How much can you handle Cresteds?

[kc261]

We've been considering getting a lizard for our younger daughter. Mostly, she is interested in leos, but we are considering cresteds also. So I wouldn't mind comments about either species.

However, my main reason for posting is to ask about how much you can handle cresteds. We've gotten widely varied responses on this in pet stores. Right now she has a betta, and she has mostly done a wonderful job of taking care of it with only a little help, but she really wants something she can hold, and since she is taking care of the betta so well we think maybe she is ready (with lots of help of course). But if cresteds should not be handled, we will eliminate them from consideration.

Thanks!

[mlededee]

Hatchlings should be handled a minimal amount, but once they reach about 3 months of age they can be handled for about 10-15 minutes each day. You may have to start with shorter amounts of time to get them used to being handled. I would recommend starting with a gecko that is at least 3-4 months old since it will be handled by your daughter. You should also consider getting one from a breeder or petstore that has handled the gecko a fair amount so that you know it is used to some handling and that you won't have to start from scratch with a super jumpy gecko.

[kc261]

Thanks for the reply. That helps!

[Colin Vestrand]

my 21 month old son handles ours (with obvious supervision), if that answers your question.
he can't talk too much yet, but everyday he pleads, 'pet geckos please!' and if he knows he can't handle them he says 'geckos night-night?' the geckos don't seem to mind!

[Envied Reptiles]

I dont see any reason a healthy gecko couldn't be handled daily. The only downside is some are a bit flighty, but almost all will calm down with a bit of handling. I have one particular gecko that I swear enjoys it. When I open his cage he comes right over to me and walks onto my hand. I always give him a little food and let him crawl around on me while I feed. The only downside is babies are tiny and fragile, and a lot of them have a tendency to crap on you if you keep them out for more than a couple minutes.