Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought my gecko from a pet store about a week or so ago. Latly, it hasn't been as active as usual, and it's getting very pale. It's eating, but hasn't pooed in over a day. Should I be worried? What's goin on?

If he's getting pale it just means he's about to shed. He should get really light colored, then he'll shed and then his colors will be very vibrant. I've found that most geckos get kind of cranky around this time and won't eat as much and like to be left alone. You need to make sure you have a 'wet hide' in there for him, to help him shed. this can be made by taking a tupperware container, cutting a hole in one side for him to crawl in and out of it, and putting moist paper towels inside for him to lay on.
-----
1.2.0 Leopard Geckos
0.1.0 Miniature long-haired dachsund

This could mean that it is probably going to shed, which is perfectly normal. Their color appears more dull before they do. Make sure it has a good humid hide!

well...i would think that any person that buys a gecko knows its natural body processes..and a simple one like shedding u should already know...if its "pale" but obviously not shedding....it could also mean temperature...geckos actually do change color depending on temps...its especially obviously in my blizzies...they are grey when i takem out but are pretty white after they warm up...but if its eating...i think temps are fine...oh ya..and since it might be going thru a shed make sure u have a humid box or mist/soak with lukewarm water...i personally prefer humid hides as it adds to their sense of security and also my blizzies start screaming and barking once i spray them..who said leopard geckos are mute O.o...ahaha...well happy herping

-eric chen
-----
"you won't know success if you haven't failed..."-eric chen
1.1.1 Hi-Yellow Leopard Geckoes-Gecko Party, Town and Country Pets
0.0.2 Blizzards-AAA Reptile Supply
0.1.0 Western (Plains) Hognose Snake-La Habra Pets
1.0.0 Dark-Fire Crested Gecko-Reptile Depot
0.1.0 Boxer Dog-Local Dog Shelter

Thanks... everyone... for all the help. Gollum is def shedding. I can see spots where his skin is peeling off. So he's good. Thanks again!!! By the way, I am now in the process of making a humid hide... any more tips on making one would be appreciated!!!

To make a humid hide I usually just use one of those gladware containers. I cut a hole in the side big enough for the gecko to enter and then "melt" the edges of the hole with a lighter so there are no sharp edges. Damp paper towels will work, or the coconut blocks that you soak. I use that because I also let my females lay in the hide, and I find that it's easier to keep the coconut stuff moist. Snap the lid on the container and put it on the cool side. Some people put one on the warm side as well, but it's somewhat harder to keep it moist on the warm side. I keep the moist hide in constantly, some people seem to only use them when their leo is about to shed.

Good luck.

Leslie