I have a question - not meant to offend.

[defieldsfamily]

I'm fairly new to keeping a leo (and enjoying it greatly!) but I have a question about keeping leos in these rack systems. For many on here, a big focus is on creating the best habitat for our little reptile friends which I think is great but then I read about, and see pictures of, the rack systems where the leos are kept in small plastic boxes, row upon row. The breeder I got our gecko from had this rack set-up too. I can't help but think this can't be very enjoyable for the geckos...don't they need room to move around, hunt and play? I don't mean to offend anyone by this question but maybe there is something I'm missing.

 

[Alex G]

Reptiles are different. They like to feel secure and they don't really care if what they feel secure in cost $5 or $500, as long as it provides them somewhere dark and small they can hide in, food, water, and heat. Anything else (special decor, elaborate cages, custom vivs etc) are more for our aesthetic benefit than their practical one. It's not ideal but it's not harmful, either.

 

[gumbii]

Reptiles are different. They like to feel secure and they don't really care if what they feel secure in cost $5 or $500, as long as it provides them somewhere dark and small they can hide in, food, water, and heat. Anything else (special decor, elaborate cages, custom vivs etc) are more for our aesthetic benefit than their practical one. It's not ideal but it's not harmful, either.

this...

 

[Jordan]

also.. their not crammed into small boxes... they are put on the rack in a reasonably sized box that suits their needs. if it wasnt possible to have the right size boxes racked up then we wouldnt, but they can fit into good size boxes that are a fine size to make racks. you cant make a rack of crocodiles in small boxes, but leos you can, their space needs are more than adequately met.
the geckos that arent being displayed, dont need big display vivs.

 

[tlbowling]

I think the rack systems are fine, and I dont think the geckos mind much, like everybody said their needs are meet, and they are comfortable and secure. My only issue with geckos I've gotten from breeders that use rack systems is that I can automatically tell the ones that were from a rack system b/c they take so long to get used glass aquariums, they are a lot more frieghtened at first, and hide a lot, I guess they feel more vulnerable, and out in the open. But they get used to it, some faster than others though.

 

[gixxer3420]

Rack systems are more than adequate For leopard geckos. Ive never noticed a difference from a gecko going from a rack to a glass tank. Might be just my geckos?

 

[MiamiLeos]

When I first got into leos years ago I felt the very same way Buttt... after a lot of hands on experience with my own pet geckos and a lot of reading I decided to move away from the typical glass tank. I immediately found that geckos one in particular) who were crabby or were picky eaters almost instantly calmed down and started gaining weight. If you watch your leo in his glass tank, he honestly will not move around very much. They dont need exercise like a dog or the space that that requires. They also feel much more safe, secure, and comfortable in the dimmer, more cozy environment of a tub. I have now been breeding leos for some time and they are all in rack systems. They are fat, healthy, and happy and their eggs are big and firtile and the babies are good and healthy and calm. Honestly I will never go back to glass tanks because My leos thrive 200% better in their racks. They are not afraid to come grab a snack in the middle of the day because the tub is still fairly dim. They really are so much happier.

 

[stewy84]

When I first got into leos years ago I felt the very same way Buttt... after a lot of hands on experience with my own pet geckos and a lot of reading I decided to move away from the typical glass tank. I immediately found that geckos one in particular) who were crabby or were picky eaters almost instantly calmed down and started gaining weight. If you watch your leo in his glass tank, he honestly will not move around very much. They dont need exercise like a dog or the space that that requires. They also feel much more safe, secure, and comfortable in the dimmer, more cozy environment of a tub. I have now been breeding leos for some time and they are all in rack systems. They are fat, healthy, and happy and their eggs are big and firtile and the babies are good and healthy and calm. Honestly I will never go back to glass tanks because My leos thrive 200% better in their racks. They are not afraid to come grab a snack in the middle of the day because the tub is still fairly dim. They really are so much happier.

+1

 

[tlbowling]

If you watch your leo in his glass tank, he honestly will not move around very much.

I must have one brave gecko He's out a whole lot, and when he sees me come in the room with a bag or container, he gets all excited. Also when he hears or sees the cat, he comes out and is just as interested in the cat as he is in him I honestly think they are both thinking the same thing...they want to eat each other! But we all know who would win

But I just want everyone to know...I have nothing against rack systems, I think they are GREAT if you have too many geckos and I think the geckos enjoy them just fine. But I dont have too many..........yet......and I really like seeing/watching them.

 

[AliMak]

It doesnt make a difference really.
to defieldsfamily, ive seen a few breeders and a many show vivs on here. Everyones in it for the same goal, wether its to breed leos or to keep a couple. We are all looking out for the best interests of the Geckos. And their interests are fairly simple; staying warm and chilling in the day time, and exploring and hunting at night.
I dont think it matters if its a 1 x 1 foot viv, or a 4 x 2 foot viv. They only know of the area they are in, so i dont think youll hear them crying in a rack system wanting for a big show viv to play in.
I think each to their own were all taking care of them!

 

[Jordan]

I must have one brave gecko He's out a whole lot, and when he sees me come in the room with a bag or container, he gets all excited. Also when he hears or sees the cat, he comes out and is just as interested in the cat as he is in him I honestly think they are both thinking the same thing...they want to eat each other! But we all know who would win

But I just want everyone to know...I have nothing against rack systems, I think they are GREAT if you have too many geckos and I think the geckos enjoy them just fine. But I dont have too many..........yet......and I really like seeing/watching them.

the picture that you put up with this post, im just wondering is this a viv with a mesh top? because if it is i would be careful having things rest on top. i say this because i had one with mesh on top and i had stuff on it, and it fell through, and my gecko was fine luckily but i couldnt find a replacement top for the viv anywhere, so it was a viv ruined. just saying though.

 

[Brewboy74]

It looks like an aquarium with a mesh top. Those are pretty strong and they are easily replaceable. It's tough to tell how heavy it is, it could be made of styrofoam for all we know. Although, it it isn't, I wouldn't want the cat falling on my gecko.

 

[tlbowling]

the picture that you put up with this post, im just wondering is this a viv with a mesh top? because if it is i would be careful having things rest on top. i say this because i had one with mesh on top and i had stuff on it, and it fell through, and my gecko was fine luckily but i couldnt find a replacement top for the viv anywhere, so it was a viv ruined. just saying though.

It is a 20 long tank with a very sturdy zoo med mesh (not screen) top, and I have the wooden cat up there on purpose, b/c if it's not there, my 18 lb. kitty is up there, the wooden cat is in his way, so he just sits and stares through the side glass. If anyone has any better ideas, Im certainly open for suggestions. AND DONT SAY KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED, b/c thats just impossible with 2 little boys!

 

[acpart]

If you have any concerns about the mesh failing, you can just put a piece of wood or something on top so that the ends of the wood overlap the top of the tank (so the sides of the tank are supporting the wood, rather than the mesh) and then put the wood kitty on top. Personally I think that the mesh is probably strong enough to take that weight.

Back to cages/racks. When i decide how to keep my geckos, it's a combination for me of my needs and the geckos' needs, with the geckos' needs having a slight edge. From what I've read, it does sound as if living in a rack can meet the geckos' needs, but since I've found that living in a display enclosure can also meet their needs, and it bothers me personally to be keeping my geckos in what feels like a lot of drawers, I use glass cages. In the same vein, though geckos may be slightly better served living individually (with a very few exceptions which I've seen in my colonies), I don't have the space to keep them that way, so they are in small groups. Obviously if I see any bullying there are changes. Right now one of my geckos is asleep with her head on her cagemates' back. Going off to try to take a picture. . .

Aliza

 

[M_surinamensis]

the picture that you put up with this post, im just wondering is this a viv with a mesh top? because if it is i would be careful having things rest on top. i say this because i had one with mesh on top and i had stuff on it, and it fell through, and my gecko was fine luckily but i couldnt find a replacement top for the viv anywhere, so it was a viv ruined. just saying though.

You can replace the screen. It is assembled the exact same way as window screening, you just need to go to a hardware store to purchase more mesh, you can usually re-use the rubber spline- add a two dollar screen spline roller and a pair of scissors and it takes about five minutes.

AND DONT SAY KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED, b/c thats just impossible with 2 little boys!

If it is not a problem then it is not a problem.

If it is a problem, then that is a truly terrible excuse. If it is necessary to maintain a room where the cats can't go then it is not a difficult step to lock that room or teach your kids how to close a damn door.

 

[LadyKaotix]

heres a link for some cage clips... http://www.********.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3884237&ab=hp_ln_reptile my geckos recently had a run in with my furries. thankfully Showgurl escaped with only minor injuries. i went out and bought some industrial strength velcro to put on the tank hoods. (its a 50 gallon fish tank with hoods that i converted into my gecko tank) unless they sprout thumbs they wont be getting in there any more!
also, start teaching the kids to close the door. Explain that if kitty gets in there he could hurt the gecko. my kids are big on protecting our leos. or put a little hook and latch on the door n door frame to keep them out.

 

[tlbowling]

If it is not a problem then it is not a problem.

If it is a problem, then that is a truly terrible excuse. If it is necessary to maintain a room where the cats can't go then it is not a difficult step to lock that room or teach your kids how to close a damn door.

You obviously, more than likely, dont have kids. Try teaching a 5 year old to remember to keep his bedroom door shut at all times! And also to search his room for the cat everytime he's going to leave, it just doesnt work. I have the mesh cover, and the weight, and I havent had any issues, and I hope I never do. I posted the picture to show how cute it was that my gecko is interested in the cat and vs. versa and to show that glass enclosures can also make them feel secure, and not hide all the time. Not to be told that Im not able to teach my kids. I wish there was a little smiley face giving you the finger....cause Id pick that one LOL

 

[Brewboy74]

LOL

 

[Reborn]

I agree with whoever said at first rack system babies are a bit skittish. Most of mine hide for a good 3 days but they did take food the same night i recieved them. As for them feeling insecure if in glass? HAHAHA come take a look at mine. Mine are all happy in our custom build cage. All them feel safe enough to lay in the open on the heat, a few litterally walk right out onto you to come out. I have one who sits on there hubba hut and stares at you until you take her out! shes a odd ball tho thats for sure;D And with tthem eating more and getting fatter and all that. Mine are very large for there ages i have a 8 month old whos 81 grams. no giant genes.

Really i dont much care for racks. Its personal and goes against how i was raised to treat any animal. I know people who use them who relaly care for there reptiles and i know some who use them soully for breeding reptiles and dont care to hoots and hell what happens to them as long as they have eggs. Thats my biggest pev. You can find racks or build them for a farily cheap price and this is compeling people who dont deserve any animals to breed them. the racks enable people to basically be puppy mills just with reptiles and if anythings said people are able to say "there fine they like it in there" its unfortante. I dont use racks, i have 19 geckos with one egg in the incuabtor. I was brought up to treat animals equals and to give them the best life possible. I personally dont feel a rack is best possible life so i dont use them. my 2 cents

 

[Brewboy74]

I don't personally think that a leo needs a view in order to be properly treated. All of their needs can be met and the animal can be perfectly happy in a rack system. If the animals are properly cared for which includes time handling and socializing them with humans then they should be quite happy. My echo came from a rack system and she is now in a 20 long(been in there for 2 months) and rarely if ever comes out. I am considering putting her back into my rack so that she might feel more comfortable.