Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) make for great beginner pet lizards for hobbyists of all ages. Crepuscular in nature, they are the most active during twilight around dusk and dawn. Due to their gentle and docile temperament, leopard geckos are one of the best reptile pets for handling. They are usually skittish when they are young, but they become much more docile and calm as they get older.
Best Reptile Pets For Handling
Leopard geckos tolerate handling very well. They are coldblooded animals, so they will often lay on the palm of your hand to enjoy the warmth of your hand. Unlike other gecko species, leopard geckos are ground-dwelling lizards with claws instead of sticky pads on their feet. You can feel their claws when they hold on to you, but it won’t hurt as their claws are very small.
Leopard geckos rarely bite unless threatened. Key to not spook a leopard gecko is by slow movements. When approaching them with your hands, try to approach from the side of them and scoop them up. If you approach from the backside and touch their tail first, they may get spooked. When you see a leopard gecko wave their tail slowly back and forth, that’s their defensive posture. This tail waving behavior means they are spooked and you should wait until they calm down before attempting to pick them up.
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