Need some advice

[DStruct]

Hello

Sorry there is no TLDR version of this but I need abit of advice with a few questions answered please

All started off over 1 year ago when I was preparing to buy my first reptile, leopard geckos, like any pets I wanted two together thinking they would be happier as to keep each other company, I did do my research and even though I read they prefer living alone I still wanted them to have a friend..
The day in pets at home when buying them they were hatchlings and too young to determine if male or female, again.. I should of known because 2 same sex can fight so you should never get 2 geckos unless you plan on breeding, which I don't.. Anyway, as they grew older and bigger I assumed one was a girl and one was a boy, purely based on the sizes because one was bigger than the other. The male was always more friendly and interactive, where as the girl was more shy.

Anyway.. time went on, its been over a year now that Ive had them and they seemed fine together, although most the time act as though they live alone as they literally walk all over each other.. so rude!

It was about a week ago I noticed the smaller gecko (girl) has grown a lot more, but then last night noticed her stomach is huge, really alarming and pregnant came straight to my head. Some youtube videos and I am pretty sure that she is pregnant, not good!

I don't have the space, equipment nor funds to cater for dozens of hatchlings and I am also worried about her health now as well as I am not experienced and wouldn't want any harm caused to her if anything went wrong.

What can I do?
Also once this is all over and done with, hopefully with happy results It is clear to me that I need to separate the geckos so this doesn't happen again. My question on that though is, will I be upsetting the geckos on separating them? I know they are reptiles but I don't want to cause any upset or stress by taking away their friend...

Thanks

 

[indyana]

Definitely separate the geckos as soon as you possibly can, especially to stop continued breeding behavior. Don't wait. The sooner you separate them, the better. They'll be a bit stressed at first due to the change in environment, but she will be much happier in the long run.

If she is indeed gravid and preparing to lay eggs, she'll need some special care. Provide her with lots of food and appropriate supplements. She should have full-time access to a dish of pure calcium and receive supplementation on her food that includes a multivitamin, calcium, and D3. I prefer Repashy Calcium Plus for dusting the food, but you can also alternate between a general reptile multivitamin and calcium with D3. She'll go through periods where she isn't hungry, but she should eat a lot right after laying. She'll likely continue to produce several clutches of eggs this season, even after separated from the male, so be prepared to continue giving her special consideration in the year to come.

She will also need a lay box in which to deposit eggs if she is indeed gravid. The simplest way to provide one is to get a deep tupperware container, cut an entrace hole in the top, and then put ~3 inches of Eco-Earth (or similar coco fiber substrate) in there. The substrate should be slightly damp, just enough to feel cool to the touch, not soaking wet.

 

[DStruct]

Thank you for the advice
In this case then if that is correct my best option would be to find a new owner for her to take of her and her possible future hatchlings. I will make a new thread on this forum as to hopefully find a loving owner to look after her and take her off my inexperienced hands, if not I will have to get in touch with local pet shop or something

 

[indyana]

Not certain how you feel about it, but you could put any eggs into the freezer. Some of them are likely to be infertile, as she is a first-time breeder.

If you do not feel comfortable with that (and taking care of her in general), you can certainly look into finding her a new home. You may find it difficult to get someone willing to take in a gravid female with unknown genetics and give her the appropriate care.