problem with leopard gecko?

Question

i just got a leopard gecko for the first time last night. a couple hours after i got him, i opened the cage and began to arrange some of the decor in a way that was more suitable to hime. he got scared and crawled up into a hole in a log that i had. it was a tight squeeze and i knew he wasnt able to get out, i tried to get him out as gently as possible but it wasnt working. in the end it required some pretty hard shaking and some tugs to get him out. he seems okay for the most part but i am still nervous. he is walking okay, so i dont think anything is broken. however he is very skittish and acts very nervous. also when i observe him it seems that the underside of his throat is pulsating very quickly. is this a breathing problem? what should i do? how long should i give him before i get him checked out to see if there is anything wrong
? please any help is appreciated. i love this animal and want him to be okay.

Answer 1

First off, if the log looks like it will be more problems in the future, I suggest taking it out and use something else for a hide.

Second, do a google search for "Leopard Gecko Caresheet" Here is an excellent caresheet on Leopard Geckos.
http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections+index-req-listarticles-secid-2.html

All reptiles should be given around 2 weeks of privacy (not handling, quiet atmosphere, etc.,) to acclimate to it's new surroundings. This lessens the chance of them getting over stressed.


Leopard Geckos are nocturnal species and UV lighting is NOT REQUIRED. Heat is required and the main method of heating the setup is by using a UTH (Under Tank Heater) which is placed on one half side of the setup so that their is a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be around 85F. Using a rheostat or other temperature control helps adjusting the temps along with a Digital Thermometer with external probe which most large store chains carry (around 7 bucks).
Their should be a normal hide on both sides along with a humid hide on the warm side or close to the warm side. Humid hides are used for when it is shedding or getting ready to shed. It helps loosen the skin so that their will be less of a chance on shedding problems such as not removing all of the shed on toes etc., which is the leading cause of them losing their toes and feet. For a humid hide, you can use damp sphagnam moss or terrarium moss within a deli cup and cut a whole on the side for him to get in and out of.


Good luck with your new pet, and please read up on some caresheets as much as possible.

Answer 2

Awww, he's fine =) No, he doesn't have a breathing problem, he's just a little scared. If you just got him last night then this is fine behavior. He's still getting used to the place. I remember for the first few weeks I had my leopard gecko I thought she hated me and would always be afraid of me, but all she needed was some time. Just make sure your gecko doesn't get wedged in anymore tight spaces. It's good to see a responsible pet owner =) You and your gecko will have a great life together.

Answer 3

I have a leopard gecko and i think you should just try to do the best you can to socialize with him. The gecko needs to know that you are not a threat to it. Also, avoid small crevaces in the cage that he could get stuck in. Try half hollow logs that are about three inches high. Leopard gecko's also like a "house" that is basically as ceramic rock that you can find at pet stores and they enjoy that for shade. In case you didn't know, the gecko needs a UV light, and damp moss. Make sure you keep one side of the cage damp at all times. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Geckos do that- they hide, and he can get out, they always do- if he got in he can get out, snakes are the only ones that seem to have a problem with that. The pulsating is him breathing. If he is active he is probably young and that is a good sign. He sounds healthy to me so don't worry about it. I have 2 recommendations, first try feeding wax worms along with crickets, and get him a little plastic home and put moistened TP in there and mist his 'cave' several times a day to keep the humidity up. Naturally these geckos live in caves in the middle east and despite living in the desert, they need higher humidity.

Answer 5

he will be ok, he just needs time. just watch him from distance how he is doing. remove or adjust everything that could cause injury - like lamp too close to body, places where it could get squeezed, etc etc

dont be even surprised thet he doesnt eat untill he gets used to the new place. when he starts eating well try feeding him and giving him treats (little bits of sweet fruit or some crispy veggies) from hand so that he starts liking you better then that - like if you went to hide from a huge ugly monster and the huge ugly monster came to shake you out of your hiding place you would too be skittish and panting for breath :) the movement of throat is just excitement - can be negative as well as positive excitement

Answer 6

well my gecko has been in a lot of situations where i have to pull him out.most geckos ARE very nervous and scared about the first two weeks u have them, but after that they start to calm down.The underside of all leopard geckos throats always moves very quickly.DON'T worry about it.if you start to see your gecko getting even more stressed or nervous you might want to but a towel or blanket over the geckos cage.That always relieves stress for them when they know that they have some privacy.

Answer 7

Go Away From Him for a while. Whenever you bring home an animal or reptile or bird etc. you need to go easy. They are scared. Wouldn't you be? They need to be left alone. And you need to visit in little spurts for the first few days. He needs to adjust to his new environment. Even if he's not eating or drinking right away, he will when he feels less threatened. Good Luck

Answer 8

Best thing to do for him is get a book and learn all you can about him. He has heat and humidity requirements. Does he have a UV light? He needs one. There is so much more you need to know. GET A BOOK.

As for your question, he probably will be fine. Next time let him come out on his own. If he got in, he can get out.

Answer 9

It sounds as if he is stressed out. Leave him alone for a few days while he adjusts to his new surroundings; if he doesn't seem better than, seek the help of a qualified reptile/amphibian vet. In the future...if he can get in it; he can probably get out of it.

Answer 10

No, he could be really scared of you, since the "log" incident. Encourage him. You can't buy trust. You have to earn it.