why doesnt my leopard gecko want to use its moist hide?

Question

could the temp be an issue

i live in california and we are going through a heat wave with high humidity outside could this be an issue

Answer 1

What is in the hide? You can use folded paper towels and just keep them misted--it doesn't need to be soaking wet. Also, keep it on the warm side. Are you measuring temps on the warm side with a probe thermometer? Tape the probe end from an indoor/outdoor digital thermometer to the bottom of the tank over the under tank heater side--it should read 88-91F. Without a dimmer switch or rheostat to regulate it, many UTH get over 100F and will stress the reptile. Leos will use a properly set up moist hide when they feel the need, especially when shedding.

Answer 2

It depends. If the humidity in the surrounding area is high enough, the gecko wont really need to go into his moist hide-away. Also, if the hide-away is located directly beneath or above a heat source, it can be way too humid inside. The moist hide should be across the habitat from the heat source and would most likely be used during the daytime as a retreat from extensive heat. The hide should be kept a bit cooler than the rest of the habitat.

Answer 3

Most leopard geckos that are found in the wild hav tight skin around their toes, only when they burrow will they hav moisture retained in their little caves which has lower temperatures than above ground that their skin may expand. Its a little different with captive bred gecko because it normally likes dry vs. wet only its pregnant will u put it "now" in a wet hide.