My son has recently acquired a leopard gecko, which stopped eating. Having checked out a question from this site which gave some very interesting info about calcium sand substrate (I have now changed to paper towel), I took him to the vet, who in the event doesn't think he is impacted, and gave me Lectade for him to keep him hydrated. Vet went into detail with me about the habitat, feeding etc we have provided. Seem to be doing everything right, but he said we needed a UVB light which allows the lizard to process vitamins and minerals. I had thought that because they are nocturnal, this would not be necessary. I have started him on 'Moon Drops' once a week which boost Vit D3. Any thoughts ?
I also thought I would mush up some meal worms and a touch of Nutrobal calcium powder into a 'soup' with the Lectade, which I am giving him with a dropper. Is that a good idea ?!
2007-01-23 14:55:31 · 6 answers · asked by Lisa T 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I have had one for many years they do not need uv lighting they are nocturnal if it is not eating check the tank temp this is the main reason temp being too low raise to 85 and see how that works also feeding time should be in the evening to simulate natural feeding times adults can go a wk or more with out eating plus its winter so this will also slow them down with eating if you just got it give it time to settle in before force feeding try offering wax worms they love these. also if the tail is really fat dont worry its got lots of vitamins hiding in there i would worry if the tail began to shrink insize. good luck
2007-01-23 23:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by cameron b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people think that because leopard geckos are nocturnal, they do not need UVB lighting. Although many resources say the same thing, it has not been proven. In any case, what could it hurt? I have a nice crested gecko colony at home, and I use UVB lighting on them. In the pet store I used to work at, we used UVB lighting for all of our geckos. Many times, UVB lighting will help to bring out the colors of your animals also. Keep up with the vitamin D3 supplements, double check your cage temps, and everything should be fine.
2007-01-24 03:57:23 · answer #2 · answered by malice6372 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a larger tank than 5 gallon, ideally 10 gallon as leo's need more floor space as they don't climb as well as other geckos. You'll need a water dish too filled with fresh water often. You need a few different hides; I find that a empty, upturned butter/spread pot with a hole cut in works well. One of these hides will need moss in to help the gecko shed. You also need a heat mat to keep the vivarium at the right temp. A feeding dish may be useful if you're going to leave the mealworms/waxworms in the vivarium, and a dish of calcium as you said.
2016-05-24 02:56:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't need it. They're nocturnal lizards. UBV simulates the sun so they can produce vitamin D3 to help with calcium metabolism. But, he has to be out IN the "sun" for this to work. Chances are he'd go into his hide whenever the light is on.
Better to use the calcium powder with D3.
Here's an article about the calcium-D3 and vitamin supplements and relationship to metabolic bone disease in herps. It's written specifically for iguanas, but the general supplement info also applies to your Leo: http://www.anapsid.org/vitamin.html
2007-01-23 15:41:57 · answer #4 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are nocturnal.
But your vet may be recommending the UV light for reasons that we are not aware of. Best bet is to go with your vet's advice, and you should feel free to ask the vet about the UV light....like your question of "why would the lizard need a UV light if they are instictually nocturnal animals?"
If your vet is a good one, they will provide you with the answer.
2007-01-26 08:13:57 · answer #5 · answered by heidi6971 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no nocturnal animals dont require uv lighting
2007-01-23 15:40:38 · answer #6 · answered by politickseatusall 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋