freak outs after tank cleaning, what am i doing wrong?

[grizzlyjack]

Hey Guys

I have a question, about my Leos behavior after I clean the tank.

every week after I clean the tank, my leo freaks out, runs around, and scratches at the side of the tank.

At first I thought it was the cleaner I was using (which is supposed to be for reptile tanks) . When I tried not using it, the same thing happened. I also made sure that everything was back in the same locations as before.

When I clean, I put him in a nice warm comfortable holding tank so he doesn't get cold. After I am done he goes right back in (now and then he will sit on my shoulder before going back)

after 5 minutes he calms down and everything is ok, and for the most part he is pretty mellow. doesn't mind getting picked up, and even climbs onto my hand with out my prompting. Also there is no loss of appetite.

So needless to say it tears me up when He goes thru what looks like a stressfull freak out.

I know I have to do the basic cleaning at the very least.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[eyelids]

You're not doing anything wrong. That is common behavior...

 

[Malibu Barbie]

it take a little getting use to, when getting a new home... It will probably pass.

 

[MichaelJ]

it's normal.. most likely he thinks he's being placed in a new home like Anne said.. They leave scent markers in their hides (especially males) to show that this is there territory.. In the wild this would ward off other males or at least let them know that he's around and will fight if they tread on his turf.

When you're cleaning it out you're washing those away so he probably thinks he's in someplace new. I wouldn't worry about it unless he stops eating, defecating, loses weight, etc. Some of mine do that as well.

my personal favorite is when they poop within minutes of cleaning everything.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

100% normal! Mine do it every time..... I use 50/50 beach.

 

[Bunny]

my guy does that two after cleaning. He will also go around to everything just smelling it wondering where his sent has gone while he was away.

 

[herpencounter]

my personal favorite is when they poop within minutes of cleaning everything.

Omg I hate it no matter what animal it is, you sit there for ½ an hour and when your all done they poop… .
But you love them to much:main_thumbsup:

 

[moosassah]

Yup, it happens here too.

 

[KiKi]

ourrs do it too, poop right after you clean

 

[MichaelJ]

my females like to drop it on their hides and let it run down just so theres extra cleaning.. I swear they are doing it on purpose..