Crested geckos are becoming increasingly popular as pets, thanks to their unique appearances, calm demeanors, and relatively simple care requirements. However, there seems to be some debate within the crested gecko community about whether these gentle lizards enjoy being handled by their human caretakers. In this article, we’ll explore what science and expert experience reveals about crested geckos’ preferences for handling and interaction.
The Nature of Crested Geckos
To understand whether crested geckos like being held, it helps to first look at their typical behaviors and natural history in the wild. Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are arboreal lizards native to the southern islands of New Caledonia. This means they spend their lives primarily dwelling in trees and dense forests. They are nocturnal and solitary in the wild, only coming together to breed. When threatened, crested geckos will camouflage themselves against tree bark or hide in the forest canopy. Overall, their instincts and natural behaviors lean toward avoiding interaction and handling by predators or other animals.
However, crested geckos have also been extensively bred in captivity, often being exposed to regular gentle handling by humans from a young age. Captive born and bred crested geckos tend to be more accustomed to human touch compared to wild caught specimens. With proper acclimation when young, crested geckos can become quite comfortable being handled by their owners.
Signs a Crested Gecko Likes Being Held
Crested geckos display certain behaviors that indicate whether they are comfortable with handling or prefer to be left alone. Here are some signs that a crested gecko may enjoy human touch and interaction:
- Does not attempt to flee or jump off the hand when being held
- Closes its eyes and relaxes its body when handled
- Slowly climbs over the hands and explores when handled
- Rests calmly on a person’s shoulder or chest when held
- Does not aggressively bite or whip its tail when picked up
A crested gecko that displays these behaviors is likely comfortable being held by a human. It feels secure and unthreatened. However, each gecko has its own personality – some will never enjoy handling no matter how well habituated they are.
Signs a Crested Gecko Dislikes Being Held
Just as important as noticing when a crested gecko likes handling is recognizing when it feels threatened and should be left alone. Here are some indicators that a crested gecko is stressed by human touch and interaction:
- Jumps or lunges away when a hand approaches in the tank
- Opens its mouth wide and gapes when touched
- Curls up in a ball or presses itself to the floor of the tank when handled
- Whips or waves its tail rapidly from side to side
- Vocalizes loudly and distressingly
- Bites or nips fingers aggressively
A gecko displaying this body language clearly does not enjoy being picked up or held. It feels threatened and unsafe. Forcing interaction in these cases can cause undue stress and harm to the gecko.
Handling Tips for Crested Gecko Well-Being
To ensure handling is a positive experience for both crested gecko and owner, here are some best practices to follow:
- Handle young geckos frequently from an early age to habituate them to human touch.
- Always properly support the gecko’s body and limbs when picking up.
- Do not grab or restrain the gecko if it is struggling – gently return it to its enclosure.
- Keep handling sessions brief at first to avoid stressing the gecko.
- Pay close attention to the gecko’s signals and body language when holding it.
- Reward calm, relaxed behavior with treats like baby food or honey.
- Never force a frightened or agitated gecko to be handled.
Following these simple guidelines will create enjoyable handling experiences for both pet and owner while respecting the gecko’s comfort and well-being.
The Effects of Handling on Crested Gecko Health
Appropriate handling can have some benefits for a crested gecko’s health and quality of life. For example:
- Social interaction and mental stimulation
- Opportunity to explore new environments
- Exercise from climbing and moving around
- Routine health examinations facilitated
- Stronger bond and trust between gecko and caretaker
However, mishandling or excessive handling against a gecko’s wishes can negatively impact its health by:
- Causing chronic stress
- Increasing risk of falls or injury
- Spreading contamination and disease
- Weakening the gecko’s bond and trust with its handler
Finding the right balance of handling for each individual gecko is key to optimizing the benefits while minimizing any risks to their well-being.
The Ideal Amount of Handling Time
| Gecko Age | Recommended Handling Time |
|---|---|
| 0 – 6 months | 10-15 minutes daily |
| 6 – 12 months | 15-20 minutes daily |
| 1 – 3 years | 20-30 minutes 2-3 times weekly |
| > 3 years | 15-20 minutes 2-3 times weekly |
Younger geckos benefit from more frequent but shorter handling sessions to become habituated. As geckos mature, the frequency can be reduced but session duration lengthened. Elderly or health compromised geckos may only tolerate shorter, occasional handling.
Conclusion
So do crested geckos like being held by humans? With proper captive breeding and handling from a young age, many crested geckos can become quite comfortable interacting with their owners. However, their enjoyment of handling depends strongly on the individual gecko’s unique personality. Some may never take well to touch. By observing each gecko’s unique signals, going at their pace, and never forcing interaction, both gecko and human can enjoy safe, enriching handling experiences together.
