What are the major signs of sand impactions? What are ways to prevent it? I'm concerned about my female gecko.
Thanks
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Sand Impactions
A.C.3
Jun 27, 2003 12:43 PM
Replies (7)
$$PsYcHo$$
Jun 27, 2003 12:46 PM
the gecko can get a line down its belly that is obviously from the inside! and to prevent it put its meals in a dish! if the meal is crickets then you have to break its two hind legs cause those are the ones that they jump with! hope this helps!
JAG
Jun 27, 2003 01:07 PM
One way to prevent sand impactions, is not to use it. I found it best, cheaper, and easier to use paper towels.
dragonlady01
Jun 27, 2003 02:30 PM
Yes paper towel is the best and cheapest substrate for leos. Ross from LeosAnonymous told me they use paper towel for all their geckos, hatchlings to adults.
Spotted_Leopard
Jun 27, 2003 01:31 PM
1. If she is under 6" you should resort back to paper towels or newspapers. Smaller gecks are at larger risk for sand impaction.
2. She might not be getting enough calcium. Put some powdered calicum in a bowl. I think you can dust her food with calcium, too...I can't remember, sorry. Check into that before doing it in case I'm wrong.
Hope this helps...Jaz
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Soon-to-be-mom to a leopard gecko.
Just because you understand why something is, doesn't mean you have to agree with it-Jaz(me)
All work and no play is gay-something i heard somwhere, it's not my quote
somegirl
Jun 27, 2003 04:12 PM
yes, you not only can dust crickets, but should dust crickets a few feedings a week depending on age
Cleopatra
Jun 27, 2003 01:51 PM
Don't use sand or other small particled bedding. Use slate, paper towels, repti-carpet, felt, or some other bedding that won't pose a risk like that. You can tell they are impacted if they are not eating or are not going to the bathroom even if they are eating. Remember, prevention is easier than treatment. I had a fright with my female leo when I kept her on sand...and now I am a firm believer in paper towels and decorative tiles as substrates. She stopped eating and her poops were filled with sand (even though I fed her from a dish). She was pooping out sand days after I swtiched to paper towels. I highly recommend you remove the sand if you want to reduce your risks.
Cleo
1:1 leos (6 eggs cooking)
A.C.3
Jun 27, 2003 06:23 PM
Thanks everyone. She is about 6 inches I believe. I will try the paper towles but I always thought they would be stressed if they couldn't dig and burry. Guess not though = ) again thank you
