Biting Leopard Gecko

Question
I just got a leopard gecko from someone who wasn't taking care of him properly. He bites and freaks out a lot, and I don't want to hurt him or do anything wrong when I try to handle him. He's 5 years old, and I'm told he's always been a bit of a nipper (but these people pretty much neglected him). He is very important to me and I want to do everything I can to make him healthy and comfortable. Are there any ways to maybe stop him from biting? I know he's scared, but I don't know what to do.

Answer
Hello Alice,

We can review your tank setup first to make sure that everything is all correct for him.  
Are you using an undertank heater along with a basking light on one end of the tank?  
What type of substrate are you using for him?
Chances are, he has been mishandled previously so it will take some time for him to get used to being handled.
Start with just a few minutes a day of placing your hand inside of the tank slowly.  Eventually, over time, he will warm up to you.  You can try to hand feed him a worm, if he tries to bite you.  Then, maybe he will associate your hand with something good & stop trying to bite.

Let me know how he is doing.

Tracie