Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

slate58 · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:19 pm Post subject: What would you do?

Just wanted some advice on my fiance's leo that we picked up on Thurs.

When she picked him out in shop he was thin but we were told he must be being bullied but was feeding and would do well on his own, fiance fell in love with him so had to say yes.

Since we got him home he has only eaten one cricket and passed very little faeces. He doesn't come out a all even when lights are off. When we get him out t handle him (which he accepts without issue) he either goes straight back to his hide or goes back to sleep in a corner of his viv.

We've got all his viv temps setup as recommended (mid 70s at night). Were both getting a bit concerned now and were thinking about taking him back tomorrow and swapping him for a better looking or adult specimen.

What would you guys do?
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1.0.0 Eublepharis Macularis (albino)
1.1.0 Heterodon Nasicus
1.1.0 Python Regius
0.0.1 Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

scottishdragon · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:52 pm Post subject:

I can understand your concearn and some geckos take a while before they settle in and eat well.
Having said that it is my opinion that the gecko does not look healthy. What are your day time tems? Basking spot should be arround 86 farenheit. I keep my geckos at 86 basking spot down to about 75 at the cool side to allow for thermo regulation. If you do decide to keep the gecko it may be worh having a vet check for internal parasites etc.

May I ask how old you were told the gecko was?

John
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3 bearded dragons.
3 leoaprd geckos.
1 crested gecko.
1 pictus gecko.
2 veiled chameleons.
1 blue tongue skink
1 red tail boa.

slate58 · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:03 pm Post subject:

Temps bout 90 basing and 85 cool side. Didn't tell us how old he is.
_________________
1.0.0 Eublepharis Macularis (albino)
1.1.0 Heterodon Nasicus
1.1.0 Python Regius
0.0.1 Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

scottishdragon · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:37 pm Post subject:

My concern is that it does not look as if it has any fat reserves eg the tail is very thin, it may be ok with a bit of T.L.C. but then it may have underlying problems. Try some wax worms. Fed in moderation these may simulate appetite and help with weight gain. Hope this helps.

John.
_________________
3 bearded dragons.
3 leoaprd geckos.
1 crested gecko.
1 pictus gecko.
2 veiled chameleons.
1 blue tongue skink
1 red tail boa.

mattie · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:08 am Post subject:

I agree scottish dragons advice and would get a fecal done asap, in the mean time can i ask how your heating the viv? I have a heat mat covering 1/4 of the viv this is controlled by thermostat, directly ontop of the heat mat reaches 88f day and night, I have one hide on top off the heat mat and one in the cool end, this gives the leos a chance too choose their preffered temp day and night, the only time I turn the mat off at night is for a few months building upto the breeding season, this metod may helpmake yor leo feel more comfortable as ive found my leos shun bright light and often find them laying ontop of the heat mat at night,

Hope this helps but i would definitely get a fecal done as scottish dragon suggests

mattie · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:30 am Post subject:

no edit button Wink

id also suggest you get rid of the sand and replace it with kitchen roll, this will make it easier to monitor your leos stools, and is a lot more hygenic, also the cool side of your viv should be closer to room temperature , 90f - 85f means your leo cant regulate its body temp properly and is in risk of over heating

JohnC · Key Member Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 219 Location: UK

The leo is in bad condition and should not have been sold to you.
Exchange it for one with a fat tail if you can.
_________________
John
Oldest member, been keeping reptiles for 36 years.
Carpets, royals, rainbow boas, corns, milks, ackies and leos.

slate58 · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:10 am Post subject: Update

Took the little leo back this morning and exchanged it for an adult albino who is happy, healthy and handleable. Eating ravenously already despite the stress of moving house. Try and get pic up tomorrow.

Also tweaked the viv temps as suggested and got a heat mat down for night as temps were getting on for low 70s.

Thanks for all you help and advice guys.
_________________
1.0.0 Eublepharis Macularis (albino)
1.1.0 Heterodon Nasicus
1.1.0 Python Regius
0.0.1 Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

JohnC · Key Member Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 219 Location: UK

Excellent news.
Passing off leos that are not thriving to inexperienced buyers is all too common.
It happened to me and I thought the shop was good until then.
_________________
John
Oldest member, been keeping reptiles for 36 years.
Carpets, royals, rainbow boas, corns, milks, ackies and leos.

mattie · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:26 am Post subject:

Good news slate, good luck with him, ill look forward too the pics Cool