handling questions

[new2tegus]

So I'm at the point where he trusts me, quite a bit now. He will come over, take food from me, and sleep on me. He will even sleep facing away from me with my hand behind him. The cage until I get a stand is on the ground, which is fine but makes it difficult to get my hand into a position to pick him up. The last time I tried to pick him up, he freaked out, but then came over and slept on my hand. I want him to relate me with a good experience, not the I fall asleep or go near his hand I get grabbed reaction. If I had to pick him up I am fine doing it, if need be, I just don't want to betray his trust. Suggestions?

 

[dragonmetalhead]

How are you picking him up? Reptiles don't like to be grabbed from above; that's the way a predator would grab them. Gently scooping up from below while keeping their legs supported is a method that works great for me with lizards and snakes (sans the leg bit for the latter, lol).

 

[jdpFL]

Yep....good support of the body so they don't feel like they will fall....and more of a scoop not a grab so they don't think you want to eat them. Those things help them feel secure. I also like to let mine sit on my hand within the enclosure to further build trust.

 

[new2tegus]

Okay , that's probably why, thank you guys. Didn't even think about that. I went from above. Right after the whole thing he came over to my hand and plopped his head down and went to sleep, so can't imagine to much harm being done haha.

 

[dragonmetalhead]

You're welcome. I'm sure you did no permanent harm. Let us know how the handling progresses.