have an easy-going temperament and are well
suited to handling. Cunningham’s Skinks may also
be handled, but may not be so even-tempered and
can be prone to being snappy.
Much like pythons, lizards should not be handled for
excessively long periods of time, despite how calm
or relaxed they may appear. Up to half an hour
would be an acceptable amount of time to have a
lizard outside its enclosure; many enjoy an outdoor
handling session in the sun to soak up some ultra-
violet rays. Each of a lizard’s limbs should be in
contact with your hands at all times, so that they
feel secure when being held at a height. Care must
be taken with hatchling dragons as they may sit still
for a while and then decide to jump or run in a quick
burst of activity. Placing a hatchling in your hand
with your thumb gently over its back will ensure the
animal is unable to jump or fall.
Turtles.
One group of reptiles that generally do not tolerate
handling well are turtles. Turtles should be consid-
ered as an ‘observational pet’ and are far happier
spending time in the water than on a human hand!
Hatchling turtles in particular will stress considerably
when removed from the water for extended periods
of time and handling of young turtles should be
avoided completely, other than removing the animal
for cleaning or feeding. As turtles become older and
more confident they can be removed from their tank
for short periods of time, particularly to enjoy some
time outside in the sun. If you are taking your turtle
outside, make sure it is not during the middle of the
day in intense heat and that the animal is under
direct supervision the entire time to ensure it does
not overheat.
When a turtle is removed from its tank it should be
supported on both the plastron (belly) and carapace
(top) with two hands. Larger turtles can kick out with
their legs so care must be taken not to drop the
animal when handling it outside the water.
Unfortunately, some people decide to keep a turtle
based solely on the animal’s ‘cute’ appearance, and
assume they will be able to hold their pet on a daily
basis, when this in fact causes unnecessary stress
to the reptile. Despite not enjoying regular handling,
turtles are confident and entertaining reptiles to
keep and will quickly learn to take food from your
hand - even swimming up and down the tank in
anticipation of a feed when you enter the room.
Amphibians.
Frogs are another group of animals that do not
tolerate handling well. Not only can handling cause
significant stress for many amphibians, but they
also have permeable skin and can absorb
potentially-harmful chemicals and oils that may be
present on your hands. If a frog must be handled, it
is therefore important to wash your hands
thoroughly and ensure there is no soap
residue left over. Your hands should be
moistened; the animal can then be cupped in
both hands, keeping in mind that many
species of frog will jump unexpectedly. Frogs
make great display animals and can be
housed in attractive, naturally-planted,
bio-active enclosures.
Reptiles make fascinating and intriguing pets,
however, as responsible keepers, their
welfare must be our top priority at all times.
Whilst we gain enjoyment from interacting
with them, we must consider the impact of
handling on the reptile. Many reptiles can be
handled and are very tolerant and accepting
of it providing it is done in the correct manner
and for reasonable amounts of time.
Left: frogs make great display animals in
naturally-planted, bio-active enclosures - like
this one, that author Ben Dessen constructed
more than two years ago.