Local Craigslist ad makes me want to rescue this poor leo

[Phantom240]

So I was looking on Craigslist to see if anyone had any smaller tanks or such that I could use as a feeder tank for my leo, when I came across an ad someone placed listing two leopard geckos and a crested gecko (different enclosures). The first leo looked healthy and quite lovely, but the second looked like she'd been bullied or maybe even ill, as it looks thin and frail. It was heartbreaking. I'm seriously considering getting the two of them and trying to get the less fortunate one back to health. Lucky for me, I can source everything I need for a spare enclosure on short notice. Of course, it won't be as involved as my current leo's, but it should suffice if needed.

The healthy looking leo, which I assume is a juvenile:

The poor emaciated leo, looking as if it's on death's doorstep:

 

[Phantom240]

Talked with the owner of these two, and based on what was said, I think she has worms. Owner said she eats 5-6 crickets per feeding, but never seems to put on weight. I might be getting in over my head if I can muster up the funds to pick these two up, but seeing a leo waste away from the inside isn't something I can stand.

 

[indyana]

If you do decide to rescue, make sure you institute a strict quarantine protocol. The sick one could have something like crypto that is contagious and cannot be cured.

Crypto - Leopard Gecko Wiki

 

[Phantom240]

Hmm... I hadn't considered Crypto, but yes, I'd definitely keep them quarantined. I'd like to quarantine the healthier looking one separately, in the event that it isn't infected yet. However, it is unlikely that one is clean, being they share the living space and water bowl. I was kinda outraged when I was communicating with her over text, because she mentioned that the snow was skinny, but had a healthy appetite and was fairly regular with excreting. I asked if she'd ever taken the two of them to a vet, and she said no. I mean, come on... one gecko looks like an Ethiopian kid on TV for those "World Hunger" organizations, and you didn't even have her looked at?

Lucky for me, she is asking $40 for the two of them. That leaves me with a lot more room to get them both to a vet and have them medicated, provided it isn't Crypto. If it is, then the snow will need to be PTS. I love animals, especially reptiles, but knowing that one is terminal and will only suffer more as it ages.... it would only be just of any decent human being to humanely end it's misery. I sincerely hope that Crypto isn't the issue, because nothing would make me happier than to give such a beautiful animal a new lease on life.

 

[indyana]

Good luck!

 

[Phantom240]

Now I just need to get my hands on a couple quarantine tanks and I'll be set. lol