Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, so I got a leopard gecko for an early birthday present from my girlfriend, and I love this little guy but I have a couple of questions. The first is that I have had him for three and a half days and he hasn't taken a poop, and I was wondering how long should it usually takes them to process their food cause I have fed him twice (hes a pretty much full grown male) three superworms each time. Also I was wondering how much water they drink and someone told me kids play sand can be used in the cages of the older geckos, is that true? Thanks in advanced for your help

cheers.

Q- The first is that I have had him for three and a half days and he hasn't taken a poop, and I was wondering how long should it usually takes them to process their food cause I have fed him twice (hes a pretty much full grown male) three superworms each time.
A- They usually digest thier food and poo it out within a day, at least mine do. If he's gone a few days with two big meals in his belly then he might either be too cold to digest it, he might have an impaction, or he might be constipated. What temps do you keep him at? Also what substrate is he on now?

Q- Also I was wondering how much water they drink
Leos are dessert lizards and don't require an extreme amount of water.
A-They drink out of a dish so as long as you leave one in all the time with fresh water they should be fine.

Q- and someone told me kids play sand can be used in the cages of the older geckos, is that true?
A- Playground sand can be used as long as it is fine grain ans clean and free of any chemicals. I don't reccomend it due to the risk of impaction (one of my leos almost died from a sand impaction) but if used responsibly and food is fed in a dish then it is ok. Just keep an eye on his poo.

I hope this helps! And congrats on your new leo. And happy
B-day!

Emily
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2.4.11 leopard geckos (Nelson, Zander, Zoe, Baby, Houdini, Munch, & lots of babies)
1.1 ferrets (Oliver and Delilah)
1. budgie (Max)
0.0.1 Ring neck Parakeet (Kiwi)
1.1 German Shepards (Jake and Abigail)

The Spotted Gecko
**Updated 9-17-04**

I have him on newspaper right now, i dont think hes impacted because he was on a reptile carpet/astroturf when i bought him so im thinking maybe its that hes constipated or that he doesnt have a high enough temperature, right now i have a 60watt heat bulb only because the cage i have right now has got a second level with a walkway up to it, and his hidebox is on the second level but I want to get a 20 gallon tank.

Well I'm gald to hear its not likely to be an impaction. If it's not the temp then you are probsbly right about tbeing constipated. This can happen with either too much food or too big of food, or sometimes it just happens. Feel the belly, if its tight and kinda hard then you should give your leo a nice warm bath. Set it in a container with some warm water. High enough to cover the belly but low enough so he can keep his head out of water easily. Leave him in the water for about 15-20 minutes (watch him at all times, dont leave anything in water unsupervised) After the bath give your gecko a belly massage. This should eithr give you immediate results or at least get him to poo soon. if it doesn't work try again later. But if nothing is working contact a vet. Good Luck!

Emily
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2.4.11 leopard geckos (Nelson, Zander, Zoe, Baby, Houdini, Munch, & lots of babies)
1.1 ferrets (Oliver and Delilah)
1. budgie (Max)
0.0.1 Ring neck Parakeet (Kiwi)
1.1 German Shepards (Jake and Abigail)

The Spotted Gecko
**Updated 9-21-04**