How to handle little crestie... - Page 3

CDN-Cresties · 07-28-04, 08:24 PM

No problem, the forums are here for questions

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They can be considered adults when they weigh 30-35 grams (recommend breeding weight).The average adult weight lies between 32-45 grams with body length of 8 - 10 inches including tail. Time usual varies for geckos to reach this mark, it all depends what it is fed and the quality of food fed (ie. gutload) I think it takes between 12-14 months to reach this point although they can reach this size at a earlier age but it doesnt necessarly mean that they are mature enough to breed.

PDDM · 07-28-04, 08:27 PM

Ugh...12-14 months seems sooo long!Im very inpatient lol,and i like big geckos(8-10 inches is big for me) cant wait,ive never saw adults till i went to pick up mine where i got to pick up mines possible mother, so nice and bigo>

drewlowe · 07-29-04, 07:07 AM

I waiting until they are at least 7-8 months before i really start to handle them. I feel i can properly handle them now, but i worry about them when they are younger, stress levels and other things.

Jamie

Tigergenesis · 07-29-04, 09:41 AM

I will surely wait. I'm so scared of hurting her - and she seems equally scared.

sara · 07-29-04, 10:08 AM

Why wait? Neither of you are going to get any better about handling without practice. I was discussing this with some other site members last night, and none of us could think of any reason not to handle them at that age. It's great that you guys want to be careful, it actually reminds me of new parents; they think they're going to "break" their kids for the first few months. Be careful, but don't be paranoid. How do you think we get them out of the incubators? lol.
At that age you can feed them pinheads, and at 4-5 weeks they can even take down small 1/4 - 1/2" crix. The best rule of thumb for crickets is: they shouldn't be any longer than the with of the crested's head.
You and your crested will become much more tolerant of handling if you start young.

Tigergenesis · 07-29-04, 11:14 AM

Yeah, I know I sound like a new parent. I tried getting her to jump on my finger last night, but she took off the other way!

PDDM · 07-29-04, 11:16 AM

well me i started picking up mine once a day to feed it,is it ok???

CDN-Cresties · 07-29-04, 01:49 PM

I think that different definitions of handling are being used here...

Tigergenesis · 07-29-04, 02:04 PM

What do you mean Steve? You could be right though.

Spreeguy · 07-29-04, 05:42 PM

Thought i'd throw in my two cents.

So far, this year, we've got 6 hatchlings. Currently the oldest pair is 2.5 months. Not only do I handle them all, but I hand feed them everynight. (I do give them a couple days after hatching, though).

I find that my babies are just as calm as my adults. And the majority of them like to be out.

Tigergenesis · 07-29-04, 06:17 PM

I think I just need to get over my nerves. She's my first lizard and she's just so small. Nothing like snakes!

drewlowe · 07-29-04, 06:19 PM

My definition of handling...

Yes i handle mine when feeding baby food, i make it as quick as possible, After that they go right back into thier cages. They usually dash off to a hiding spot or a place where they think i can't see them.

I don't handle them for long periods of time everyday( more than 5 mins. a day). I personally belive babies should not be handled everyday, but that's just my opinion. Mine "seem" shy to me, always hiding and whatnot. When they start to feel "comfortable" in thier surroundings and start to come out and not be spooked by me (or are subadults) then i will start to handle them more often and for longer periods of time.

Jamie

PDDM · 07-29-04, 06:41 PM

Meh i do like SpreeGuy except i only pick mine up everday to feed it.

CDN-Cresties · 07-29-04, 09:46 PM

drewlowe, you hit the nail on the head

PDDM · 07-30-04, 12:46 AM

i handle my baby everyday but only to feed it.