Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there such a thing a female Leopard Geckos coming into "heat" such a female dogs do? I noticed a spot of blood on her papertowels lining the cage and flipped her over to see and it appeared to be a her spot that there was a little bit of blood. Any help would be appreciated.

Yes there is a "heat period", but it's not exactly like Eustress as in horses, dogs, and other mammals. Theoretically leopards can be bred at any given time (their ovums do not produce eggs only a few times a year, instead there is almost a constant supply of ova being produced and reav )Most bsobed if unfertilized....like humans). Breeders "precondition" their gecko so they will be more accepting towards males and vice versa. This usually consists of exposing them to a shorter photoperiod (less than 12 hours of daylight per 24 hours). and cooler temps (as low as 65 at night and 72-76 during the day)for a 4-8 week period prior to breeding.

so it is normal for her to have little spots of blood?

>>so it is normal for her to have little spots of blood?

(Disclaimer: I don't personally breed, but have all females currently.)

They don't have organs or "periods" like humans do. I would be very concerned.

Are you sure it came from her reproductive organs or could it have been a bite from another gecko or prey item? Check for external wounds... finding none, I would say try a vet ASAP, it won't hurt that for sure and for most of the planet it is the wrong time for the gecko to be in "heat" unless you are living in a strange temperature zone. (Temp is the sign for them to develop.) It could be blood from the GI tract and indicate something more serious. I would have her checked out tomorrow if you can.

Keep us posted on her progress.

okay, now having read your response to my posting I am worried. She is only 4 years old. She is having a hard time shedding and the humma hide is wet everyday (cause I do it), she has the under tank heater and fresh food and water. In looking at her today, her right eye looks swollen. What kind of vet do I take her to? A regular vet?

From my own experience, watch out for "regular" vets, even ones that claim to deal in exotics. Check to see if your area has a herp society - google will help if the main forum isn't listing your area- and ask them for some recommendations, they'll tell you the best. Another option is if you've got any independent reptile or exotic stores in the are (NOT chain ones) is to call them up and ask where they take their animals.

(We thought we were being smart and called the University's vet school, they sent us to a vet who couldn't even hold a leo with the help of a tech... a bit more vet searching and we found a gem, a 45 minute drive, but we won't go anywhere else.)

Good luck, definitely have that eye checked.