Ornate Nile, wont sit still!

[Solid Snake]

Now that my onrnate is eating well and i've had him for about a month, he really hasn't settled yet...

I try to handle him but all he does is jump off my hand. Hes only about a foot long, i think hes about 2 months i believe? Hes a bit shy still, when i come and try to feed him, he'll either run away or just sit still, but if i reach for him, he'll run off like hell. One time i was cleaning the tank and opened the lid, he used the log as a booster and as soon as i could blink, he hoped off and out of the tank:rolleyes: smartass mofo lol. he's really quick too!

I was just wondering, do niles take food off your hands or tongs? and is it possible for someone to handle it without it jumping or running away? Or are they like this?

edit - His head is kinda white, or dryer then his body, i mean his body is darker then his head. what is wrong with it?

[V.hb]

This is normal man, Niles are very skittish. Iam sure you knew this getting into it. What worked for me was just daily cage maintenance, and after awhile my nile stopped running away, and eventually i began handling.
Good luck!

[burmer]

Niles will feed out of hands, off of tongs, off the walls etc... I would feed off tongs though. Feeding out of hand could get you hurt in the long run. As far as handling give it some time. I let mine settle in for awhile before I tried to handle him. V.hb is right cage maintenance is a good way to start. Let him see you hand in the enclosure and get used to it. Thats how I did it too. Mine is seven months now. He isn't the easiest to handle but he's not biting anymore. He is just flighty for the first few minutes and then he settles in.
Good luck.

[Steeve B]

most nils take years befor they allow handling, can you handle that?

[Solid Snake]

Originally posted by V.hb
Niles are very skittish. Iam sure you knew this getting into it.

lol nope, i've only owned a savanah and they are totally different.

can someone tell me why his head is grayish black?

i'll have pics soon

[reptile171]

most nils take years befor they allow handling, can you handle that?

ehhh.....not true at all!

[Steeve B]

sorry reptile 171 I must have confused with an other lisard?

[chuck911jeep]

Hehe Steve! Yes, i'm sure you confused lizards, monitor lizards Héhé! Take care fellow