My Geckos

[LittleMerlin]

Hey all!

I have been concerned for awhile now. I have two lovely geckos, both female. They were quarantined for the appropriate amount of time before I placed them together and vet approved (one who owned geckos/beardies). Any who, now I know a lot of times they slow down during the winter, but lately I am concerned for my first gecko, Merlin. She has not been eating much, and I think it's mostly due to Abby being the dominant one. I'm also wondering if she's part blind, because sometimes if I put the food at a particular angle when she's interested, she'll go after it. However, lately she seems to have no interest in food.

I just separated her tonight for about a half hour to try and get her to eat. She used to go crazy for wax worms, so I even tried that, and she refused it. However, Abby refused it too so I was wondering if that's because of the random weather change here in the south. Yesterday it was literally 75, and today it was like 52. The temps are correct, and they get fresh water daily, and spray their tanks every couple of days, and they have a constant supply of calcium without the D3. I am at my wits end.

Merlin had an abscess that we gave her medicine to fix, and now it looks like maybe that's come back 'cause her head tilts. Though my friend who has had reptiles believes maybe she might have had a stroke back when I didn't really know the proper care. (Mind you, I have since then done extensive research to make sure it's right).

They have a 20 gallon long, and three hides. They have an under tank heating pad for a 20 gallon tank, and they have a day/night bulb. The day bulb I'm using now is 50 watt, the night bulb is 60 watts. Their substrate is paper towels. I can't stand the idea of using anything else, this to me, is the safest substrate for any lizard. Don't know about snakes, but for my lizards, definitely paper towels!

I just don't know what else to do. Is it normal for them to just go through periods of just "NO FOOD!"? because if it's normal for them to go this long without food (and it's been this way a couple months now, yes I know winter may be a cause of it), but still. It makes me nervous.

They are not losing weight, but Merlin's not showing interest in food! (their tanks were just cleaned this past Monday).

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

---- > Jethro's doing wonderful by the way. Growing like crazy ^.^

 

[gilliesexotics]

Hi, How long has she gone without food? Leo's are very hardy animals and go quite a distance without food. (as long as they were healthy before what ever is causing the strike). Note: You do need to watch your leo's while on the strike diligently by getting a gram scale and recording weights weekly. If you notice huge weight loss or skinny tail starting to creep up. You more than likely have a parasite or infection problem on your hands.

Not particularly to help the issue but just some info/questions from what you have stated.
If your enclosure is maintaining temps then your outside temps should not affect them.
They are nocturnal animals so they see poorly in light.
I would suggest separating them and keeping it like that especially thinking abby may be dominant.
With leo's use bottled water, well water anything but city tap water.
Are you providing a humidity hide?

 

[LittleMerlin]

Hey sorry for delayed response, and thank you for helping out. I took them to the vet, which was more expensive than I thought but worth it.

Vet says Abby does not have eggs, which was another concern I had... she's just eating more than Merlin. Abby weighs 85 grams, and Merlin weighs 55 grams. He says Merlin has an equilibrium problem (head tilt), and respiratory problems. I have a humid hide and try to mist it either every night, or every other night. Fresh water nightly.

Vet also said that since they've been in the tank so long without any major issues, then they're fine. Just need to give Merlin her meds, Pedialyte baths to help rebuild her nutrients, and feed separately.

Jethro is doing well too, my bearded dragon. He weighs a whopping 389 grams.... I think my jaw dropped, lol. He's such a ham though. Just wish he'd eat more of his veggies than his crickets, I know he's not 2 just yet, but still. Drives me nuts.