Question!

[Kelkiie]

I'm going to a reptile expo for the first time in a few weeks, and I have a question that's partially theoretical.

If I were to buy another leo, from a respectable breeder, could I meet that gecko with Cleo and put them in with each other if things pan out well, without having to quarantine for 2+ months, or could it be a shorter time, etc.
My friend brought this up, so I'm kind of curious. I doubt I'd have another leo right now, but just a thought.


Cleo did have a buddy at one point in her life, but their careless owner starved them and the one did die. So I think she'd be fine with a house mate, and there's plenty of room for 2 if so.

 

[sunshinegeckos]

you should always quarantine no matter whoever you get your gecko from.

 

[Pinky81]

agreed quarentine is important no reputable breeder would allow one of there Leo's to be put in with another person's leo anyways.

 

[Kelkiie]

okay thank you! I'll let my friend know. I can't get a new leo anyway, my boyfriend is now housing the old terrarium for a garter snake! That should be interesting..

 

[Dimidiata]

^ always is lol. but just to be relevent im for QT as well.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Always quarantine all new reptiles no matter who they come from!!!!

 

[Kelkiie]

so how long exactly should a new leo be quarantined? and what ways do you go about introducing each other? I'd know to keep an eye on them for aggressive behaviour/stress.

 

[Kelkiie]

bonus picture of the snake. It's so tiny!

 

[Pinky81]

60 days minimum, some ppl say 90days. As far as introducing you need to watch them for aggression. Tail wagging is a big indicator. Also both Leo's should be same size to get the best results. Even if you are very careful and don't see any obvious signs of aggression the two could go at it at any time. Bottom line housing multiple geckos together is a risk. Make sure you have a large tank. 2 gecks in a 20gal Long is too small IMHO. Numerous hides for both and feed SEPERATELY! When it comes to eating once they get it into their heads to eat even a moving tail can look like a worm!

 

[Desdemona]

No matter how reputable the breeder is you never know what is floating around the show. Not all of those who attend are going to be germaphobics or neat freaks. I don't honestly know if reptiles share as easily as rodents.... but some rat shows have had problems in the past with a epidemic that hit everyone who had pets at the show. In one case with mass casualties. It was pretty sad.

Hopefully nothing like that would ever happen at a reptile show, but still it is much better to play safe than sorry!

 

[Kelkiie]

True enough, thank you everyone. I knew myself they SHOULD be quarantined, but my friend brought up the idea of having a good breeder would have less chance of anything happening, and it makes sense but not 100% safe.
How would separate feeding work? Would taking one out while the other eats than vice versa for the other or two separate feeding areas?

 

[Pinky81]

Yes you get a 15 gal sterile tub and do your feeding in that. You can feed out of two bowls in the same viv but again you are running the risk of bullying and or some Leo's getting to worked up and biting a wiggly tail or another leo's head while going for the same bugs.

I personally do not seperate but Tong feed my feeders to each leo. That way I one know how much each is eating and two don't have to worry about 2 leo heads in one bowl.

 

[Dimidiata]

I would imagine you could do the same thing as is done with snakes, get them each a seperate tote(or atleast that what i use) and feed them each in the totes. Make sure they have calmed down before putting them back in the tank togather. Youll notice many leos will twitch their tails before they lunge and its the same when they bite eachother.

 

[Kelkiie]

I know all about tail flicks, Cleo gets really into hunting when she's in the right mood!

I'll definitely keep all of that in mind if I ever do get another leo. It's always good to have extra knowledge.

I'm was kind of thinking about tong feeding, but then again, Cleo loves the chase.

 

[Pinky81]

Mine don't care about the chase which works for me I hate having to search out rouge bugs in the viv....I got tooooo much decor to let the buggers run loose! LOL