It takes a while.... I was doing that routinely throughout August then I went back to work in September But ive noticed particularly on a weekend he ventures out of his hide and goes to his slate for food! It's great to see this because this was one of the reasons I bought him. He was so active at the reptile shop but when we brought him home he sulked/hid in his hide. I think me not handling him as much has made him a little bit more independent! We still have cuddles at soak times though