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i was just wondering what you guys consider to be the optimal weight for an average size, adult leo (around 8 inches). personally, i think that 70-80g is a great weight for a leo of that size because it is chubby but not actually FAT or obese by any standards.
Cleo
I don't think there is really any such thig because in the wild food might not always be available and I believe they eveolve the fat storing tail as a way to allow them to eat when food is available. Some geckos have heavier body masses, not including the tail simply because that is what genetics handed them.
80 grams would be a good weight for a average sized leo. My female is 80 grams 8.5 inches, she has a fat tail, its like an inch thick, but not overweight. I found that after i couple pinkies she got up to 90 grams at one point, and she was a little obese, when she came out she wasnt as active cause she couldnt get around with that huge belly weighing her down lol. I agree for a normal sized leo 70 to 80 grams is a good healthy weight. later
Mac
Just like with people, animals body shape and mass vary to quite a degree. Hence their weights will vary. Not all 8 inch long geckos will weigh that whether from natural body limiting factors or no. The ability for weight gain is a genetic trait...especially in animals that have to survive periods without food which is what leopard geckos were adapted to do in their home environment. These guys weren't meant to be "heavy" perpetually. They'd use the stored fat from their tails during lean times.. naturally slimming down. In captivity we don't allow that. We keep them in their fattened form.. which may not be bad for them either. But.. not all of them are going to carry the same amount of weight nor should anyone expect them to. They're individuals... not collectives. Some will weigh more at that size.. some will weigh less.. and all of them may very well be quite healthy despite the differences in weight.
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Rob Jenkins
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