I love this debate! It does actually show that there is so much different information out there. I did some research last night using 20 different care sheets.Of the 20 only 7 mentioned Vitamin A. 11 mention Calcium overall,and 9 did not mention any Supplements or calcium. As far as heating goes,16 out of 20 said to use a uth with a ground temp of 90-94 degrees. The other 4 mentioned ambient air of 90.
I think that since Leopard Geckos are mostly nocturnal that it might not really matter,because the rocks that they would be on would be warm but there is no sun at night so they dont bask.The 2nd part to that is the area they live in is very hot and dry the majority of the time and the ambient air temps are very high.So that would mean that the majority of wild geckos would have eye problems if heat was a factor. Also in the wild the food source is not Gutloaded the same way we gutload them. Whatever the bugs eat in the wild is what nutrients the gecko gets. That could be a wide range of things. It has also been documented that leopard geckos will eat sand if they feel the need to get calcium.That could not be very good for them.But since the calcium part is documented I believe that calcium is a must. Also It is very well documented online that almost all problems with captive breed geckos is eye problems,but nobody knows for sure why.Nutrition has to be the #1 reason for that I would think. I think all of you have great points and it is very interesting to see the debate on this topic.
My leo had her first meal last night with Vitamin A so we will see if it makes a difference or not.As for an update on her, one eye does look slightly better so I think the eye drops are helping some.However the other eye is still completely covered by the ulcer and she cant open it.Hopefully both will heal,but I would really luke to atleast save one.It might cause some problems,but atleast she could still find food on her own.She will have a follow up next week.I will continue to monitor this debate and keep everyone updated.I am very passionate about animals and love to learn about all aspects of every creature alive.Thanks for mking this such a great site.
I think that since Leopard Geckos are mostly nocturnal that it might not really matter,because the rocks that they would be on would be warm but there is no sun at night so they dont bask.The 2nd part to that is the area they live in is very hot and dry the majority of the time and the ambient air temps are very high.So that would mean that the majority of wild geckos would have eye problems if heat was a factor. Also in the wild the food source is not Gutloaded the same way we gutload them. Whatever the bugs eat in the wild is what nutrients the gecko gets. That could be a wide range of things. It has also been documented that leopard geckos will eat sand if they feel the need to get calcium.That could not be very good for them.But since the calcium part is documented I believe that calcium is a must. Also It is very well documented online that almost all problems with captive breed geckos is eye problems,but nobody knows for sure why.Nutrition has to be the #1 reason for that I would think. I think all of you have great points and it is very interesting to see the debate on this topic.
My leo had her first meal last night with Vitamin A so we will see if it makes a difference or not.As for an update on her, one eye does look slightly better so I think the eye drops are helping some.However the other eye is still completely covered by the ulcer and she cant open it.Hopefully both will heal,but I would really luke to atleast save one.It might cause some problems,but atleast she could still find food on her own.She will have a follow up next week.I will continue to monitor this debate and keep everyone updated.I am very passionate about animals and love to learn about all aspects of every creature alive.Thanks for mking this such a great site.
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