Changing water...

[GeckDude]

Since my gecko is still getting used to her new tank, I started to wonder if changing her water everyday would add to her stress. She's most likely not used to my hand yet and I only put her in her new home a few days ago. Not sure how she is reacting to the top being removed and my hand swooping down to remove her water dish and then swooping in again to put it back.

Any thoughts?

Also, I've seen posts on here about new geckos not eating or being very active for up to a couple weeks. That seems like a long time to me but most people say that it is normal and that they are just adjusting to their new environment. When is it a good time to be concerned? Lol.

 

[MSMD]

It's totally normal for them to take at least a week or so to adjust. I have always changed water for my new arrivals daily. I just do it during the day while they are sleeping in their hides and don't really seem to notice. I avoided doing this while they were out and about, as not to spook them from coming out. I have had some take as long as 2 weeks to adapt and seem at home. I'm not sure when the 'cutoff' point would be, I guess when/if they start becoming unhealthy looking if they are not eating.....

 

[voretaq7]

Change the water every day (or at least every other day) - it's not that stressful for them and it will help her get used to your hand. Plus stagnant water is yuck.


You'll need to top off the water anyway if you're not changing it/scrubbing the dish so you still have to stick your hand in the tank.

 

[LizMarie]

I don't see the problem with changing the water everyday. I've done it since the very first day and she's gotten used to my hand coming in and out, even though she's fairly new. Now if the gecko is close to the water dish or drinking from it then I suggest you wait, lol

But it should be fine. They have to get used to you dealing with their tank decorations sooner or later..

 

[GeckDude]

Yeah, I figured I would make sure she's either sleeping or at the far side from the water before I removed it. I have to do it all anyway I was just hoping it wasn't stressing her any more than she already is.

I did just change it though and I was reading up on some stuff and while she was roaming around, I let her sniff and lick my hand a little. I backed off when she would start to backpedal. I guess I just have to take baby steps. But I want to hold her 'cause she's just so cute. Lol.

 

[GeckDude]

Oooooh, I also was going to ask what kind of effect an overhead heat source has on their sleeping schedule. I've had to use a lamp temporarily until my UTH arrives (had some slight ordering issues with thebeanfarm.com, not sure why but it's all arranged and should be delivered first thing next week!). I feel weird using a lamp but it's doing the job for now. Once I took the lamp off to get in her home, I noticed she was up and roaming all over. Does it have some weird suggestive hibernating aura or something? Lol.

 

[Patrick Long]

Oooooh, I also was going to ask what kind of effect an overhead heat source has on their sleeping schedule. I've had to use a lamp temporarily until my UTH arrives (had some slight ordering issues with thebeanfarm.com, not sure why but it's all arranged and should be delivered first thing next week!). I feel weird using a lamp but it's doing the job for now. Once I took the lamp off to get in her home, I noticed she was up and roaming all over. Does it have some weird suggestive hibernating aura or something? Lol.

This might. Being nocturnal animals, the light during the night, could in fact make it a little awkward for her. But your UTH is comin soon, so a few days will be ok.