turn off the lights in its enclosure. At this point, keep your hand in the cage and rest it on the bottom of the cage. Do not make unexpected movements or you may scare your gecko. Have your gecko examine your hand - it will likely lick your fingers, crawl over your hand, and eventually settle where your hand is warmest.Don't pull your hand away when your gecko tries to lick it. Until you create a bond between you and your leopard gecko, the gecko will see you as a hunter. If you pull away when he tries to lick you, he will try to lick you in the future to make you leave so he can be alone. If your gecko doesn't have human company, then it won't want human company, and that will lead to an unfriendly gecko.
   • Don't be discouraged if your gecko doesn't want to crawl over your hand right away. All geckos are different - some are more adventurous than others. Repeat this step every night, putting your hand on the bottom of the tray. Eventually, your gecko will come to investigate.
4. Be careful with your gecko's tail. Geckos can shed their tails if they think a hunter is holding their tail, or if they are startled. Never lift your gecko by its tail. Avoid making your gecko feel cornered or threatened. If he doesn't feel like being taken in your hands and keeps running away from your hand, pause trying to pick him up. Then try again later.
5. Know what treats you can give your gecko. There are several different treats you can give to your gecko, most of which can be purchased at the pet store. These include wax moths and baby mice.
   • Wax moths: These are the most common treats to give your gecko. Geckos like the taste, but they are high in phosphorus and fat. So don't give them too often (no more than one every two weeks or so, especially if your gecko is over a year old, as this can lead to obesity.)
6. Know how often to play with your Leopard Gecko. Every gecko is different, but a good rule of thumb is not to take your gecko out more than two or three times a week. Taking him out of his cage more often can make him agitated and nervous.

Part 2 of 2: Playing with your gecko

1. Watch a movie with your gecko. While this isn't necessarily "play," it is a great way to spend quality time with your gecko. Make your gecko feel comfortable by letting it sit in its favorite warm spot on your body, then curl up to watch a movie. Some Leopard Gecko owners have noticed their geckos staring at the screen. Others will simply fall asleep in a warm place.
2. Know when to put your gecko back in its tank. Geckos need heat to maintain their energy levels. When they are climbing or running around in an area that is not as warm as their tank, they can get very tired. A good rule of thumb is to check your gecko's tummy after playing with it for 10 minutes. If its tummy feels cold, put your gecko back in its tank so it can warm up again.

Tips

• Let your gecko get used to your touch. You will have to be patient and let your gecko warm up to you. They will not like switching from a solitary life to being touched every day.
• Always be gentle with your gecko, it is a sensitive creature.
• Always be gentle, and make sure you never touch or grasp its tail, as it may release it.

Warnings

• Don't feed your gecko too many wax moths to avoid getting too fat and very unhealthy.
• Pull up never on the tail of your gecko, and don't touch it as it may let go.
• Never keep your finger under his jaw. He will feel threatened and will try to bite, which can cause an injured jaw.