Signs of dehydration

[sam260677]

Hi,
I have not seen my gecko drink at all, and although I know they are nocturnal so I am probably just not seeing him drink, how can you tell when dehydration sets in?I just want to know what to look out for so that I can help. Can you get them to drink any other way?Also,I cant seem to see any poop in the cage,is this normal?We have only had him for three days now so he might still be getting used to his environment, but I am really worried about the water situation. Also, he is only six weeks old but the pet shop gave me medium size crickets,these look big to me, should I be using baby crickets?
Thank you for your help
Samantha

 

[larry26]

if there is the white part in his/her poo then it is not dehydrated if there is not the white part it may be a sign of dehydration. I have had my leo for over a month and only saw him drink once and that was two days ago.

 

[sam260677]

Thanks for that Larry, do you have any suggestions about the crickets?I am worried that the gecko wont be able to grab them with his mouth as it is too small?

 

[Gregg M]

Larry, you can not really use that as an indication... Urates will still be present even if a leo is dehydrated although it can be discolored but not always... When a reptile is dehydrated you can tell by looking at it... Loose skin and large skin folds are a good indication... You can also do the pinch test... Pinch skin on the back or sides of your reptile... If the skin stays looking like it being pinched for a while after you let it go, your reptile is absolutely dehydrated...

Sam, stop worrying if you gecko will be able to grab a cricket... Your gecko was born a bug hunter and will not have an issue... My hatchlings take 3/4 grown crickets with no problem...

 

[nats]

Leos dont drink much from bowls, they get alot of their moisture
from the bugs they eat, they also lick the condensation from the
moist hide.
Leos are dessert creatures, they use the water in their bodies
very efficiently.
Not to worry

 

[shawn119]

Mine is healthy and i have not seem it drink.

 

[geckogramma]

I recently changed substrate to tiles and found that both my leos prefer to lap their water directly from the tile rather than the water bowl. I found out by accident when topping up their water dish and rather than remove screen top and letting loose the crickets I had just added (wrong order I know) I just squirted the water through the screen. Filled the water dish but a lot wound up on the floor and on the (artificial) plant leaves. Both girls just lapped it up but still left the water dish alone. I now make sure that they not only have water in their dish, but that they have a puddle to lap up.