Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

I just bought my first leopard gecko this weekend! It's a girl and her name is Lily. She's full grown, or close to it. I just had a few questions.

Is sand okay for an adult gecko ?? I know they're not good for babies.. but is an adult good on sand ? I feed her in a dish and remove the crix legs so they can't get out.. so she's not feeding on the sand.

She's really shy and timid.. well kinda.. lol when I first brough her home she hid for a long while then last night I was sitting on the floor drawing with my friend and she kept watching everything we were doing. Everytime I moved something she would follow it with her head and even try to run after it! But when it comes to handling her she is shy... any tips on how to calm her down ?

Okay last question. I bought her a red light cause I heard that they were better for them cause they weren't as bright. Is it okay if I keep it on during the night and for a while at night ? Or does it bother her ? The temp on the hot side is about 87 F and on the cool side is about 74 F. Should I get a UTH for her ??

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Any suggestions are welcome and sorry about the long post!
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Corn Snake
0.0.1 (Apollo)
Leopard Gecko
0.1.0 (Lily)
Mice
2.0.0 (Jube-Jube, Stuart)

Sounds as though you're doing everything right so far.

>>
>>Is sand okay for an adult gecko ?? >>

The sand argument has been going on forever. Some people have used sand for years and had no problems, others try sand one time and 3 months later their gecko dies of impaction. As long as you continue with the feeding method you describe, you aren't likely to have problems using sand. Stay away from silica sand, though, it's highly abrasive and can injure your gecko.

... any tips on how to calm her down ?
>>

You didn't say where you obtained your gecko, but chances are that if it's from a pet store or breeder it hasn't been handled regularly. Give her a couple of weeks to get used to her new surroundings, then begin handling her for a few minutes at a time. Best way is to put one hand down in front of her, then with your other hand gently touch her tail and coax her onto your hand. Remember not to move quickly. Also keep her near the ground at first in case she tries to jump off. Give it a little while, she'll get used to you in no time.

Is it okay if I keep it on during the night and for a while at night ? Or does it bother her ? The temp on the hot side is about 87 F and on the cool side is about 74 F. Should I get a UTH for her ??
>>

You don't need a UTH if you keep the light on to heat the cage during the day. A couple of things to keep in mind: A
day/night light cycle is beneficial to help regulate their metabolism, so if the room that the cage is in is not bright during the day, use a normal light bulb rather than the red one to simulate day brightness. It's fine to keep the red one on at night as they can't perceive the red very well, but you also want the temp to cool off at night, so if you are not viewing the gecko the light should be off to allow cooling. Finally, a UTH uses less watts than a light bulb, so it's more economical in the long run. Something to consider.

Make sure you are dusting her food, supply fresh water in a shallow dish, humid hide box, etc.,etc., and your gecko should do well. Good luck.
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Chris

1.0.1 Coleonyx variegatus
1.0.0 Gekko vittatus
0.1.0 Eublepharis macularius
0.0.2 Rhacodactylus ciliatus

Terrestrial? Who you calling terrestrial?!!