I'm a softy

[LeapinLizards]

First off, let me say I HATE supporting big pet store chains.

I went into ***** today to look for some cheap hides (a friend told me they had them on sale for $5 each), and like I always do, I took a detour past the leopard gecko tank. Literally, there were like 20 geckos in this little tank, with SAND as substrate (no matter how many times you tell them...:main_angry: ), and in the very corner, off by his lonesome, curled up in a ball, was this little darling...

Now like I said, I'm usually the last person to support a big chain like the one I was in, but I couldn't help it! He was so weak from dehydration, and having to compete for food he barely moved at all when she picked him up to hand to me.

I got him home, got him set up in his new little home, and he INSTANTLY ate 2 wax worms from me, and 4 of the crickets I dropped in with him. I think he'll do just fine...and I'm so very glad I walked past the gecko tank and found him Good thing I'm a slurry expert, we'll get that tail fattened up in no time!

Also, help with the morph? Is he a little Patty? Is there anything else he could be?

 

[tokayok123]

im pretty sure hes a little murphy nice job

 

[GatorGirl286]

i got my first gecko from a big pet store chain and i quickly realized that i was supporting their bad husbandry....but i would have done the same thing! i feel so bad for the little guys in those tanks! and to have like 20 of them in there? no wonder hes so skinny, he probably never got a chance to grab a cricket for himself! i know there are plenty of people who will disagree with me but i would much rather see the weak ones saved and have happy lives than to leave them there and actually expect the big chains to change bc i didnt buy one gecko.

 

[LeapinLizards]

See that's how I felt. I know how much I hate supporting them, but the sadness I felt when looking at this little gecko, obviously not doing well at all, completely outweighed my $25 contribution to their business. By refusing to buy the gecko it would have only meant he probably would have died in there, not that the chain would change their ways...honestly, I doubt they would if 10 died in there.

 

[tyler19]

I had a little guy just like him that i also tried to rescue from the same store...and he didnt make it he is a patternless !! very cute

 

[LeapinLizards]

Aww, I'm sorry to hear that Tyler. Did he eat much once you got him home?

I did speak to the manager of the specific store I was in, and he assured me that if he hasn't improved within 15 days of being purchased, even if he hasn't died, I can return or exchange him. I am pretty confident that within 15 days I'll know if he's improving or not. The fact that he ate so much as soon as he was dropped into his new home makes me think he will do just fine...especially with not having to compete for food!

 

[sauroid]

awww that baby patty reminds me of my own.
good luck with your new baby.

 

[nats]

He is very small.
I hope he does well for you.

 

[LeapinLizards]

He is very small.
I hope he does well for you.

VERY small. That is what broke my heart. The others in the tank were at least 1/3 bigger than him, and much healthier looking. I had to at least TRY with him. He sure is a hearty eater for such a tiny guy...makes me wonder if he's ever gotten a meal while at the pet store. I really hope he makes it, he really does have the will to live

 

[tyler19]

No unfortunatly he did not make it but he had a nice tank to himself with plenty of food and heat to make him happier. he was such a little guy that i could not stand to leave him there alone. he was so tiny but after examining his feces i found sand in it every single time. i soaked him in warm water and force fed him because he would not eat a THING! this is what he looked like when i got him...

and her he is a week later...

 

[LeapinLizards]

Awww poor little guy. He did look better a week later. How awful Now I'm even more worried about my little one! If I see sand in his feces, I will be writing to corporate...there is no reason that should be happening, especially because every one of the employees I spoke to about the sand being a TERRIBLE substrate all knew already, but couldn't do anything about it.

 

[fallen_angel]

He is very beautiful, I am sure if he's eating he will make it for you.. best wishes :heart:

 

[LeapinLizards]

Thanks Jess...it just worries me because his little belly is sooo fat right now, after eating so much last night. I just want him to have a movement so I can at least see he's digesting things, and not impacted. I think he's so dehydrated that his liver or gallbladder (or whatever it is that shows in his belly) is really engorged. It just breaks my heart the condition he's in...I'm going to write a letter to corporate whether he makes it or not. I don't know how they can keep doing this to these animals

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

I do not support contributing money to places that obviously are improperly keeping their animals, however I can completely understand your desire to save that little gecko.

EDIT: I'm so glad you're writing to coporate!! You have every right to complain about them housing that many leos together. The bigger stink you make about it, the more attention corporate will pay. Trust me, complaining to corporate is helpful, even if only a little.

Good luck with the little one! The fact that it is eating is definitely a good sign.

 

[goReptiles]

Write corporate! I've done that a few times with a retail store in my area. The little guy doesn't look too bad, I've seen worse. He's just way to young to have been shipped to the store much less too young to be for sale.

 

[LeapinLizards]

Write corporate! I've done that a few times with a retail store in my area. The little guy doesn't look too bad, I've seen worse. He's just way to young to have been shipped to the store much less too young to be for sale.

Actually, I decided to call corporate instead. I spoke to the representative for about 10-15 minutes on the phone...stating that I know of at least 10 other people this has happened to, and how easily it would be fixed...by replacing the sand with repti-carpet, or ceramic tiles, therefore saving the cost of replacing sand. I also made a stink about there being 15 geckos in one tank. I told her I was requesting a follow up by the GM of *****, or I would be calling back every other day. She said that is more than fine, she completely understands. I told her that if necessary, I will be getting a list of names and phone numbers of people she can call that have had similar experiences...I have local friends, and acquaintances through this website and others that I know would be willing to speak up. Something has to be done...I don't know that we will get through to them this time, but its at least worth a shot.

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

Way to go, Heather!!

If you need anyone else to speak up, I certainly will volunteer.

 

[LeapinLizards]

I'll keep you guys updated, and let you know once I hear from a contact at the chain.

 

[Sammag]

I had the same exact experience from P - e -t -c-o I think some time chain stores just get extrmemly bad populations with high parasite loads in their stores and THEY DONT CARE

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

THEY DONT CARE

To be fair, I think employees do care. It probably varies from store to store, but I do know there are a lot of people trying to help from within the stores.