Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How do you introduce a new gecko into your collection? I have a female in a 10 gal and am going to get another one and put them in a 20 gal long but I am not sure how to introduce them.
Thanks
-Brett

1.0 bearded dragon
0.1 leopard gecko
0.1 albino cornsnake

Here is one method (more conservative than most, but I think our pets deserve it).

0. Both leos should be females. If these are your first two leos, you aren't ready to breed them. Wait a year or two.

1. get a new *separate* cage ready for the new leo. Safest initial substrate: paper towels (you can switch to something more aesthetic later, once you are sure the new leo is happy, healthy, adjusted and adult-sized. If your existing leo isn't in the cage you eventually want to house them in, move that leo to the cage.

2. when you get the leo get it a vet checkup (possibly optional if you are very knowlegable about leos - if you are asking these questions, you are not knowlegable enough) and absolutely get a fecal test.

3. keep the new leo quarantined in its own cage for 3 months
Make sure it is feeding well and happy and healthy.

4. If the new leo isn't yet the same size as your existing leo, then you will have to keep them in separate cages until they are. Do not risk putting a small leo in with a big one.

5. At least the last month before move-in date, make the substrate the same as the one in the destination cage. Use a hide in the new leo's cage that you will move to the destination cage.

6. A good precaution for those who care about their pets: get another fecal test on both leos just before the move-in date (you don't need another vet check -- just drop off the poop).

7. Last check: both leos same size, both eating well, both well-nourished, both shedding well, both have clean fecal tests, you have enough free time in the coming week to observe the leos for problems.

8. Now you can try moving them in together. Both leos should have their own hides, move the one in the temporary tank to the new one -- ideally in about the same place.

9. Observe them regularly. You want to make sure they don't fight and injure each other and that they both continue to eat well (though the stress during first few days may hamper eating somewhat).

10. If they don't get along, be prepared to house them separately for the rest of their lives. Make sure you have the space and equipment for this possibility. If you are unwilling to accept the risk that you might have to do this -- then don't get a second leo.