Is this gecko being mistreated?

Question

The kids I babysit have a leopard gecko...he isn't taken care of very well.

He has the right size tank, and lighting, but he isn't fed right. He is usually fed 3 crickedt every other day. He is a full grown gecko...very tame. doesn't bite, but I don't think he is healthy

His toes are breaking off, he has no nails on his fingers, and his skin is really loose.

The crickets he eat don't have any vitamins or anything sprinkled on. They get the crickets from the bait and tackle store, so the crickets aren't healthy

I tell the kids this everytime I come over, and I sometimes drop hints to the mom...but they ren't taking care of him

Do you think this is a health gecko, or unhealthy

He doesn't usually have much water in his bowl, i usually give it to him when i babysit

Ok then, I know that I can take care of him correctly....so, how can I ask for them to give it to me

Answer 1

This is awful. You need to tell the mother everything you have put down here. Try to do it in a nice way. She probably hasn't even noticed his condition. Some parents get a pet for their kids, occasionally holler at them to feed it or clean it, and they don't actually go in and look at the condition of the pet. Next time you babysit or sooner, take the kids some gecko food. Sit them down and give them a little talk about caring for an animal, and seeing to its needs. Too many kids look at pets as playthings, not playmates. These kids need to put themselves in the gecko's place. They need to think about how they would want to be treated. You could also look on the internet about gecko care, and print it out for them.

I sincerely hope you are able to get through to this family. If they continue to not give this poor gecko decent care, I would report them to the Humane Society.

Answer 2

He is being horribly mistreated. Inform the mother in a polite way that the gecko is very unhealthy and he needs waaay more than 3 crickets every other day! Show her the broken toes and the fact that his nails are missing and point out the loose skin...which is probably from not being fed and losing weight. Tell her that feeder crickets should come from a pet store because they are clean crickets who are gut-loaded with healthy stuff for the gecko and that a vitamin supplement should be sprinkled on them before feeding time. He should also have plenty of veggies and a little fruit, especially a full-grown gecko, such as collard greens, mustard greens, endive, kale, dandelion greens, carrots, apple, strawberries...
Also, his water supply should be endless and should be changed daily.
If they still don't take care of him either call the humane society and turn them in or ask if you can take him for you will take better care of him. Good luck, please do everything in your power to help this poor reptile...he really is suffering so bad.

Answer 3

He sounds unhealthy to me; it'd be wise to see a vet. Obviously the family who are looking after him aren't giving him the care he needs. For the sake of the gecko, I think you should confront the mother about it as soon as possible. You were right in not blatantly saying it to them, since they obviously aren't maltreating the gecko on purpose and so they might have gotten offended, but still the matter needs to be adressed. Maybe the next time you see the mother, just say by-the-by that you noticed the gecko looked unhealthy, and maybe they should check it out. If they're apathetic, try and offer to take the gecko off them, since it sounds like it'll probably die if it doesn't get treatment soon. Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes they are. they don't come out during the day at all and they stink if you don't clean them frequently. It is kinda cool to watch them eat though. And they lick you like a dog would and sit in your hand. I think if you are a good loyal owner you can. Even though my gecko is boring, I still love him a lot and am sad that he can't walk, see, and now won't eat or drink

Answer 5

First of all, leopard geckos should not get vegies or fruit as recommended above. They are insect only eaters. It sounds like he won't survive much longer without intervention. If the crickets aren't well fed and cared for, they make useless food. His toes are falling off due to unshed skin on his feet--due to lack of a moist hide. The skin acts like a tourniquet and cuts off the circulation to the toes and they fall off. Poor thing, hope you can save him. Maybe you can get the family to check out this care site:

http://www.drgecko.com/index.html

Answer 6

My Gecko's Eat a heck of a lot more than 3 Crickets a day. And they arn't full grown.
His toes are breaking off because there isn't enought humidity in the tank.
UNHEALTHY
I would suggest stealing him.......

Answer 7

Blasphemy!That gecko ill die with out proper care.Report the shelter. Don't give hints, go strait to the mother and tell her!

Answer 8

not actually seeing this gecko, I can't say. I'd have to see the actual gecko before I could make a claim.

Answer 9

Why did you ask us this when it is already perfectly obvious to you that the gecko is being mistreated?

I would say to call the local police or Humane Society to report Cruelty to Animals.

Answer 10

ignored give them a gecko book for christmas and give them the proper suples