Getting to know your leopard gecko: Part One

  Part I: Purchasing a healthy leopard gecko.

          The leo you decide to bring into your family and home should look healthy and alert. Check for any signs of disease and ensure that all limbs and digits are intact. Get a good look at the gecko's tail. It should look similar to this(Figure 1) photo, and be fat and plump. It should not look shrivelled or be regrown(Figure 2). You will want to ensure that the eyes are clear, the mouth and tongue pink, and lack any discolouration. Make sure the leo does not have any scratches, bites, burns, or any other wounds on it's body. The gecko should also be alert and watchful. They may even be a bit jumpy. If there are multiple gecko's choose one that you feel connected to.

          Healthy Traits
- well developed body
- bright, watchful eyes
- clean nostrils
- thick and round tail
- intact digits and nails
- clean, closed mouth
- alert and active

          Unhealthy traits
- visible hipbones or spine
- sunken or damaged eyes
- discharge or bubbles from the nostrils
- flat, thin tail
- gap when mouth is cold
- missing, or damaged digits
- slow, sluggish behaviour

Figure 1:

This photo shows Bill as a hatchling with his very plump tail. This was one of the many times Bill explored the flower garden, as he got the much needed UV rays. Although, Leopard gecko's are crepuscular they do need the vitamins in the sun's rays. Though not very much is needed, so you do not need to purchase a UV bulb, but frequently take your gecko outside. Be wary of birds and other wildlife that can injure your gecko. But mostly, enjoy this precious time, and allow it to become a positive bonding experience.

Figure 2:

This photo shows what an unhealthy hatchling looks like. The gecko is obviously malnourished, but because of their biology, this gecko is fighting and winning to stay alive. A gecko that resembles the one photographed should see an exotic veterinarian as soon as possible. At the very least, the gecko should be rehabilitated in home. You can do this by giving the gecko access to water and food twenty-four-seven, and providing a warm and safe area for the gecko to rest and restore it's health. 

 

 

             You can purchase or rescue a gecko that is malnourished and needs help, but please recognize the responsibility and effort it will take to foster the animal to full health. In another post I will outline a plan and steps to restore the health of your gecko, or one that you've rescued. 

 

I hope this information proves of value to any and all of you.

 

 Much Love,

 

 Allie XOXO

Pet Owners Oath

Purchasing and taking care of any pet requires commitment, patience, and the willingness to learn everything they can about them. Proceeding this is an oath for every pet owner to abide by.

When I purchase an animal, I become responsible for it's care. I am responsible for learning how to provide for it properly. Including: it's habitat, it's diet, and it's health. My pet deserves to live a long, healthy, and happy life. I understand the responsibility I am assuming and I feel I am ready for the responsibility.

Get to know Allie and the Leopard Gecko Spot

Hey guys, I'm Allie a reptile enthusiast. On the right you'll see photos of my leopard gecko, Bill! He is one years old, which happens to be- 16 years for geckos. So in essence, I have a 16 year old male teenager, and it shows in his behaviour and personality. He is as cute as can be.If you would like to look at more photos of Bill, they can be found on his personal Instagram, Bill's Instagram. Please feel free to comment any questions you may have or any topics you would like me to cover. 

I specialize in the handling, training, and the selling of leopard geckos. All the training is done one-on-one by myself personally. Training includes: climbing, hand taming, interactions with children, interactions with strangers, knowledge of other leopard geckos (leopard geckos should not be left alone together or be very close to one another. Leopard geckos are not social creatures. They are content with being alone and interacting solely with their owners. They will have the instinct to bite, and prove dominance. Leopard geckos have 100 tiny teeth that will break the skin and cause it to to bleed. For their safety, please watch them carefully, and try to avoid having them so close to one another). 

Additional Training includes: parrot shoulder, riding loose in a car, and much more. 

If you would like to inquire about training costs for your leopard gecko, or the purchase of one please comment and message me. Also, if you found this post interesting or if it was informative feel free to comment as well. 

Thank you!

Allie!