Gauge the Grumpasaurus

[ILoveMyMonsters]

So my little girl is still being moody...I went to change her food and water this morning, and I must have accidentially woke her, because she came charging out of her log at me. Didn't try to bite for once, but she was hissing like crazy. She stayed in the corner pouting and gaping at me - so pretty much being all until I left for work an hour later. I'm not handling her more than once a day (IF that) because of the settling in period and she is usually asleep by the time I come home from work. I also only hold her if she is already awake, so don't think I'm intentionally disturbing her.

Is there anything I can do to help appease her? I'm not panicking, but I don't want this to get out of hand and end up with an aggressive skink. I hope this is just a phase and she will snap out of it.

[Linnea]

since you wrote its still her settling in period, why are you surprised shes still hissing and gaping at you? xD probably all normal.

some of them need a long settle in time without any handling at all....some are very ''friendly'' from the very beginning. if you were off to a bad start, dont be too quick. wear gloves if youre worried when you start handling in a few weeks.

though, if shes alone all day and then already asleep when you get home, its kinda hard to get some "quality time" when she can just stare at you and see that youre not "attacking" every time she sees you.....

just, give her time for now. if it doesnt get better in a few weeks of letting her getting accustomed to her new home, im sure some more experienced forum members have better ideas. before that i dont think anyone can change her overnight....


some regular tips i read is to give her more hides to feel more secure, and theres also the unconventional method to play some music at low level in the background......not sure if you should try that last one though lol

[Katrina]

I think you are worrying a bit prematurely. Gauge isn't being grumpy, pouty or moody - those are human emotions. Gauge is still a scared little skink that thinks you might be a giant predator. It will take some time before she is more comfortable and more trusting - you need to be patient and let her settle in. Just handle her gently, for short periods of time and let her slowly get used to you. She isn't being moody, she thinks that she is in danger and she is doing what instincts tell her to do to try to survive.

Good luck!

[phaemas]

Though Marvin was all happy to settle in within hours you should just let her settle in. I know that with marvin if I don't handle him and pet him for more than a few days he gets MAD at me and refused to let me touch him.

I recently put a box in his enclousure and he LOVES basking on it and hiding in itXD when he does only his tail sticks out the entnce:D

try adding stuff to her cage like a box. i put it un because I hadn't seen marvin for a week and he LOVED it:D

[Zach]

I suppose it comes down to personal opinion as there's no science to when animals should first be held when in a new environment, but a few weeks seems way too long, at least it would be for me. If I had an aggressive skink, I would provide a hide, but keep the animal (even if only temporary) in a high traffic area such as your living room. This way, when you're home from work, making dinner, doing whatever, the animal will become adjusted to the sounds and movement of people. Still provide that hide because you don't want too much stress early on, but this will be a good first step. I would also handle the animal daily while you watch a show, work on the computer, anything that isn't going to be too loud or movements too quick. Eventually, with regular handling, the animal will know nothing else but it's daily activities with you, and you should be good. However, I will be completely honest -- we had a Merauke that wasn't necessary aggressive, but did hiss quite a bit and never really tamed down. He was always in a high traffic area too. I believe he was wild caught though.

Good luck!

[ILoveMyMonsters]

I wouldn't call her aggressive just yet, hence why I'm not overly concerned. She's still a baby and still adjusting to her surroundings, but that doesn't stop me from calling her "sassy." But I cannot have her out for anything unless she has somewhere to hide. I had her in my lap not too long ago as I was working on the computer, and just the movements of my hands on the keyboard were upsetting her, and she was being all while doing . So right now, she's eyeing me from her hide on my desk. She's got a long way to go...but I'll tame her yet. I love a good challenge when it comes to animals.

The fun part? She's going to her first vet visit tomorrow afternoon for a wellness check-up. This should be an adventure.

PS: In case you have failed to notice by now, I am obsessed with emoticons.