That EWS baby looks more like a year old. Certainly not 5 weeks.
It's only about 2-2.5 inches long estimate nose to vent (which is consistant with her (based on the head shape and back legs and pelvis size) being extremely young), she's certainly the tinniest EWS I've ever seen (and I've seen lots of them and when I was a kid used to catch lots of them to bring home and keep for a while as pets). But you are right, I don't really know it's exact age however it stays close to Lizzy when she's outside and I frequently see them near each other. Never saw this little EWS before Fathers' Day and Lizzy showed up (thin again) at the same time. All strong circumstantial evidence.
I do have EWS growth charts that I found recently in the scientific literature that once I get good data on the baby's size I can use to tie down it's age more accurately .... it's getting well fed but remains very shy.
Gecko - I refer you to
http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/.../trying-work-age-baby-ews-170283/#post2071957 this should close this tangent off and end it.
You have a way with skinks, ill give you that. Never seen a wild EWD just do that with a human you are very very lucky, im jealous haha
Well to be honest - I was surprised that it allowed me to pick it up at all. I've not tried picking it up again, and has come back regularly, I'm content to just to quietly watch it and toss the occasional food treat to it, and yes I do have one sided conversions with all my regular visiting and resident lizards and they all get food treats.
I've had similar experiences with wild blueys and beardies and green tree frogs and a bigger EWD too.
I think you can tell from how the lizard is behaving around you if it's ready to hand feed or to touch it. All a matter building a trusting relationship over time with them and patience is the key IMO.
Being retired, I have time to spare now, whereas when I was working, the resident and regularly visiting lizards didn't see me around as much and I didn't have the time available to just hang out and interact with them.
Yes I feel very privileged having so many wonderful wild lizards around and do everything I can to encourage them to stick around and am working on making my property even more lizard and frog friendly.
I only wish more people did the same and would learn to appreciate these incredible animals.