New to Gecko by aquisition

[SnowManSnow]

long story short I have "aquired" an adult leo. He seems healthy.. I've seen him eat a little and take some water. He doesn't mind being handled a little, and is overall in pretty good looking shape (from what I can tell).

BUT since I'm new I have some questions.

1st I purchased one of the zilla gecko setups. It has a lodge, a carpet like substrate, a few lamps and some sort of spray. Is this a decent kit? What should I replace?

2nd I have read about humid hides. Is this a need? if so how can I make one until I can purchase what is needed?

3rd what kind of "red flags" should I be looking for as far as ailing health of a leo goes?

Pardon the noob questions, but I am... in fact... a noob.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

B

 

[gitrdone0420]

As far as the kit goes, you need to replace the bulbs with an Under-Tank Heater. These can be a little pricey at the pet stores (The size depends on the size tank you have and it will say on the box what size that specific UTH is for), I suggest purchasing one online. My personal favorite UTH is for Exoterra. The UTH is important because leopard geckos need belly heat to help digest their food. A basking bulb will not provide that specific type of heat.
While you are online purchasing this UTH (I suggest going to ReptileSupply.com) You should also get a thermometer to check the temperatures that the UTH will provide. You want the temps to stay in the mid 90's. MY exoterra UTH does a really good job of this, so I dont use a thermostat along with, however you can and most people will recommend this. It just reassures that your temps stay at a consistant and correct temp.

Ok, as far as a humid hide goes, YES THEY NEED THIS. lol. It aids them in shedding and whatnot. I purchase mine at walmart (It is a sort of tupperware container for like 86 cents.) I then have my boyfriend drill a nice size hole on the side and I spray paint it will non-toxic paint (I get the rock textured type spray paint just because it looks more natural). I also use spray paint because the leos appreciate the darkness and privacy.

So, for a setup- I recommend :: Warm hide, cool hide, moist hide (Most people with either use the moist hide for either the warm hide or cool hide). So two-three hides total.
At least a 10G setup per leo. A bowl of mealworms set out regularly. A water bowl, a calcium dish, Substrate that doesnt consist of sand (Just my personal perference. There is a lot of debate on whether or not sand is harmful. Please do your research and decide for yourself, dont let my opinions set your mind frame on this). UTH and thermometer and any kind of decorations/backgrounds that you prefer. NO HEAT ROCKS PLEASE! These can easily burn your leo.

Ok, I think I covered everything. Anymore questions, dont hesitate to ask! =]

 

[gitrdone0420]

Oh and yes- Red Flags, forgot to cover this!
Just make sure your leo is eating and pooping, just like any other animal. Sudden weight loss and loss of appetite is a big red flag. It could indicate numerous things. I would honestly find a reptile vet in your area and set up a consultation just to meet him/her and talk- There is usually no fee for this.. (At least not at my clinic). That way if something does ever happen, you alreday have a patient-doctor relationship kind of and you know where to go.
Regurging food is another indicator, along with lethargy acting abnormal (Neurologic...etc, ). When something goes wrong, most of the time it is pretty obvious. The only one in my opinion that isnt is weight loss sometimes... you see the leo everyday and sometimes you just dont notice it until its a really big problem.

Anyways, hope this helps!
Oh, and diet usually consists of crickets, mealies, roaches, superworms, wax worms, etc. Any combination that you would like to use...

 

[SnowManSnow]

ok so what do i put in the humid hide? just a few damp paper towels in the corner?>? I mean what makes it humid haha

 

[OneFootedAce]

ok so what do i put in the humid hide? just a few damp paper towels in the corner?>? I mean what makes it humid haha

paper towel is easiest and cheapest IMO, thats what I use, jsut moisten the paper towel down by spraying it. But the paper towel is inside the humid hide, so put the paper twoel inside the hide and spray it down abit

 

[SnowManSnow]

Stupid question. But "hide" is like a place if refuge... No an animal skin right? So I place the Wet paper towel in the "hide" and let it do it's thing... Right?

 

[e1evatedd]

yes, a hide is something for your leo to hide in.. for my humid hide i grabbed a large to-go soup bowl from panera bread (i work there), turned it upside down, cut an entrance and put a moist folded up paper towel as out of the way as possible inside. you could use anything along those lines though