Photoperiod in Leopard geckos

[philly4ya]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share my views and would like to hear everyone's as well. My views are based on research and questioning veteranian proffesionals.

Why are some leopard geckos kept in the dark for 24 hours a day? Wouldn't you want what is natural to them?
Ever wonder why a reptile who has the ability to live 30 years rarely makes it passed 15 years of age?
While many factors come into play there is one in particular that stands out.
I have read that nocturnal reptiles and crepuscular (dawn and dusk) species actively avoid bright daylight although some may bask in late evening sun.

As a personal choice I use UVB bulbs and have noticed positive differences. Increased appetite and their colors have become more vivid.

They have a pineal gland which secretes hormones that stimulate growth and effects day and night sleep rhythm when exposed to light.
Wouldn't you consider this important?

 

[SFgeckos]

I would agree with your statement about lighting, many reptiles and amphibians benefit from lighting in the 290-320 nm range (UV range).

I also wanted to clarify your statements so that people don't read the wrong information and pass it along to others. Leopard geckos do not have a pineal gland "on their head", many reptiles have the remnant of a third eye (parietal eye) which contains specialized photoreceptors that detect light. The third eye is neurologically associated with the pineal gland (which lies within the brain) and serves to regulate circadian rhythm through controlling the secretion of the hormone melatonin.

I should also add that obesity (lack of exercise/overfeeding/too much love, whatever you want to call it!) probably has the greatest impact on shortening the lives of leopard geckos in captivity. Studies on other species of animals (lab rodents, companion animals-dogs/cats and humans) prove that being overweight can lead to numerous health issues.

Jon

 

[thinlizzy]

A gecko, unless captured in India in its natural habitat won't know the difference. Mine will sometimes bask in the full light and then go in its cave for days.

For me, the hardest part of raising a gecko is to realize that its wants are entirely different than your own. Once this is realized, it's pretty much smooth sailing.

And he alway poops in the exact same place.

.

 

[M_surinamensis]

A gecko, unless captured in India in its natural habitat won't know the difference.

Reptile behavior* does not work that way. Your contention of irrelevance is incorrect.

*in this instance instinctive activity patterns and behaviors linked to photoperiod and the specific light exposure

 

[thinlizzy]

Well pardon me.

I doubt any advice is 100% correct.

 

[philly4ya]

I would agree with your statement about lighting, many reptiles and amphibians benefit from lighting in the 290-320 nm range (UV range).

I also wanted to clarify your statements so that people don't read the wrong information and pass it along to others. Leopard geckos do not have a pineal gland "on their head", many reptiles have the remnant of a third eye (parietal eye) which contains specialized photoreceptors that detect light. The third eye is neurologically associated with the pineal gland (which lies within the brain) and serves to regulate circadian rhythm through controlling the secretion of the hormone melatonin.

I should also add that obesity (lack of exercise/overfeeding/too much love, whatever you want to call it!) probably has the greatest impact on shortening the lives of leopard geckos in captivity. Studies on other species of animals (lab rodents, companion animals-dogs/cats and humans) prove that being overweight can lead to numerous health issues.

Jon

First of all thank you for pointing out that error. I should have looked at my notes more carefully. My apologies.
OBESITY! yes, I must agree plays a big role in shortened life span.