Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
I have lurked around here for a long while, and finally decided to post a question. I have a pair of Leo's, and as you would expect, they are housed in the same enclosure. They bred early in the year, but to no avail (all 4 eggs she laid were infertile, her first season) and they seem to get along quite well, although in watching them eat, primarily a diet of dusted meal worms, I have noticed that the male seems quite a bit more of an agressive eater than the female. Now she is becoming considerably more thin than the male. I will weigh them and post the weights tomorrow . My question is this; should I seperate them into seperate enclosures to allow her to get as much food as she needs to gain weight, and also, could the infertile eggs (or lack of multiple clutches) be because of the reduced feeding that I hadnt noticed until recently? One last thing, when would I expect more breeding activity between them, just so I know if she would be healthy enough to go through laying them again. Sorry for the long post, but I am beginning to be really concerned! Any help is appreciated.
Brandon

Brandon,

If I were you I would definately separate them as soon as possible. The aggressiveness you see while he feeds is more or less a hierarchy of leoaprd gecko's in "colony" type situations which I have noticed first hand. There is always at least one gecko that dominates the others. This gecko eats first, drinks first, goes into whichever moist-hide they want. Does whatever they want. That is the reason I have kept my animals singularly except for breeding purposes.

As to the clutch question, the infrequent feedings would definately, in my experience and opinion, contribute to that. As well as the lack of nutrients which help in the formation of the eggs and healthy embryo.

My advice is to separate them. Feed her heavily. Supplement with calcium and vitamin powder. Just make sure that she is healthy and in the weightclass in which she needs to be for breeding.
-----
Josh Ellis
My Email
Geckophiles.com
----------------------------------

I agree with Josh. Seperate ASAP. I would keep them seperate until the spring, and then breed again. Also, the presence of the male can intimidate females into not laying. I would remove him so she can fertilize and lay her eggs in peace.
-----

1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper (het stripe))
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
RIP Peaches, Ghost, Bill
Hatched: ~25

One male and one female being kept together is really not a good idea in the first place. If given a chance, the male will over breed the female, as well as the dominance factor discussed in previous posts. If you wish to keep a male in with your female, add a couple more females. A good ratio for a colony is 1:3. That way the male has a few females to pick on, and he wont pester one constantly. Seperation is definately the answer. Indefinately would be your best bet unless you plan a large colony. good luck, jen

-----
"Brains for dinner, brains for lunch. Brains for breakfast, brains for brunch. Brains for every single meal; why can't we have some GUTS?"-Misfits

1.0 ball python- Azazel
1.0 red blood python-Hiss
1.0 peach phase thayeri-Sancho......MIA
0.1 creamsicle corn- Pandora
0.1 partial stripe ghost corn- Raven
1.0 Sunglow motley corn-Ernie
1.1 hognose- Pricilla and Odd
0.2 leos- Boji and Kodama
0.1 beardie- Indie
1.0 BTS- Griffon
0.1 Iggy- Sunny
0.0.1 crested gecko- Jubeh
0.1 leucistic texas ratsnake-Ojo
1.0 mentally retarted whites tree frog- Sifaka
0.1 pacific parrolet- Mishka
1.1 cats- Cairo and Oberon
2.0 bettas
0.0.1 goldfish-fishwad
1.0 Husband (hes my favorite, but i dont let the 'kids' know that. )

Thanks for all the great responses everyone! I will seperate them ASAP and start her feeding alone. I really appreciate the advice. Incidentally, I happen to have a sub-adult female beardie w/ 20g cage that I need to find a home for soon, preferably to someone able to pick her up in the St. Louis, Mo area. I will let her go to anyone willing to make an offer (perhaps for a 10-15 gallon Leo setup) and email me at ratrod37@yahoo.com if you would like to see pics or with any questions. Thanks!
Brandon