I tried dead worms and they didnt eat them but then i got one of those feeding bowls that make the worms move and they ate them after that.
lepoard gecko
- Thread starter JAWZ
- Start date
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
I tried dead worms and they didnt eat them but then i got one of those feeding bowls that make the worms move and they ate them after that.
I did a similar thing, I just held onto the worm and wiggled it in front of them! If it didn't move, they wouldn't eat it. Their bite if the accidently get you is pretty weak. Like a soft pinch. BTW, that was the only time I've ever been bitten by them.
I fed mine mealworms and crickets that were coated with calcium power. I also put a dish of calcium in, just in case. Make sure they have fresh, clean water at all times.
Mine were very curious, never shy. They don't like to be held, they just kind of put up with it. But they don't sit still when holding them, they'll constantly try to walk around and squirm about. You don't want to restrain them either, they are pretty fragile.
One thing I really liked aout them was their ease of care. They actually designate a bathroom. Once you see poop somewhere in the enclosure, they'll do it in the same spot everytime.
Someone made a comment about calcisand causing impaction. I wouldn't go so far as saying don't use it at all. I would definately never use it for a baby or juvenile, but I used it in my cage with the adults and never had a single problem.
They are neat little lizards IMO. I'd like to get another one sometime. Some of the "designer" Leopards from breeders are damn cool as well.
what i usually hear about calcium sands is not to use it with babies and juveniles, its only "extra careful" keepers who refuse to use it for adults as well.
The calcium sand is bad with any reptile of any size because the animals smell the calcium in the sand and assume it is good to eat. Then when they eat it they get compaction in the intestines and what not and eventually die a slow painful death. I would highly recommend using paper towel at least until they hit about 6" then use REGULAR sand not calcium sand. And if you use sand in the enclosure you must take them out to fed them unless your hand feeding them. Otherwise if they miss the cricket or whatever it is they will eat a bunch of sand and get compaction. Also you can just use paper towel or newspaper for their whole life if you want.
Chad
Chad
For substrate I have been using birdseed, That way I am just replacing it completely once a week and the birds get the discards, Also using it for the beardies.
from what i hear, leoapard geckos are the corn snakes of the lizard world
they offer something to both newbies and experts
as substrate, id use astroturf stuff, forgot what the petstores call it, just get 2 pieces and rotate them, spray down when dirty
i dont feed mealworms anymore, i had a few western fence lizards die from their stomach being eaten out
pinkies are controversial, but just use them occasionaly in my opinion
they offer something to both newbies and experts
as substrate, id use astroturf stuff, forgot what the petstores call it, just get 2 pieces and rotate them, spray down when dirty
i dont feed mealworms anymore, i had a few western fence lizards die from their stomach being eaten out
pinkies are controversial, but just use them occasionaly in my opinion
the calci sands are supposed to break down in their stomach and i have yet to see any sand come out in the poop of mine, or hear a fisrt hand experience of someone'e leo being impacted with calcium sand. i dont know if it is true that they can actually smell the calcium in the sand and thats why they may eat it (if they even eat it any more than normal sand, which definitely wont break down in their stomach).
I work for an exotic only vet clinic.
The #1 reason we see leopard geckos is sand impaction. I have seen it happen from both calcium sand and quartz sand. I have taken at least 50 x-rays of this problem, so the diagnosis is definite.
My theory is that when husbandry conditions are anything less than optimal, the reptile begins to exhibit pica-appetite (deliberate ingestion of non-food items). I also theorize that it is most commonly caused by a lack of UVB lighting, thus preventing D3 synthesis, thus preventing appropriate absorbtion of calcium.
I have seen this many times, and have administered treatments that have saved reptiles lives, but the smaller the animal the less chance of survival.
If you are not a very advanced keeper with the appropriate thermometers, humidity gauges, UVB lights (that are new and continuously tested), and feeding a varied diet of well gut-loaded insects, then I suggest you use indoor/outdor carpet.
The #1 reason we see leopard geckos is sand impaction. I have seen it happen from both calcium sand and quartz sand. I have taken at least 50 x-rays of this problem, so the diagnosis is definite.
My theory is that when husbandry conditions are anything less than optimal, the reptile begins to exhibit pica-appetite (deliberate ingestion of non-food items). I also theorize that it is most commonly caused by a lack of UVB lighting, thus preventing D3 synthesis, thus preventing appropriate absorbtion of calcium.
I have seen this many times, and have administered treatments that have saved reptiles lives, but the smaller the animal the less chance of survival.
If you are not a very advanced keeper with the appropriate thermometers, humidity gauges, UVB lights (that are new and continuously tested), and feeding a varied diet of well gut-loaded insects, then I suggest you use indoor/outdor carpet.
