cowana
New Member
- Messages
- 593
- Location
- Dayton, Ohio
These images were taken by Dennis of Magical Geckos (and therefore belong to him.) in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. It was turned into a local rescue and he took custody of it in an attempt to save it's life. Unfortunately it didn't survive the surgery to remove the impaction. [emoji22]
As owners of animals, it is our job to provide them with the best care we possibly can. This includes all animals... They aren't just a hamster or lizard or fish. They are our responsibility the moment we decided to take them into our care and that means learning everything we can about them, and providing all of their needs.
Leopard Geckos don't live on sand in nature. They live on hard, packed dirt even slightly rocky in parts. A moist hide should he provided and may contain moss or coco fiber for adults to imitate a burrow, or just moist paper towels (which is the only thing that should be given to babies and juveniles). However, the main substrate should be paper towels, newspapers, reptile carpet, etc that can NOT be ingested.
Sand should NEVER be used the particles make it high risk for ingestion at feeding and other times. The particles will just sit in the stomach, build up and impact his guts and stomach. Causing a slow and painful DEATH! Just because you have been using it for years or know someone who has "without a problem" doesn't mean that you won't have a problem in the future or don't have a problem you don't know about.
It is better to be safe than sorry, or one day you will end up inevitably with a gecko in this situation. If this doesn't break your heart, then I don't know what will. [emoji26]
Amy
As owners of animals, it is our job to provide them with the best care we possibly can. This includes all animals... They aren't just a hamster or lizard or fish. They are our responsibility the moment we decided to take them into our care and that means learning everything we can about them, and providing all of their needs.
Leopard Geckos don't live on sand in nature. They live on hard, packed dirt even slightly rocky in parts. A moist hide should he provided and may contain moss or coco fiber for adults to imitate a burrow, or just moist paper towels (which is the only thing that should be given to babies and juveniles). However, the main substrate should be paper towels, newspapers, reptile carpet, etc that can NOT be ingested.
Sand should NEVER be used the particles make it high risk for ingestion at feeding and other times. The particles will just sit in the stomach, build up and impact his guts and stomach. Causing a slow and painful DEATH! Just because you have been using it for years or know someone who has "without a problem" doesn't mean that you won't have a problem in the future or don't have a problem you don't know about.
It is better to be safe than sorry, or one day you will end up inevitably with a gecko in this situation. If this doesn't break your heart, then I don't know what will. [emoji26]
Amy