Taming my albino's

[makaveli]

I have 2 albino leo's and They are crazy, I can't hold them for 1 sec with out them jumping out my hand. My male is the worst, I have had my female for about 4 months and my male for about 3. I heard you have to work with them, but I am scared they will jump and get hurt or be lost. I have heard albinos are a little more jumpy is this true? I just got a blizzard and she lets me hold her with no problem.

[Zoe]

Albinos can be less easy to tame and handle because many of them don't see well and are therefore more afraid of "Scary things coming from above."
Since they are still so scampery, you'll want to just hold them in your hand with your hand in the tank. That way, they are comfortable enough being in their tank and if they jump, they'll only fall an inch and won't hurt themselves. If they run away, let them, but go back a little while later and start again. Never restrain them, just scoop your hand under their legs so they are forced to stand in your palm.
Eventually, being held in your open hand in the cage will be "old news" to them and you will be able to take them out for a minute without walking around, then you can take them over to a table or couch and stuff and let them explore.
One step at a time, make sure they are always comfortable as soon as they get worried but them back in the cage and try again later.
Also, don't try ALL the time. Handle them for a few minutes, once or twice, daily or every other day, until they don't mind - then you can start handling them more frequently and for a longer amount of time.

Zoe

[Neo]

u could also try dimming the lights when u hold them. and no sudden moves.. hehe and a big meal right before helps slow em down

[makaveli]

Thanks

[geckomom]

Have a baby albino myself, and some of the same "challenges" you've got with yours.

The idea of first letting them explore your hand and then holding them in the tank is working for me at this point, slowly but surely.

I'm noticing the difference in vision, compared to my normals, also. My 'bino also has problems "targeting" prey items...so that sounds like a real logical reason for them to be jumpy.

Good luck!

[LISA127]

My albino leo is tamer and calmer than my normal leo.