Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an appointment for my sick gecko at 1:00 at the vet school here in town..when I called and talked to the doctor who said he knew a lot about leopard geckos he said my problem was probably improper husbandry since I didn't have any sort of UV lighting. When I questioned this he said he has seen many leopard geckos that were ill because they didn't get any sunlight. I have had leopards for a while and never had this problem, but could some leos be more senstive, or need a little light to help them process vitamin D?

Anyways..I'll let you know how the visit goes...
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2.5.0 Leopard Geckos

I would be VERY careful about how much you believe this guys schtick. I have had leos for over 6 years with out UV lighting. I have not had any problems that can be directly linked to that. I have even been using calcium without D3 for a while and have not seen any increase in bone or other problems. I had a really bad hatch rate this year, but so did a LOT of other people. I may add a bit of D3 calcium to my supplementing next year, but I will NOT be adding any UV.

Now, I have a personal friend that was having a health issue with a gecko that seemed to respond to a bit of direct exposure to sunlight. But the problem was not a lack of sun or UV that caused the problem.
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Steven
Royal Gold Reptiles
Specializing in LV Patternless Albinos for '03 and '04.
Working towards Bell Patternless Albinos for '05.

Thanks for the input...I'll tell you what he says at the visit this afternoon...
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2.5.0 Leopard Geckos

I never use d3 calcium I believe the side effects of it in nocturnal animals can be more serious than what people think. I had an excellant hatch this year. Only 2 did not make it that were fertile out of 35. Just a thought : )
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Even if your on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there
20 leos,1.1 redtail boas,1.1 rainbow boas,1.1 cornsnakes, 1.0 tokay gecko,1.0 veiled cham, 5 dogs and a cat. Oh, can't forget Tater my parrolet.

Leos dont need UV light. They are nocturnal. They get the D3 from the vitamins/supplements that you should be giving them. A vet that "knows a lot" about leos should know they are nocturnal and are usually never in sunlight anyhow. What is wrong with your leo? I also heard the by putting leos in natural sunlight that it can mess up their skin because they are not use to the sunlight and they have no natural wat to prevent burns and any way to protect their skin from damage. I would try to get another vet.
Email me if you want too
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2 male leos: Winky HY & Lenny TangCT & 5 Female Leos: Sunshine Super tang,Starburst Super tang carrot tail, Serenity Tremper HY Jungle Albino, Skittle Hypo-Golden, and Banana Patternless.

correct me if im wrong here, but my philosophy on the whole thing has always been that nocturnal animals dont need UV light... it only makes sense.

I have a couple of 13 year old leos who have NEVER seen UVB, and were great breeders until this year - because I retired them. This guy is full of it...
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I am highly prized for my meat.