Are These Geckos Underweight??

[Kelsey12]

I posted an ad on Craigslist, searching for Leopard Geckos that were up for adoption, just to see my 'options' if you will. A guy responded to me ad, saying "I have two geckos with a 10 gal tank, sand, hide away and light for $60." I'm really concerned about the geckos' health, because of the sand, and I have no idea if there is a heating pad, enough hides, calcium, etc. The guy mentioned that they were sub-adults, and he sent me photos, which I have attatched. I have never owned a gecko or lizard of any kind before, so I was just wondering if you guys think that they look unhealthy or underweight? They look underweight, dull, and overall a little miserable looking to me, but honestly I have NO experience with Leos whatsoever, so what I see could not be true at all. I don't know what weight they should be at as subadults, or maybe if they are just shedding. I would prefer to buy my first gecko from a breeder, but if these guys are not cared for properly, I'd like to help them, though I do not need any of the supplies that comes with them. Also, they are unsexed. I'd appreciate any opinions. Thanks!

 

[Euphoric]

Well yes the first one you can see is very skinny.
And look how disgusting that sand is...can't you see all the bacteria just all in it?
The one in the hide is halfway decent it seems.
I think I would get them just out of the kindess of my heart.
While the first is really badly skinny he looks alert and bright.
You just have to know your taking that chance it may not survive.

 

[brsisko]

Those geckos are very very unhealthy in my opinion. They look way too skinny and of couse, they are on sand. I can understand if you dont want them because of the trouble it might be to get them to health again but you would be saving their lives.

 

[Kelsey12]

So do you think the first one is sick for some terrible reason, if the other one is at a decent weight? My mom things it's a bad idea to buy an unhealthy gecko for my first, but I just feel so bad for them...The guy is asking $40 for them both, by the way, not that that matters.

 

[jandsfannon]

It really depends you can take them, take them to a vet and try to nurse them back to health. Like the others say above you might be saving their lives. But you are need to know that one or both could die. I myself did everything in my power for a recent rescue I rescued 4 that had no tails and probably would have died where they were. 2 are doing amazing, one is coming along and one passed last night. So really its your decision, I dont think anyone would blame you for saying no either.
There are many reasons for a thin gecko....underfed, parasites, poor husbandry, impaction or all of the above (please correct me if im wrong). The only way you will know what is wrong with them is a visit to a reptile vet.

Good luck let us know what you decide

 

[Euphoric]

Well about the vet if you can see improvements in the couple of weeks of having them I do not feel the need to go to the vet...
I have nursed three back to heath from above weight without going to the vet.
It just looks skinny. Usually when they are impacted they have a bulging stomach from what I can tell he doesn't. But he does look alert and bright so its a good chance i would say but I am not an expert.

 

[Euphoric]

*geckofourms will not let me see any edit buttons or such so excuse double post*

Where are you located?

 

[Kelsey12]

I am located in Missouri. I'll talk to my mom about the geckos later today, I really feel bad for them...

 

[Kelsey12]

I e-mailed the guy saying "The darker gecko looks underweight, is he sick?" And I got this reply....

"He is just fine hes young and still growing into himself. We rescued him and the other one from people who didn't seem to be taking that good of care of them. I have a lusistic that I bought from a breeder and shes pretty young but is about the same as the black one. When they are younger they are slender because they are still growing into their bodies."

If the darker gecko is a rescue he could just be recovering still, though I'm still not too sure how their environment it. I know the sand part is bad, and I'd hate to imagine what their homes were like before their 'rescue.' You think this guy is genuine?

 

[GeckoGathering]

I posted an ad on Craigslist, searching for Leopard Geckos that were up for adoption, just to see my 'options' if you will. A guy responded to me ad, saying "I have two geckos with a 10 gal tank, sand, hide away and light for $60." I'm really concerned about the geckos' health, because of the sand, and I have no idea if there is a heating pad, enough hides, calcium, etc. The guy mentioned that they were sub-adults, and he sent me photos, which I have attatched. I have never owned a gecko or lizard of any kind before, so I was just wondering if you guys think that they look unhealthy or underweight? They look underweight, dull, and overall a little miserable looking to me, but honestly I have NO experience with Leos whatsoever, so what I see could not be true at all. I don't know what weight they should be at as subadults, or maybe if they are just shedding. I would prefer to buy my first gecko from a breeder, but if these guys are not cared for properly, I'd like to help them, though I do not need any of the supplies that comes with them. Also, they are unsexed. I'd appreciate any opinions. Thanks!

The way I read your post you are wanting 2 answers:
#1 Do they look heathy...answer is no.
#2 Should I get them because I feel bad about them? Only you should answer that. He should want to pay you or give them to you. Certainly not worth $60..........take care. HJ

 

[GeckoJunkie]

I have to agree with HJ on this one. IF I was to get either of those geckos they would not be in the same room with ANY other reptiles that I own!! The darker one for sure looks wayyyyy under weight. I like my geckos on the thinner side but that is just sad looking!!

 

[bitterbeauty]

I wouldn't pay $60 dollars for sick geckos. You should ask him for a price reduction since they are not healthy.