Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, thought I should introduce myself and my gecko Carina. I just got her on December 31st (decided instead of a New Years resolution I'd simply try to give a gecko a better home) and so far I think she is happy.

Though I've only had her a day (just over 24 hours) I tried to do some research before I got her, and I'm noticing I'm already having some "slight" trouble.

1) I didn't know PetCo had a bad reputation for their geckos. I didn't do much online reading, just books. She *looks* healthy, but I want to make sure. What I have read just says PetCo is a poor place to get one, so, can I get some specifics so I can make sure my Gecko is in the clear? Is there anything I can do to make *sure* she is healthy?

2) At the last second I decided to change my substrate to Vita-Sand, instead of the cage liner I had tested my setup on for temperatures. I didn't realize this change was going to upset my temperatures so much. Now instead of a constant midish 80, warm side, low 80 to high 70 cool side, I have almost 90 (give or take a degree) hot side and 70ish cool side. These are temperatures on the sand, since I do have a UTH. I haven't much used my lamps because then the temperature on the hot side becomes over 90. So the question is: Is using just the UTH going to make the tank too cool since it isn't really heating the air? I'm up for any suggestions, comments, or even just reassurances that this habitat will be suitable for my gecko.

3) How should I determine what an "appropriate" ammount of food is for her? Everything I've read says, "Feed young geckos daily..." so what constitutes as feed? One cricket, two crickets, five, ten? I bought two dozen small crickets, gut-loaded them last night (since I figured she wouldn't eat anyway) and now want to provide her with the option to eat. Any suggestions here?

Anyway, I think that is all my opening questions. I look forward to being a part of this community. From what I've read here (glad I found it), you all seem like great people.

And now, on to the pictures.

Another shot at home.

Hmm, this picture came out a little dark. The one with more correct lighting came out REALLY bright due to the white wall in the back, so I'm posting this one instead.

She has a little cave dwelling place on the left, (and moving right) you see her water bowl, a haba-hut behind a fake plant, then a rock (yay!) and a shed box.

Which reminds me of another question. I've seen multiple places say different things.

Shed box -- warm side or cool side? I put it on the warm side because I figured that would create more humidity in the shed box. Also with the cool side being so cool, and me being worried about air temps, I figured I'd rather her enjoy a sauna then play in very cold water until I got this sorted out.

Thanks again!

Okay, okay, I know I'm like a nervous parent (but then, I guess I *am* a nervous parent) but I had two more questions. One I posted with the picture of the tank, and the other I'll ask here. Can someone explain the way you have your signatures setup? Like 1.0.0 geckos, and what not? This question is mostly just curiosity.

Thanks again!!

Hey I will make thing brief and simple or try anywhoo

90 degrees is perfect for the hotside but any hotter aint good try to keep it betweem88-90degrees you want the cool side about 80. If your hot side gets to hot purchase a rheostat you can get these at www.boaphileplastics.com or www.thebeanfarm.com. as for getting your cool side warmer raise the temps in the house.

Get the leopard gecko off the sand especially while shes still young this could cause impaction. Papertowels seem to be the best but cage liner is better than sand now you may find the tank temp to hot with only paper towels so you could put say 2 layers of paper towels and some cage liner on top also ive hered shelf liner works well to just some thoughts.

Your gecko looks ok and your setups awesome minus the sand. Put a humid hide inthere if there isnt one you could put it in the middle or to the hot side of the cage this is just a tubber ware container with a hole in it and some moist paper towel or soil keep it moist the gecko will go in it to shed and this will prevent skin from sticking to his toes.

thouse numbers mean male female and on sexed for example 1.4.3 would mean one male 4 females 3unsexed geckos!

Hope this all helps a lil your gecko looks good if hes eating crickets you could try to switch it to mealworms well its young they seem to be better.

Keep an eye on his poops eating etc.

Post if you need anything else or just send me an email

Peace
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Holy Molly Great Gobs Of Geckos
-Aaron-
1.2 rainwater albinos
0.2 hypo tang
1.4 hi yellow
1.3 tremper albinos
0.1 blizzard
0.1 leusistic
1.1 Patternless het albino rainwater
0.2 Tremper Reverse Stripe Tangerine Albino

Just a question? Why mess with the rest when you can have the best. -Great Gobs Of Geckos-
E-mail me at GreatGobsOfGeckos@yahoo.com

1.1.1, 2.3.0 etc mean (male.female.unsexed) animals

As for your questions to make sure he/she is healthy take a stool sample and get it tested by the vet.
As for the temperatures, i would try and keep the lamp idea working...the uth might also work. The air temperature isnt as important as the belly heat.
Feed your gecko as much as it wants and can comsume in 15 minutes you will eventuallyget an idea of how much to give per day. you can also keep mealworms in a dish 24/7.
Since she is young i would take out the sand at least until she is full grown. Just an idea.
Good luck the setup and your gecko looks great!
Keep posting
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Lauren
Leos and Uros
1.1 Saharan Uromastyx
0.0.1 Mali Uromastyx
1.1 Jungle Albino Leopard Gecko
1.1 Hypo/Baldy Leopard Gecko
1.1 Tremper Albino Leopard Gecko

Honestly remove the sand right away from her tank, yes it looks prettier but it is health risks. I have an impacted adult male and he has become very lathargic since the impaction and it taking me a long time to get him back to perfect health.. so it well it's still young and remove the sand.

Feeding wise, your leo will only eat as much as it wants. I put a few crix in daily for my leo's and you will find sometimes they are gone right away, sometimes they will be there for a day or so.. depends on how hungry he/she is.. also try meal worms as well.. get smalls if your leo is a baby because super worms are too large.

Good luck with your leo.. and I think we are all nervous first parents, I'm still a nervous parent with my leo's at times. You will give him a good home if you are determined enough to do so!

~Kayla
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1.0 Leo Gecko's *Astrid* - was told he was a her at first
0.0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine* - too young to sex
1.1 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo*