Newbie here

[Jsw469]

So I got my BTS about a week ago. Right now he comes out while I am not here, but run to his hide when I get home. So my question is, so I wait till he starts staying out of his hide before handling, or start handling him now an let him get comfortable in my arms

[splashy07]

Hello and welcome! Is your BT a captive bred baby or an import? Sometimes it makes a difference, and others it does not. Here's an example, I recently bought a baby eastern from a breeder that was VERY shy and would run like heck every time I walked past the enclosure. Approaching three months old now she(he)? looks right at me when I talk to her, stays put when I change water, etc. and is becoming a real pet. When I wanted to take her out I just went right in there and got her, regardless.
Same with a baby northern that I kept from my litter this year. I have in the past raised baby Meraukes and Halmaheras that were imported and did the same, just went right in there and picked up when I wanted and they calmed down and even ate from my hand right after. Hard to say what to do, I guess it's just what you're comfortable with. I've been keeping reptiles forever and found if you show no fear neither do they. Gentle handling and treats for the most part always wins.

[alichamp]

Sorry jsw, I posted a reply a few days ago but it has disappeared! I'll try again.

Give him (her) some time to settle in to his new home. This can take a good few weeks but if he's given this settle in period he will hopefully start to feel more secure and will start being more curious. He really needs some time to learn that you are no threat to him. Running to his hide when you are near means that he hasn't learned that yet, so don't pull him out of his hide or dig him up from under substrate for handling.

Once he settles down and is more curious, you can handle him when he is out of his hides, for short periods of time - 10 or 15 minutes at a time, then put him back in. Try and make it a positive experience - scoop him up supporting both sets of legs so he is well supported and let him sit on your arm or lap, don't pet him too much (ie don't stroke him like you would a dog), and you might offer him treats (small mouthfuls of berries, or other soft fruits) so that he learns you bring good things too. However, mine wouldn't take these treats when sitting with us, so instead we offered treats in his house but while we were standing there so he could at least enjoy his treats while exposed to our presence.

He will come around but it just takes time. Let us know how you go and if there's no improvement in a few weeks let us know as it's possible a different approach might help move things along. In the meantime it's just getting to know each other.

The FAQs has some useful information on The first few weeks, and picking up your skink (and some others) so definitely check those out too.

Hope this helps. And yes, we like bluey photos and lots of them! (hint hint)