Deformed Hatchlings: What to do?

[Josh P.]

Hello everyone.

I'm just looking for different opinions and experiences, so feel free to step in and share with us your views over this subject.

What do most experienced leopard gecko breeders do with deformed hatchlings?

 

[Swiechu]

It depends on how much it is deformated. If the degree of deformation is low, i think that they keep them as a pets. When the defromation is strong, sometimes it is necessary to euthanise. Sad facts

 

[Enigmatic_Reptiles]

If it is capable of surviving on its own and the quality of life is there then it becomes a pet. If the quality of life is not there then they are either fed off to other animals that will eat it or it is euthanized. You have to be able to look at the animal and do whats best for it.

 

[katie_]

I agree with the above statements.
You also have to keep in mind how many geckos there are in this world as it is, and how hard it will be to find this deformed gecko a life time home.

 

[Visionist]

I agree with the above statements.
You also have to keep in mind how many geckos there are in this world as it is, and how hard it will be to find this deformed gecko a life time home.

This. As cruel as it sounds, I really do not agree with keeping a gecko with deformity's. You cannot guarantee you will own it the entirety of its life, I love animals but some have to be let go for the good of the species.
I'm all for taking in a gecko that is an adult that already has problems/deformity's though, it's a bit late to euthanize if it is an adult and the quality of life is there.

 

[Glass_]

Continuing the first half of Visionist's post, the deformed gecko should never breed. Because of this, another unique factor that people take into account with deformed geckos is either being committed to keeping the gecko for all of its life, or trusting a second owner not to breed the gecko to cause more deformities. It depends on what you see is fit; some will euthanize for very small deformities in appearance because of the risk of the gecko's well-being and the species' well-being, and some others will not mind as much.

Remember that the small physical deformation is what you physically see, there could be deeper problems with any deformed gecko.

 

[roger]

Hello everyone.

I'm just looking for different opinions and experiences, so feel free to step in and share with us your views over this subject.

What do most experienced leopard gecko breeders do with deformed hatchlings?

Any defects I put the animal down