Help with my Leo

[Katman]

My leopard gecko has been acting strange since I made him a humidity box. He is over 2 years old and has went without since he was given to my kids as a Christmas gift. Of course I am stuck taking care of him now! Seems I keep getting different tips and advice, some say always have a heat lamp, some say it's not needed. Since last week when I added the humidity box and kept the infrared light on much more, hasn't been eating, constantly closes eyes or licks eyes. He is not handled all that much and I've always cleaned his tank weekly with just a wet cloth. Not a sand substrate. I was afraid to use saline solution we have because it has preservatives.

any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[crazylizardlady]

Welcome to GF Leos dont need light, it can stress them out and irritate their eyes. I would ditch the light and get an undertank heater and thermostat, you can get both of these on amazon for around $15-$20 each. Leos need belly heat around 90 degrees to digest their food. Its also not uncommon for leos to go off their food and slow down in the winter so it could also be that but I would change the light to be safe.

 

[Katman]

Thanks a lot for the info. Yes I have the pad under the tank, I've always used that. I was told the light is supplemental heat. The therm is usually around 70-75 but it's about halfway up the tank so I'm sure it's warmer at the surface. I'm really concerned about the eyes bc I can't get a vet appointment for a while. When I bother the Leo his eyes open then he shuts quickly so I don't think it's a shedding issue. Doesn't appear cloudy or colored differently. The eating is kind of unusual, he goes after and hits it with his mouth and doesn't eat it. A couple days after shedding he will eat 5-7 milworms

 

[acpart]

See if you get a behavior change when you turn the light off. There is some indication that air temps that are too hot can dehydrate the gecko and often it shows up as dry eyes. Give it a week or so and see if there's any change.

Aliza

 

[Katman]

Will do! Thank you