Caring for an elderly leopard gecko

[Autonerd]

Hi all - I got my gecko (Frankie Four Fingers) around a year ago, he was a rescue of sorts and was estimated by last owner to be 10+ years old when I got him.

I'm just getting through a non-eating phase (found the answers here, thanks!) and had more questions about caring for him as he ages.

Handling: I can't tell if handling gives him stress or stimulation. He has been rather inactive (we're in Los Angeles so it's not that cold). How often should I take him out?

Feeding: He wasn't eating and his tail was getting thin; I followed the advice here and offered waxworms (which he devoured). Still, before he stopped, he was having a rough time eating. I feed mealworms, he only seems to see them when they move, and will lunge 3-4 times before getting them. He had no problem with waxworms -- maybe because they are bigger? Going to see if I can get him back to mealworms/superworms in the next few days but if the waxworms are all he will eat, is that better than not eating at all?

Also, what are the usual circumstances of a gecko's death? Will they generally die of old age, or are there common sicknesses for which they need to be euthanized? I want to keep him around as long as possible, but I don't want him to suffer because I'm missing his symptoms.

Any other tips/advice you could give me would be helpful -- thanks!

Aaron

 

[roger]

Hi all - I got my gecko (Frankie Four Fingers) around a year ago, he was a rescue of sorts and was estimated by last owner to be 10+ years old when I got him.

I'm just getting through a non-eating phase (found the answers here, thanks!) and had more questions about caring for him as he ages.

Handling: I can't tell if handling gives him stress or stimulation. He has been rather inactive (we're in Los Angeles so it's not that cold). How often should I take him out?

Feeding: He wasn't eating and his tail was getting thin; I followed the advice here and offered waxworms (which he devoured). Still, before he stopped, he was having a rough time eating. I feed mealworms, he only seems to see them when they move, and will lunge 3-4 times before getting them. He had no problem with waxworms -- maybe because they are bigger? Going to see if I can get him back to mealworms/superworms in the next few days but if the waxworms are all he will eat, is that better than not eating at all?

Also, what are the usual circumstances of a gecko's death? Will they generally die of old age, or are there common sicknesses for which they need to be euthanized? I want to keep him around as long as possible, but I don't want him to suffer because I'm missing his symptoms.

Any other tips/advice you could give me would be helpful -- thanks!

Aaron

Can you post pics.The only time you should be solely dependent on wax worms if your leo is on deaths door and its either death or give him wax worms.Im not sure if you were at that stage with your leo.The trouble with feeding him strictly waxies is they like them so much its hard to get them back on a proper diet.You think your helping your leo by giving him only waxies when in fact your making him even u more unhealthy.Giving him strictly will cause further health issues down the road.

 

[Autonerd]

Can you post pics.

Apparently not, my attempts to upload a photo keep failing. What are you looking for? Perhaps I can describe, or perhaps someone can steer me to a place where I can u/l photos...

Aaron

 

[Blazebabe]

Hello, if you join photo bucket and upload your pic's on there, get the url code and post it on your thread, then your pic's should show.
It helps member's to see what your leo's like for his age.

 

[Designer Geckos]

You think your helping your leo by giving him only waxies when in fact your making him even u more unhealthy.Giving him strictly will cause further health issues down the road.

I disagree. While waxies are high in fat (though just slightly higher in fat than supers, which everyone uses!) and should only be used as last resort, and only for a brief time, I hardly think they are making a gecko more unhealthy.?? I have used waxies very successfully in the past to transition geckos that have been off food. I think you may need to review the nutritional data on waxies to realize they really aren't as bad as you think they are. Many have saved their geckos lives with the prudent use of waxworms, so we want to be sure to give folks accurate info here about them.....

 

[grboxa]

^ +1

 

[reps4life]

Have you taken him to the vet for a regular exam? It will be a good idea to get a fecal check at least. Can you buy hornworms which are great for hydration? Most reptiles do backflips for hornworms!

 

[EnigmaEcho]

well, i wouldnt nessisarily say that this one is elderly-they can live up to 30 years! still, health problems do claim many befor thier time. same as reps4life said,if you are truly concerned about his health, take him to a herp vet, with a recent poop, and get a full check up.
a pic would help determin what type of gecko you have- say you have an enigma- they tend to have poor eyesight and balance ( when stressed, spin in circles, star gaze, tilt head continously)- if thats the case, its not terminal, and care is simple.
something that always gets my girl happy with food is crickets- ill dissable them befor i give them to her ( remove legs, crush back end, etc) and she loves to go after them- other times i use chopsticks and feed her at eye level and expected angle she will bite.
so i take it the previous owner didnt want him anymore?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

While I have never heard of a leopard gecko living 30 years, my vet did have a male that lived 22 years. I have been working with geckos for nearly 16 years, and have several that are geriatric. Like any other elderly animal, their activity level slows down along with their appetite. It is important to provide nutritious food, and a good gutload for the feeders. Waxworms are not nutritious, and geckos will become spoiled eating them as a staple diet and refuse to eat anything else.

Some of my senior citizens only eat sparingly once a week, and may have trouble chasing down crickets or roaches. This can cause them to become frustrated and give up trying. A few of mine don't see very well anymore, and their eye/strike coordination isn't very good. But they get excited about tong-fed superworms... even if it takes them a couple of tries to get it in their mouth! I gladly hand-feed them if that's what it takes.

I have sadly had to say good-bye to some of my beloved elderly geckos and humanely euthanize them. This was only after exhausting every possibility to keep them going, and it was truly a quality of life issue for them. It is heartbreaking, but I am thankful for the many years of joy they brought me.

 

[EnigmaEcho]

thats so sad id always heard the emphasis on around 30 years for a leo-i know thats the max, but still. well, what can you do but what you were saying? either way, i plan to enjoy as much time as i can with my geckos

 

[GeckoGathering]

Eat something, oh yeah

I disagree. While waxies are high in fat (though just slightly higher in fat than supers, which everyone uses!) and should only be used as last resort, and only for a brief time, I hardly think they are making a gecko more unhealthy.?? I have used waxies very successfully in the past to transition geckos that have been off food. I think you may need to review the nutritional data on waxies to realize they really aren't as bad as you think they are. Many have saved their geckos lives with the prudent use of waxworms, so we want to be sure to give folks accurate info here about them.....

I completely agree with Ray on wax worms.
They have jump started many a lost appetite here.
But offered on a limited basis along with their spinach.
take care. hj​