Thinking of switching one gecko to sand...opinions needed.

[cassadaga]

So about a month ago me and my girlfriend went into petco, I can't remember why, but probably just to look, and we left with a baby patternless albino who seemed very healthy at the time, for less than $20. This gecko has not yet started feeding regularly. Occasionally it'll get a roach here and there, so it's not completely off food.

I had a feeding problem with my Enigma from Albey, and he suggested laying out the enclosure similar to his. So we switched her from a 10 gallon aquarium set up, to a 15 qt shoe box, and I took out her humid hide, replacing that with an occasional misting. This is what Albey suggested, and this gecko started eating immediatly, like she had never been off.

So I'm thinking if I switch this geckos substrate to sand from repti-carpet, it might make the gecko feel more secure? I'm just not sure this will work though, the gecko couldn't have been more than a few weeks old when we got it, so it couldn't be too used to any one sort of caging, could it?

Otherwise, this gecko is kept exactly how all our other thriving and healthy geckos are. A hot side between 90 - 95 F and a room temp cool side. Two dry hides and one humid...any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Halley]

How long have you had the gecko?

It might just take some time to get back on eating, just from all the stress. I really wouldn’t put it on sand though, just because of impaction reasons.

I also know that the geckos sold at chain stores are much younger than breeders sell there geckos. So most will not have an established eating pattern, you might just have to let her get it down, and she should be fine.

 

[shadowx362]

My opinion is to not switch back to sand because if it "helps" it will sooner or later die from impaction. Has it Pooped? If not then it might be impacted so try a warm soak.
It might also have parasites and you will then need to take it to the vet or if you are confident you can buy the medication yourself.
Bacterial infection could also be a problem since the place isn't suck a pretty place.
Last it could be crypto, I know its unlikely but you never know.....
I have never had a single gecko I "rescued" live from that kind of petstore, because the place I got them from was really a nasty store . Hope yours makes it but I wouldn't suggest changing it back to sand. If you dont see improvement you should just return it and get your money back and at least you tried and that pet store didn't make a profit at the end. They want you to get attached and keep it for the 14 day guaranteed and have it later die so if you think its going to happen....return it so they get it in their head it isn't good to sell those kinds of animals.

 

[cassadaga]

Years ago I kept all my geckos on sand, all forty something of them. Never have I experienced impaction. I doubt impaction is common at all, but it's the risk that most (including us, except this case) are not willing to take.

We've had the gecko, like I said, for a month. Even if I could still take it back, I wont, because it has a better chance with me than it does at the store, or with 95% or more of the people who buy from petco.

The gecko seems to defecate normally, even a lot for a gecko that eats so little. In the month we've had it, there has been no sign of parasites. The gecko hasn't lost much weight. I'm nearly certain the problem is entirely stress.

 

[shadowx362]

OK sounds good. For adult geckos sand is no problem, but for babies its a bit more risky. If everything is good it might just be the stress and it should go away. I didnt mean to be mean about the gecko being taken back I was just saying if it gets bad...like really bad you should take it back. I said that because I didn't know how the gecko is doing over all. Most people will say no to the sand Idea so its really just your choice when it comes to this subject.
Hope for the best

 

[cassadaga]

I didn't take your comment on taking it back as being mean at all, so no worries. I agree, I really hate buying anything from you-know-who, it was just impulse. I may not go with the sand idea, but switching to what the gecko is used to has worked wonders for me before.

 

[godzillizard]

the gecko couldn't have been more than a few weeks old when we got it, so it couldn't be too used to any one sort of caging, could it?

Yes, and stress is the worst thing you can do to a gecko--changing anything--excessive handling, even the water they drink, supplements, etc. can cause more harm than good. I'd keep it away from strong light, all albinos are extra light sensitive especially as hatchlings-sub-adults. Most of all--keep it in a dark, safe and secure environment--I put the food dish right at the opening of the cave/fort/humid shelter--so they don't have to expose themselves to eat--a gecko that feels safe should eat on its own. Hope this helps, and best of luck

 

[Euphoric]

I will never go back to sand because of the smell difference.
Carpet (hoping to switch to tile) doesn't smell usually at all.

But best of luck on your little guy
I wouldn't switch if he is doing good let him do good for a little while more until he is nice and big and healthy. Thats common sense to me.

 

[lepgeckosrock]

I wouldn't switch back right now because if it is stress related changing anything in it's tank could cause more stress. I wouldn't suggest anyone to use sand just because I would feel bad if there leo did get impacted but I have one (Lil Angel) that has always been on sand and he hasn't ever had a problem and just loves it I watch him dig and shove it around all the time and I have one (Wally jr) that is on flat rock with sand to fill in the open areas.But my other 2 I got while real little and I have them on repti-carpet

 

[Echostatic]

http://www.petzoo.co.uk/images/impaction.jpg

ill not visually link the image due to the graphic nature of it. (reptile autopsy)

but this is the risk of using particle substrates. its everyones choice, but i personally feel the risk is too great. if (more likely when) i get my leos, they will be going on tile.