vencrypt wrote:@control @jayus @CSF
Thank you so much for the advice! They really help, and that link of the gecko tanks really inspire me :D I've watched a bunch of videos to get some ideas and some personal opinions from others. I still have some questions, since I want to try my best ahhhHHhHh
So all of you said that housing 2 female leos aren't recommended, and I see why, but I see many people housing 2 or more leos together, whether it be 2 females and 1 male. I'm not sure if it's just for breeding purposes or to save money. But I've heard that you set them apart with a divider in the middle, so they can be able to see and smell each other by that and can get used to each other that way? I've also heard you should also give enough hides, food, and space so they don't compete.I just want to see other opinions on this, since I've seen this a lot of people and geckos have no problem with this, I presume.
I would also like to ask about morphs. I see some morphs are much more expensive and some are cheaper. I was wondering why it's like that, considering maybe supply and demand factor into the price I'm guessing? I was planning to get a raptor or super snow, or as a dream, a black velvet. But as a starter, I should just purchase a common morph. Anyone have any ideas?
I heard there's different types of worm that are available, such as mealworms and hornworms and all that. Which ones are the best to start out with, and what type of nutrition do they hold? I would also like to ask on behalf of the crickets as well. When and how much should I give in one setting? I've heard multiple answers such as when dawn kicks in and feed them until they're full.
And last question about holding them and taking them out of their tanks. I've heard to let them take a week off in their tank to get used to it and find out where everything is. I've also heard that it could tank at least a week or more for them to get used to you if you hold them for 10-15 minutes a day. How long can I handle a gecko out of its enclosure without letting it get cold? Also what do you do if one bites you? Because if anything bites me I usually start thrashing my hand out and I really don't want to do that with a Leo.
Thank you for the tips and I appreciate this thread ahh (just trying my best to not kill anything else rip)
yeah, lot of people do keep them together, but that doesn't make it right. The bottom line is that somewhere along the line there is a possibility for one to snap at the other, and there's no reason to even risk it. The options are house one and there's no chance of it being injured by another or keep two in the same encolsure and there's a constant risk that one will end up injured. I believe its ethically wrong, but also, that's a risk for pricey vet bills to consider as well
some morphs are more expensive because they're new, or because the genetics aren't fully understood yet and so they're harder to breed. supply and demand also play a part. Common morphs are also cute, but morph doesn't play a part in care at all (except albinos) so you don't have to start with a 'normal' if you don't want to. There's lots of cool morphs that are still really affordable for new keepers
Superworms should be fed over mealworms, they have more 'meat' to them so to say. But really, superworms are extremely high in fat and should be fed only a few a week. Crickets are better, but if you can, dubia roaches are the most nutritious. They don't smell, can't climb smooth walls, and can't fly, and can't infest your home (unless you live in like florida). As well as other roach species, but dubia are most common as feeders. They're much better to use as a staple for the health of the animal, but crickets work as well. Superworms do not, as you will end up with an obese animal with fatty deposits around internal organs very quickly.
Yes, you're right, give them at least a week to settle in. Some people then begin by picking the gecko up and holding it in their hand in the tank for a few minutes a day, or every other, before graduating to taking them out completely. I like to let new animals get used to me by keeping them in the living room for the first week or two so they can get used to my movements and me and the dog being around. They are then moved to their permanent spot, and I interact with them by just putting my hand in the cage for a few minutes a day and letting them come to me to check me out, then starting to pet them or touch them. When they're comfortable enough to crawl into my hand I then begin to pick them up for a few minutes at a time, and then move on to taking them out of their cage entirely. I think this helps keep their stress much lower than basically being assaulted by being picked up and removed forcibly. Its important to be in tune to your animals body language and behavior while doing this, as its the best indicator of stress. Every animal is different in how long they can go being handled before becoming stressed. You'll get to know your specific animal and their signs over time