Reptile Lover’s Thread!!

[CSAchook]

Oh gosh! He’s such an escape artist are they normally like that? I feel like he thinks he’s an arboreal gecko instead

He definitely did not get the memo about being terrestrial. He loves climbing up to the top of his cage. I have seen other leos that do the same though so I don't think it is super uncommon or anything for them to want to climb up ledges and stuff.

I do not think that leos are as skilled at escaping as snakes, but it definitely is a thing that happens. If you google "leopard gecko escaped" or "missing leopard gecko" you will get plenty of hits

 

[CSAchook]

They both sound amazing!! I feel like I’ve seen a lot of beardies out adventuring or whatever and that seems fun! But then Leos are so cute with their smiles hahah but I’m guessing they can’t really come out? And curious what you mean by higher maintenance. Like that they need all the lights and stuff or more than that?

A beardie setup is definitely more complex and expensive. But I also mean that beardies are more work. They need daily salads and it can't just be bagged lettuce or something. You have to actually prep stuff for them. They are bad at using water bowls so you may have to find other ways to keep them hydrated. Plus Tad is a jerk and won't poop in her cage so that's fun.

Adult leo's only need read care once or twice a week and it is super easy.

 

[CSAchook]

They both sound amazing!! I feel like I’ve seen a lot of beardies out adventuring or whatever and that seems fun! But then Leos are so cute with their smiles hahah but I’m guessing they can’t really come out? And curious what you mean by higher maintenance. Like that they need all the lights and stuff or more than that?

Forgot to add about letting them out...leo's do not like big open spaces. They like lots of cover. That is true both inside their tank and outside. That is one of the main reasons I build little mazes for Hoshi. It gives him exercise and enrichment in a way that feels safe. This also means watching them like a hawk when they are outside of the tank. Because when let out into a room, the first thing they are likely to do is try to find something to get underneath...like the couch...or a fridge. Hoshi actually got into a wall once and had to be rescued

Beardies on the other hand tend to love window gazing or even car rides.

 

[CSAchook]

Apparently I was taking too long getting his food

 

[EverythingDucks]

Apparently I was taking too long getting his food

View attachment 3077966

He is so cute

 

[EverythingDucks]

I have a question about leopard geckos and beardie substrate.. I know this is quite controversial, but I've always been confused about what the best substrate is for them. I see lots of people say that loose substrates like dirt and sand should be avoided as they can cause impaction, but I've also seen people keep them like that with no issues. My understanding is that it can be dangerous for babies, but it's safer for adults?
And of course people often use reptile carpet instead, but I've heard that nails can get caught on it, and it's like a breeding ground for bacteria.
Which is why lots of people go the safe route with paper towels.
But I've always wondered if there are any visually appealing and safe alternatives, or if certain loose substrates can be fine for them. What are y'alls thoughts on this?

 

[ShrekDawg]

View attachment 3077931
Adorbz, I love his color

Gosh how I hate country internet
Maybe I'll be able to see the pics in the morning

I can’t see them either… I thought it was just me.

Whoops…. Sorry guys there’s no pics in that one, I was just trying to hide it the pics are in the link right above that post.

He's gorgeous Kelsey Congrats!

Thanks!!!

He definitely did not get the memo about being terrestrial. He loves climbing up to the top of his cage. I have seen other leos that do the same though so I don't think it is super uncommon or anything for them to want to climb up ledges and stuff.

I do not think that leos are as skilled at escaping as snakes, but it definitely is a thing that happens. If you google "leopard gecko escaped" or "missing leopard gecko" you will get plenty of hits

Definitely gonna have to look that up lol

A beardie setup is definitely more complex and expensive. But I also mean that beardies are more work. They need daily salads and it can't just be bagged lettuce or something. You have to actually prep stuff for them. They are bad at using water bowls so you may have to find other ways to keep them hydrated. Plus Tad is a jerk and won't poop in her cage so that's fun.

Adult leo's only need read care once or twice a week and it is super easy.

Oh wow that does sound a lot more involved!! Thanks for all the info. I actually noticed our pet stores are offering their animals veggies now and the guinea pigs have huge amounts of hay. I thought that was awesome hahah it used to be all pellets and seeds. But even the parakeets have veggies now and the beardies. I wish my birds had had the veggies. They only recently started it and it’s so much easier when they’re babies. Mine won’t touch veggies or pellets still working on it. But sorry for the tangent hahah

Forgot to add about letting them out...leo's do not like big open spaces. They like lots of cover. That is true both inside their tank and outside. That is one of the main reasons I build little mazes for Hoshi. It gives him exercise and enrichment in a way that feels safe. This also means watching them like a hawk when they are outside of the tank. Because when let out into a room, the first thing they are likely to do is try to find something to get underneath...like the couch...or a fridge. Hoshi actually got into a wall once and had to be rescued

Beardies on the other hand tend to love window gazing or even car rides.

This makes a lot of sense!! It’s kind of funny because it’s like on the one hand, beardies seem a lot more expensive and involved which is kind of a con but then on the other hand, they do seem quite fun! Like I’d love to take one outdoors or whatever. But I’m sure I’ll love the Leo too. I’ve wanted one for a while hahah

Also, that said, I’ve already spent a lot on him so far

Did you buy the supplements they recommended? I did and now I’m kind of regretting it cause they were expensive and I’m not sure how necessary they are especially since the ones at the store are so much cheaper but I wanted to do the best for him ahah also do you have a light for him? I’ve read it’s not needed but seems kinda odd to me ???? I did order a mat. I’ve read tons but it’s all so conflicting and yeah.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I have a question about leopard geckos and beardie substrate.. I know this is quite controversial, but I've always been confused about what the best substrate is for them. I see lots of people say that loose substrates like dirt and sand should be avoided as they can cause impaction, but I've also seen people keep them like that with no issues. My understanding is that it can be dangerous for babies, but it's safer for adults?
And of course people often use reptile carpet instead, but I've heard that nails can get caught on it, and it's like a breeding ground for bacteria.
Which is why lots of people go the safe route with paper towels.
But I've always wondered if there are any visually appealing and safe alternatives, or if certain loose substrates can be fine for them. What are y'alls thoughts on this?

I found some like reptile pad things that look somewhat better than paper towels but has the same benefits. Although of course it’s not naturalistic or whatever hahah I think the issue with leopard geckos, from my understanding, is that they tend to lick and taste everything so that can cause issues? Not 100% sure though.

 

[CSAchook]

Whoops…. Sorry guys there’s no pics in that one, I was just trying to hide it the pics are in the link right above that post.

Thanks!!!

Definitely gonna have to look that up lol

Oh wow that does sound a lot more involved!! Thanks for all the info. I actually noticed our pet stores are offering their animals veggies now and the guinea pigs have huge amounts of hay. I thought that was awesome hahah it used to be all pellets and seeds. But even the parakeets have veggies now and the beardies. I wish my birds had had the veggies. They only recently started it and it’s so much easier when they’re babies. Mine won’t touch veggies or pellets still working on it. But sorry for the tangent hahah

This makes a lot of sense!! It’s kind of funny because it’s like on the one hand, beardies seem a lot more expensive and involved which is kind of a con but then on the other hand, they do seem quite fun! Like I’d love to take one outdoors or whatever. But I’m sure I’ll love the Leo too. I’ve wanted one for a while hahah

Also, that said, I’ve already spent a lot on him so far

Did you buy the supplements they recommended? I did and now I’m kind of regretting it cause they were expensive and I’m not sure how necessary they are especially since the ones at the store are so much cheaper but I wanted to do the best for him ahah also do you have a light for him? I’ve read it’s not needed but seems kinda odd to me ???? I did order a mat. I’ve read tons but it’s all so conflicting and yeah.

Yes, I use the same supplements as the breeder. I figure that was what he was raised on so I should just stick with it.

I personally do not use UV for Hoshi. I use a reptile heating mat hooked to an external thermostat on the warm side of his tank. In winter I also add a teeny ceramic hit emitter because our house gets really cold.

In general that breeder seemed to have really solid info But I also really like this particular YouTuber

https://youtube.com/c/leopardgeckotalk

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, I use the same supplements as the breeder. I figure that was what he was raised on so I should just stick with it.

I personally do not use UV for Hoshi. I use a reptile heating mat hooked to an external thermostat on the warm side of his tank. In winter I also add a teeny ceramic hit emitter because our house gets really cold.

In general that breeder seemed to have really solid info But I also really like this particular YouTuber

https://youtube.com/c/leopardgeckotalk

Okay good cause that’s everything I’m planning on doing too and I’m glad to know I’m on the right track hahah I just bought a thermostat today but I’m not sure if it’s a good one or not. I got the Zilla one. I might have to get a CHE as well since the basement is pretty cold usually. But it’s hard to know for sure though cause it’s forced air heat and I can close any of the 3 vents but also it only turns on when you turn it up. Like it heats up really fast then is off. So the issue is it’s either an ice box or a sauna with no in between so I don’t wanna like add extra heat and then have him roast, you know?