Morph ID Help

[joerickson]

Hello, I'm new to the forum but this is my 2nd leopard gecko. A little backstory, I first got a leo back in 7th grade and another in 10th and kept them until I moved away from college (gave it to a highschool teacher).

Graduated college a while back, and just thought I would get another one. Came from petco and I'm not sure if it's anything special or just a normal or whatever. May be interested in possibly starting to breed in a year or two.

The day I got it.

Today (3 months later)

Any help would be appreciated as I have no real knowledge of the morphs, just that some of them look really cool.

Thanks

 

[justindh1]

I would probably just call this guy a little tangerine. Pet store geckos can make great pets but knowing your genotype and phenotype of your geckos will make the headaches of breeding less. There are more than likely some sort of hidden hets in this gecko. Obtaining breeding geckos from a private breeders will help with knowing what will come out of a breeding project. Congrats on the new little one!

 

[GeckoCrossing]

I'd also like to throw out there that you should probably get your husbandry correct before you even think about breeding: no loose substrate.

 

[joerickson]

I'd also like to throw out there that you should probably get your husbandry correct before you even think about breeding: no loose substrate.

I would like to point out that you in no way helped with the question at hand, and that I also noted I would possibly like to breed in a year or two. I want to be able to get some research done and make sure it's something I want to adventure into.

I am aware that people don't like anything other than paper towels, tile or newspaper in there tanks. I'm also aware of the risk of impaction from loose substrate, however, I feed out of a dish and the substrate is of decent size to risk ingestion. Some people may not like it, but it has worked for me, and the last 2 geckos that lived 5+ years on it.

I would not choose it for breeding, and the tank I'm in the process of building will have tile flooring. Thanks for your concern.

 

[katie_]

Actually, you did ask for help. Letting you know the dangers of loose substrate is helpful, but may could have been written in a different way.
Wood chips can be very unsafe, as they can accidentally ingest small pieces resulting in a possible intestinal impaction. You cannot watch them 24/7 and unfortunate accidents happen. Is it worth the life of your gecko, and your money to have a 'natural' looking tank? That's up to you.
I also agree that mystery petstore geckos should be left out of breeding projects. Look around and invest in some high quality stock, you won't be disappointed that way

 

[joerickson]

I am not really even dead set on breeding right now, that's why I said in a year or so. Even if I do get into breeding, I highly doubt it would be to try and make money off or to create a new strain. More of a hobby and I don't know if I would even do it for very long, which leads me to think of not even trying. However, I may have a different mind set in a year.

I was more interested in knowing what my current leo was.

 

[NinjaDuo]

I am not really even dead set on breeding right now, that's why I said in a year or so. Even if I do get into breeding, I highly doubt it would be to try and make money off or to create a new strain. More of a hobby and I don't know if I would even do it for very long, which leads me to think of not even trying. However, I may have a different mind set in a year.

I was more interested in knowing what my current leo was.

So you put pics up which contained red flags, and didn't expect to be criticized on husbandry?
It doesn't matter if you were breeding today or in a year. Wood chips aren't natural for Leo's. And a simple "i know my setup isnt up to par with what is healthiest for my geckos" would have avoided any unnecessary drama.

 

[joerickson]

So I'm doing something that other people disagree with. I'm currently using wood chips because I've used them in the past with no ill effects. Not saying that they cannot happen, but I'm using them currently until I can finish my new tank which will have tile floors.

Just a random thought, but what are the chances of impaction when all of their food is coming out of a bowl? None of the wood is in the bowl, nor the water container.

Maybe I should have never mentioned breeding, it was just a "down the road" thought. I'm not trying to be a jerk, just posted a picture asking about the morph. Next time I will be sure to take the picture in a more "safe" environment for the gecko.

 

[bubblez825]

The chances of impaction come from the little tiny shreds of wood that come off of the chips, and the particles that fall off. Even if the leo is being fed out of a bowl, leos, as well as many other types(if not all types) of reptiles "taste" their environment, picking up particles, and small spliters with their tongues. Also, while shedding, debris and splinters can be picked up and ingested along with the shed unknowingly. Impaction can result in a VERY high vet bill, and more often then not, death of your animal.

Another downside of a loose substrate is bacteria. Loose substrate cannot be cleaned nor sterilized, just have the "waste" removed from it. Bacteria can and WILL thrive in environments like that, and that can be detrimental and possibly even deadly to your animal over time. Yes, loose substrate works for some people, and hasn't for others; it really all comes down to personal opinion, really. Just keep in mind the possible risks, and the information you're being given. No one is trying to be ruse, just simply trying to explain what is safest to keep your little one healthy.

Overall, tile or paper towel is your best options. Tile works wonders, its a great heat conductor, really easy to clean and sterilize, and looks very natural Paper towel is also very easy to clean, and cheap as well, but be prepared to go through a LOT of it :main_laugh:

 

[joerickson]

Spent a few bucks and changed up the setup while the new tank is in construction.

Stick on tiles, may try to find grippier ones for the final enclosure (these seem a little slick).

Anyone else have any insight on the morph? I know being from petco it's hard to tell what it all may have, but if I could get the most prominent that would be enough for me.

And if I ever do get into breeding, no I will not be breeding this one.

 

[katie_]

Your new enclosure looks much better! I think he's a tangerine.
May I recommend you get a humid hide, and a dish of calcium? Those are the only things I see missing.

 

[joerickson]

The calcium I am currently dusting with has D3, and I've heard that is bad to leave in a dish, so I've been waiting until I get a chance to run to the pet store.