In need of help with my gecko

[kathcull91]

Hi im really looking for advice bought my first gecko just over a week ago shes about 3 years old. Since bringing her home shes not eaten a single cricket although shes had some meal worms. She shed about 5 days ago but tonight shes pooed and it was like water i dont know what this means ive done everything the pet shop told me she was on calci sand because they said it was best but after reading forums ive taken it out. Please can some one give me some advice.

 

[acpart]

Give her a few more days to eat. Sometimes it takes them awhile to get used to their new environment. I had a gecko that held out with no pooping or eating for 2 weeks. One water poo isn't a problem. Consistent watery poos means you need to take her and a fecal sample to the vet.

Aliza

 

[kathcull91]

Ok thanks vry much just new to this and want everything to be perfect for her.

 

[Josh2]

Any updates on how your new gecko is settling in?

 

[kathcull91]

Shes still not eating spoke to someone today and the heat mat i had in was only reaching 80f so been out and bought a new one today with a thermastat so hopefully that might help i dont know what else to do.

 

[kathcull91]

 

[kathcull91]

Does this setup look ok any advice to improve.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom]

What is your substrate?

 

[kathcull91]

Its like a cork mat with a bit of chipping round the edge. Ive been through reptile carpet, calci sand chippings and now trying this all the pet shops keep telling me different stuff so im unsure whats best.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom]

Tile is a great substrate actually, you should give it a try I almost guarantee you won't be disappointed, it looks good, holds heat well, is easy to clean, and aids in shedding especially of your leo is stubborn like mine and usually won't use her moist hide! Lol
I would just make sure it's not sharp if you want to try it

 

[kathcull91]

Ok great thanks all give that ago. Also ive had her about 3 weeks now and she seems very skittish when i go near the tank she seems to want to get away is that normal to start with.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom]

Yea, my girl was even worse to begin with but she warmed up eventually

 

[kathcull91]

Awww thank god lol i thort it was just me thanks for you advice.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom]

No problem at all if you want her to get used to your hand, I just stick mine in the opposite corner and wait for a bit, one time she just crawled on by herself.

 

[kathcull91]

Awww ill give that a go thanks how many times a week should they be handled.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom]

I handle mine only a couple times a week so I don't stress her out

 

[brica]

I agree with acpart. When I brought mine home she did not begin eating regularly for roughly a week give or take. I have also found that during their shed they may not be interested in food. In this case watery poo is a subsequent reaction because their diet for that time will likely be water alone. Sounds like she will settle in soon and just to reassure you I went through my LG not eating for over a month due to a couple different issues, and as long as they have a well proportioned tail, I was told she'd be able to last 2 months or more longer. I however was eager to end it ASAP because she was losing significant mass and appearing weak. My point is however that your gecko should be fine hope that helps and makes you less nervous

 

[brica]

Also be weary of calcium sand as it is the most common cause for death by impaction to leopard geckos and I'm sure other species in the same arena. It's better that they be on some sort of mat, even paper towels work and are easy to regularly change out. Believe it or not the leopard gecko will likely ingest the calcium sand if it is within their cage, since when they want calcium they simply go and eat it - however this sand is proven to cause impactions and it cannot be digested by their stomachs. Much better to use a calcium powder and dust their food before they consume it

 

[kathcull91]

Thanks for the great advice a think she's doing better there's been no more watery poos and the crickets seem to be dissapering she's just shed again and had no probs she did it all on her own. She hardly ever comes out in the day though so don't see that much of her but overall she's doing aolt better woohoo lol

 

[Josh2]

Glad to hear she's doing better! Would love to see some photos of her soon!