Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

A quick question about heating Geckos. The room I keep them in is quie warm already without mats and lights. The temp is 75 F. Do I need to still use a heat mat or light for the gecko. That temp is constand because I cant turn my heater off as the room gets really cold at night. The temp gauge in the tank says 75 F.

Thanks

If you are talking about a leopard gecko, yes, you should have additional heat. I would suggest getting a undertank heater and put it on one side of the tank. Above the heat I used slate tiles so that if the gecko stayed there, they would get belly heat which helps in digestion of their food which seems to stimulate their eating.....giving you a fat tail and healthy looking gecko.
I would provide a hide on the heated side as well as the cool side giving the gecko a choice as to what temperature they would like. I would also suggest getting mealworms and gutloading them real well. Then put around 10 in a claydish with calcium and offer that to him 24/7. I then would put in crickets two or three times a week to provide variety as well as entertainment as they are so cool to watch tracking their prey.
Good luck and if that doesn't seem to help with your gecko, I would suggest getting a fecal done in case he has parasites.
I really think that he is not eating that well as your tank is way too cool for what a leopard gecko likes.
Betty

Thanks Betty

I will get a heat mat today for him. How do you gut load meal worms. Does that just mean feeding them lots of food?

to gut load mealworms, keep them in grain (wheatbran, rolled oaks etc). Carrots and wholesome greens (collards, dandelion etc) can be placed onto of the grains and the mealworms (superworms can be offered the same as well) will eat it. Just make sure to wash the vegetables and greens and pat dry as you don't want to get the grain too wet as it can mold. Another thing you can do is add a pinch of calcium and multivitamin powder into the grains. Not sure if any of this would be absorbed by the mealworms, but certainly can't hurt.

All insects should be fed at least 24 hours before giving them to your reptiles. Crickets can be fed the same greens mentioned above, as well as Kale, mustard/turnup greens, endive and escaroli, bell peppers, carrots etc. Pretty much the same sort of greens you would feed a green iguana or bearded dragon. Moisture can be given via a slice of orange, potatoe, carrot or squash.

Silkworms should be fed silkworm chow (comes in a powdered form which is mixed in water and cooked in the microwave for about 5-6 minutes) or freshly washed mulberry tree leaves.

Waxworms I beleive they need to be fed bran mixed with honey, but not hundred percent sure with these.