What causes runny poop?

[Scott&Nikki]

My leo started getting runny poop about 3 days ago. The temps are still steady and have not changed. She hasn't eaten any more than 2 mealworms in these three days when she has been averaging around 10/night. I switched her to a 20 gal last night and she was exploring the tank and climbing on everything for a good 5-6 hours. So could runny poop be caused simply by not eating? I mean, could it possibly be shes eating less because of the weather and because of that, only drinking water is making it runny? I just didnt like they fact that both problems happened at the same time. She had a fecal done less than 2 months ago. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Her colors look much darker also. Almost a grey-ish. Any ideas??

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

Scott, it could be a multitude of things. I would not worry just yet. You said that you just moved her to a new enclosure? It could be stress related. If she has reduced her food intake and is still well hydrated it could just be lack of protein. She may have snuck a beef and bean burrito when you weren't looking. Keep and eye on her and if it continues to worry you, which it will... you can post again for other solutions or take her into the vet again.

 

[geckofreak570]

I would not worry mine had the same problem. Once he started to eat again his poop stoped looking watery and his color came back.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

This started 3 days ago and I moved her to the new tank yesterday. So I figured it may be adding to it, but it couldn't have caused it. But, I will keep watching it and see if anything changes. Thanks Jeremy

 

[geckofreak570]

p.s he ate in 3 days

 

[brandy101010]

If you only got one fecal done it is still possible that she has parasites. sometimes the things don't show up in the fecals so its good to get two fecals done 2 or 3 weeks apart. If she passes the second one it could be stress related, Is she in a high traffic area? have kids or cats been staring at her all the time? Have you changed anything with her diet recently? Got enough hides ect... Just look for anything that may be causing the problem. Could be nothing and will fix it's self.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

If you only got one fecal done it is still possible that she has parasites. sometimes the things don't show up in the fecals so its good to get two fecals done 2 or 3 weeks apart. If she passes the second one it could be stress related, Is she in a high traffic area? have kids or cats been staring at her all the time? Have you changed anything with her diet recently? Got enough hides ect... Just look for anything that may be causing the problem. Could be nothing and will fix it's self.

Not a very traffic area. Just Nikki and I in the apartment and we both have class throughout the week. She is in the least traffic area of the very small apartment. Nothing at all changed with her diet. Have enough hides, although she only uses 1. I just put a mealworm in my hand and she licked it and pushed it off my hand, and then ate it. So she apparently has an appetite, just not going to her mealie dish. I might try that a few more times to see if it will make her poop a little more solid tonight. She has been such a good eater since she had her first cricket the 3rd day I had her. I'll keep watching.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Like Jeremy said, it could be a number of thing causing the runny stool. Here are some possible causes in the order of probability (IMO):

- stress
- belly temperatures not optimum
- change in diet
- change in feeders' gutload
- gastritis
- bacterial infection
- parasites

Since she has an appetite, and assuming all her environmental conditions are OK, I'd just hold on and see if it clears by itself.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

So, I just saw her walking around and went to see what she was doing. I see her licking the sand that I have filling in the cracks between the tile and the glass. I don't think that would be a cause for runny poop, but I can't have that happening. What else can I use to fill in these gaps that I would still be able to take them out for cleaning?

 

[Stitch]

I don't know what kind of gut load you use but maybe you could fill the crevices with that. The only problem is it will need to be changed since it can go bad.

 

[BalloonzForU]

I'm not sure putting the gutload in the tank is safe.

 

[Stitch]

I'm not sure putting the gutload in the tank is safe.

Other then it going bad (rotting) it shouldn't hurt the leo. I leave my gut load (flukers) at room temp but it is sealed in a container. They are still eating it while it's in the insects.

Scott you could also try paper towel. Roll it and wet it then jam it into the crevices, that may work.

 

[Double LY]

I put sphagnum moss around the edges of the slate in a couple of our tanks. I must have gone to Lowe's on the day the good tile cutter was there for the others as there isn't a noticeable gap.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I put sphagnum moss around the edges of the slate in a couple of our tanks. I must have gone to Lowe's on the day the good tile cutter was there for the others as there isn't a noticeable gap.

Yeah, my 10 gallon had much smaller gaps between the tile and the glass. The problem this time was, the tiles uncut were already not as wide as the 20 gallon's width. Now with this problem she is having, I'm very hesitant to take her out and mess around with the tank.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

UPDATE: I was putting some calcium in her tank last night and I see her head pop out of her hide. Figured I would put a mealworm in front of her hide. She ate it before it hit the ground. She ended up eating 9 directly off of the spoon I was using at the time. This morning I got a massive present! Hopefully that cleared her system out and things will get back to normal now. I will keep a very close eye though.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Awesome Scott!!!

 

[curiousKathy]

So, I just saw her walking around and went to see what she was doing. I see her licking the sand that I have filling in the cracks between the tile and the glass. I don't think that would be a cause for runny poop, but I can't have that happening. What else can I use to fill in these gaps that I would still be able to take them out for cleaning?

What about rolled up paper towel? Roll it really tight like a pencil or thinner and place it in the spaces between the tiles...

Just an idea...

Kathy

 

[LeosForLess]

I told u to stop feeding her those White Castle sliders!

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I told u to stop feeding her those White Castle sliders!

I know, I know...