Choosing a leo

[Geck-O]

My dad is finally giving in. What signs should I looks out for when I'm choosing a leo? What are the signs of impaction? The pet store I am thinking of buying from keeps their leos on sand. What are the signs of MBD and what other stuff should I looks out for?

Thankis in advance!
Collin

 

[Yamori]

Hey,

I would not recommend buying reptiles from pet stores.
A reputable breeder is the way to go but if you can not find one then a pet shop will have to do.
Things to look out for that can indicate weather a gecko is healthy of not:

1. A full body and big fat tail is a good sign of health.
2. Strong legs, do a resistance test just with your finger(lightly pls.)
3. Look at the mouth, if you can see bubbles thats usually an indicator of repository problems.
4. Check the eyes, bright clear eyes is also a good sign.
5. check the body especially around the head and neck for mites.

Signs of Gut impaction:

A symptom that you may notice is that the fecal matter may contain loose substrate. Best way to avoid impaction is not to use any form of LOOSE substrate.

The first stage of symptons is usually:
1. Constipation
2. Straining to excrete fecal matter

The more Severe symptoms:

1.Slight leg trembles
2.Regurgitation
3.Slight bumps along spinal area
4.Paralysis
5.Lack of appetite
6.Lethargy
7.A blue-bruised area on the abdomen
8.Difficulty breathing

The early stages of impaction can be undone but the best bet is to avoid it all together.

Dehydration can also play a part in impaction so make sure there is always a source of water in your enclosure. i reccomend lightly misting the sides or buy a reptile water fall as reptiles do not drink from still sitting water in a dish.

I am no expert and do not claim to be i am only telling you what i have learnt from personal research. So, if i am incorrect feel free to correct me
-

Darren

 

[ariana]

i honestly cant help but rescue them from pet stores..the horrible part is that they just get more and sell more and care for them horribly...
i agree get from a breeder and NEVER enter a petstore again..
it breaks my heart everytime i go in one..
so idont
havent in 3 months

 

[Haligren]

Dehydration can also play a part in impaction so make sure there is always a source of water in your enclosure. i reccomend lightly misting the sides or buy a reptile water fall as reptiles do not drink from still sitting water in a dish.

Darren

Is this true? I've never heard of this regarding leos. Although it would explain why I don't see Tiamat use her water bowl so much.

 

[Yamori]

Hi, I believe so. And am sure most would agree that most geckos will not drink still sitting water in a dish. So either lightly mist the sides of the tank(not too much or it will get too wet/humid) also silk plants would be good to mist as in the wild geckos like most animal will drink water drops from plants and leaves and moving/running water as apposed to sitting water.

But again, i am no expert, there are members that know far more than i in regards to this subject.

peace-

Darren

 

[e_cupcake26]

Hi, I believe so. And am sure most would agree that most geckos will not drink still sitting water in a dish. So either lightly mist the sides of the tank(not too much or it will get too wet/humid) also silk plants would be good to mist as in the wild geckos like most animal will drink water drops from plants and leaves and moving/running water as apposed to sitting water.

But again, i am no expert, there are members that know far more than i in regards to this subject.

peace-

Darren

would a waterfall cause the humidity to get too high? I was interested in getting a small one but I didn't want to make it too huimid in his enclosure.:main_yes:

 

[Shem]

Is this true? I've never heard of this regarding leos. Although it would explain why I don't see Tiamat use her water bowl so much.

Sorry Yamori! But that's not true, they will drink out of the bowl, I've seen mine do it. I believe the reason you don't see them (often) is because they (and most reptiles that live in dry conditions) are very well adapted to using ALL the water they consume. Not that I'm an expert either.

Regardless, water bowl is fine.

 

[Geck-O]

Thanks guys!

 

[BettaDragon]

Yeah I see mine drink out of the water bowl all the time. I pour water into their bowls while they're in the tank because my female likes to drink the water as I'm pouring it.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

This has all been very good information! I would NOT recommend buying a gecko from a retail store. Go with a reputable breeder that doesn't look at their animals as 'inventory items'. Find a breeder who not only has healthy and beautiful geckos, but one that will help you learn and provide the best conditions and environment your gecko and you deserve!