From 0 to 2 in 24 hours flat!

[alliegex]

I'm new to leopard geckos. I had always enjoyed looking at them at pet stores and had done quite a bit of reading on their care, but I didn't expect to be an owner of two leopard geckos so soon. It's not a bad thing - I'm excited. But, it is new...

I just acquired two leopard geckos. They came from someone who had bought them last week from PetSmart and then decided they could not keep them. And, instead of returning them to the store, tried to find them a permanent home. And, I happened to be it. I know the potential dangers associated with pet store reptiles and have already had them examined (including a fecal check). Unfortunately, aside from ensuring that they are not carrying parasites, the vets I work with are not experienced with geckos. I do have another vet lined up for the future, but, for now, I am left to figure things out on my own.

I've got them, currently, housed in a 10 gallon tank. I have the appropriate heating (UTH and red heat/lamp) gradient and am feeding crickets. There is always a shallow dish of water available and they have a selection of dry and humid hides. I am providing supplements. I am using reptile carpet as a substrate. Everything, by all appearances, is seeming to go well. My two geckos are even venturing outside of their hide and eating, drinking, and eliminating. I've had them for just over 24 hours. So, while I am new to leopard geckos, I do have the basics covered. What I need assistance with is the things they don't always tell you in books and on care sheets. What do I do now?

The geckos are young - babies yet. I weighed them today and each are roughly 5g (I did a quick weigh in so as not to stress them unnecessarily). I'm not good at estimating length, but the weight should help give an idea of how young they are. I am thinking they're only a couple of weeks to a month or so old. Does that seem about right? Or, am I under-estimating their potential age? Since they're so young, I am keeping them together in one tank. Once they are old enough to sex, I will separate them if need be (and transition them to a larger tank if they turn out to both be female). But, from what I understand, I can house them together until they are sub-adults. Is that correct? Are there general guidelines on when to separate babies, juveniles, or adults? I am also unsure of their morphs. But, first things first. I want to get the basics down before moving on to the more exciting facets of leopard gecko ownership.

I feel very out of place since I am so new to leopard geckos. I am comfortable with my crested and my gargoyle, but leopards are different in that they require heat and a more arid environment. I've done a lot of research, but that does not take the place of information from those who have first-hand experience. What words of wisdom can you offer me? What tried-and-true methods of husbandry are out there? And, is there hope for someone new, but willing to learn? These two geckos got off to a bad start in life. From now on, I want to do all that I can to ensure that they're happy, healthy, and much adored. Coming here is a start, but, please, all information or advice is welcome.

This being new thing is, well, new to me. But, it puts me in a position where I can be humble. I look forward to learning and I am also excited to share more about myself and my two new babies as well as take the time to get to know all of you...

 

[tiedxupxinxknots]

well for starters, all new animals must be quarantined for atleast a month, and it doesnt really matter if they seen a vet, they could have some sickness and arent showing symptoms, so its best to separate them to avoid spreading probable diseases as for the cage, 10 gallons is barely enough for one gecko, you need a 20 gallon long to house 2 geckos together, and if you have specific questions let me know [:

 

[artes]

Since they were bought at the same store together, quarantine isn't really necessary, imo. They've already spent enough time together that if one was sick, the other would have caught it by now. So, might as well let them hang out together.

As for right now, the only thing I would change is the reptile carpet. They can get their little toes hung in it. I would go down to Lowe's and get some slate tiles cut for the tank, and put those in instead. They conduct heat well, are comfy for their little toes, and it looks quite lovely. Two juveniles that young are fine in a 10 gallon together. If perchance they both happen to be male, they can be housed together until they hit sexual maturity (you know, kinda like human men, heh heh heh).

I didn't notice if you mentioned their temps? The hot side should be around 90, and the cool side around 75. My cool side usually hovers at around 80 due to house temps, but mine are perfectly happy about it.

 

[Glitz]

Make sure you keep an eye out for aggressive behavior.

I would advise against housing them together. Not only are babies a little on the dumb side sometimes, but they'll also be aware of their sexes before you. They could potentially harm each other either accidentally or on purpose.

I keep my own PetSmart babies separate, but right next to each other so when I can sex them and they're the same size (one is growing SO FAST, it's ridiculous), I can easily start the process of moving them together.

I would guess they're about 2 - 3 weeks old, but it's really impossible to tell.