Well; got my first leopard gecko last week from a big-chain pet store up here in Jersey; and unfortunately decided to return him this evening. Adopted the little guy for 15 bucks from the store; and thing was showing serious signs of possible health problems (no interest in food; watery stools; lethargic; etc.) and I could not bring myself to justify paying 70 - 80 dollars on a vet bill if I purchased the animal for only 15. Hated the fact of taking him bac. Wish I could have done more, but working on a limited budget just did not see it financially feesible to take it to get checked out. I figured if I took him back, the store would take him to get checked out. Will be attending the Repticon event up here in Philly this weekend; and will probably get one from a breeder. I know that sounds horrible; looking to get another since I just returned the one to the store, but if I were to pay more than 15 dollars for one; then would make more sense to me financially to get vet checked. Also; I would probably be able to pretty much gaurantee myself that one comming from a breeder would be better quality healthwise (at least I would hope) or find an older "established" one that isn't just a little baby that needs sooo much caring for. Don't get me wrong by saying that; I would care for it either way; just the babies need much more attention and nurturing. Well; will keep you guys posted and let you know how it goes. BTW; the lady at the pet store who accepted my return even said that the poor thing didn't look right and was extremely too skinny and was apologizing to me up and down for selling a sickly animal to me.
unfortunate series of events.....
- Thread starter Diggs27
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fl_orchidslave
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You did the right thing IMO. Don't feel bad. If you had kept him, who knows the heartache you would have gone thru trying to get him up to par. Babies are definitely more difficult for a beginner. A well established young juvie will do better and you will be happier with him in the long run. All breeders have normals, just not what you see looking at websites. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensively you can pick one up for at a show.
The last normal I had last year was a slow starter, so I held him back to be sure he would do well. He finally started eating like he should instead of sporadically, so he could safely be offered for sale. Off to the show we went, to Bradenton FL and sold him for $15 to a man and his wife. Of course I disclosed all the information concerning his health. Then I saw a picture a few weeks later posted on this forum of this cute little gecko in a nice cage, and the owner was so happy with his Lil Dude. That was my runt. He sends me photos and updates periodically
You'll find something nice at the show and be glad for your decision.
fuzzylogix
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im glad they took it back and sorry for your misfortune. but honestly it's my feeling that if you take an animal in, you should be prepared for the price of vet care. i hope they take him and get him treate, but i have a feeling he will be back in the same tank with the other leos in a week's time.
Well all; little update. Went to King of Prussia today for the Repticon Showcase and Super Pet Expo, and found a new little "baby" (hatched August of 2010). Very happy with this one; as soon as I brough her home; she was literally jumping around her cage exploring her hides and already ate 3 crickets and 2 mealworms. Also; much heavier tail then the other one I had....First pics are the ones of the little guy I got from the big chain store; and others are of the little princess I picked up today.
fl_orchidslave
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She looks like a healthy one A pretty name for a pretty girl
A pretty name for a pretty girl Visit our friends
