some behavior that needs clarifying

[Dog Shrink]

Ok that was a bit confusing to read... they have no choice but to find the warmest place to hide in extreme weather... instinct is what dictates habits or conditioning in captive animals. If a leo is provided the properly sized hide and a proprly sized uth then they get the belly heat that thigmatherms need and the back heat from basic thermodynamics and being in an enclosed space. It doesn't mean we need to suppliment back heat thru external sources or that there is any additional benefit from it for thigmatherms. Just because this may work for your leos does not mean that it is what is most beneficial for thigmatherms in general. They have been studied and documented as to what is most beneficial for their healthy captive existance. Anything further is simply captive conditioning imo.

 

[gecko4245]

Ok that was a bit confusing to read... they have no choice but to find the warmest place to hide in extreme weather... instinct is what dictates habits or conditioning in captive animals. If a leo is provided the properly sized hide and a proprly sized uth then they get the belly heat that thigmatherms need and the back heat from basic thermodynamics and being in an enclosed space. It doesn't mean we need to suppliment back heat thru external sources or that there is any additional benefit from it for thigmatherms. Just because this may work for your leos does not mean that it is what is most beneficial for thigmatherms in general. They have been studied and documented as to what is most beneficial for their healthy captive existance. Anything further is simply captive conditioning imo.

Well tell that to all the vets I have been to. Like I said they chose what they want. They have the option.

One area: Belly heat alone
Second area: Belly heat and warm air temp

They chose: Belly heat and warm air temp

Can't argue with their prefrence

 

[Russellm0704]

I have done enough research believe me In the wild they have no choice but to find the warmest place to hide during extreme temperatures. It does not mean it is what they prefer and what is healthiest. For years I give my leo's a bunch of options and they all prefer to be completely warm. They have a spot that only has belly heat and they have a spot that has both, belly heat and warm air temps. What do they chose? The area where they have both warm air and tummy heat. They are your biggest teacher and tell you what they prefer.

I second this, As my gecko collection expanded i moved all my geckos into my new gecko room(which is in basement) since i live in georgia it stays perfectly warm in summer. For the first couple weeks of colder weather all my hot spots remained 90, but about 40 percent of them started eating less. I then added a heater which keeps the room at about 84 and they are all back to normal.(some even eating more than usual). The air temp is extremely important

 

[Dimidiata]

I belive air temp is only parshily importent. Of course you dont want it to be below 65 in the air temp but i dont belive 70 would be considered extreme, leos evolved and are adapted to living with that extreme, so they shouldnt have to find the warmest place, they should have a natural coping ability. I keep my air temp between 74 and 85 and my ground temps from 91-76 (roughly) I know at one point the air temp was 70 and rango was still over in his cool hide, no issue with the air temp. It seems that propper ground temp matters more but air temp should be watched.

 

[Russellm0704]

I personally just associate eating with "health" and geckos "feeling happy" the higher my air temps, the more they ate. A hungry gecko is a healthy one. Any one else realiized this? Or was it just how my geckos responded?

 

[gecko4245]

I belive air temp is only parshily importent. Of course you dont want it to be below 65 in the air temp but i dont belive 70 would be considered extreme, leos evolved and are adapted to living with that extreme, so they shouldnt have to find the warmest place, they should have a natural coping ability. I keep my air temp between 74 and 85 and my ground temps from 91-76 (roughly) I know at one point the air temp was 70 and rango was still over in his cool hide, no issue with the air temp. It seems that propper ground temp matters more but air temp should be watched.

We know they can cope, but it plays a big part in their appetite which to me is more important. Comfortable is what I like to see

 

[Russellm0704]

I know this is random but does anyone else here worry all day when there geckos won't eat for a while? Well I know I do and it is super frusturating. This is why I'm so big on the positive effects of air temps in the low to mid 80s

 

[gecko4245]

I know this is random but does anyone else here worry all day when there geckos won't eat for a while? Well I know I do and it is super frusturating. This is why I'm so big on the positive effects of air temps in the low to mid 80s

Yes and that is why I make sure their temps are the same all year around. If you don't then it will be hard to catch when there is a problem or illness. Since I have kept there temps the same all year around I have had zero health issues

 

[Russellm0704]

Yes and that is why I make sure their temps are the same all year around. If you don't then it will be hard to catch when there is a problem or illness. Since I have kept there temps the same all year around I have had zero health issues

Do they not need to have a natural decrease in temp during colder months? Or does where they live experience the same weather year round? Always been confused in this area

 

[gecko4245]

Do they not need to have a natural decrease in temp during colder months? Or does where they live experience the same weather year round? Always been confused in this area

No, there is no need. They just don't have a choice in the wild. The only one who benefits from that is the owner because they spend less money on food, lol

 

[Russellm0704]

Well IMO, any owner who Is worried about saving money on food is just not a... Well I can't say what I want to say without getting reported. But u get the point

 

[gecko4245]

Well IMO, any owner who Is worried about saving money on food is just not a... Well I can't say what I want to say without getting reported. But u get the point

I sure do get the point, lol