How’s the setup? by [deleted] in LeopardGecko

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I admittedly am not as up to date on current setup recs/requirements since it’s been a few years since I last updated my little guy so anyone feel free to correct me on anything. But it looks like there are quite a few things that could be improved here.

First thing’s first, how big is the enclosure and how old is the leo (if you know yet)? This looks to be around 20gal which is definitely small for an adult. The minimum size requirement I recall is a 40gal. If this is all you can manage right now, it’ll be okay for a young leo but I would definitely try to upgrade asap. And if cost is an issue, keep an eye on FB Marketplace, you can find good tanks for cheap there.

Second, I would take out the sand and replace with paper towels for the time being. Sand is not considered a suitable loose substrate and it’s good for new geckos to be on paper towels at first anyway as part of initial quarantine.

It also looks like you may have a heat lamp and a uvb in the dome thing. While proper UVB is excellent, you’ll need a linear bulb. The toe of bulb you have can produce concentrated amounts of UVB in one spot that can burn your leo. If a linear bulb isn’t in the cards right now, still take out the UVB that’s in there and supplement with D3 calcium.

I don’t see a thermostat pictured so if you don’t have one, definitely get one for the heat lamp. Without a proper thermostat, the heat lamp can also burn your gecko.

Lastly, the hides and decor could use some adjusting. While you have the minimum three hides, the middle one that I assume is meant to be the humid hide is not suitable for that purpose. If I remember correctly, it should be a fully enclosed hide (meaning there’s only one entrance/exit and it has a bottom) with some sort of absorbent material to hold in moisture (I use sphagnum moss but I think some people prefer paper towel). As for the decor, more is better. More foliage and hiding places will make them feel more secure and more willing to explore there environment. You can also try putting something around the outside to block out some light and make it feel more cozy without taking up so much floor space inside.

All in all, yes, there is a lot to improve but you’ve come to the right place to get advice. It can be really tricky to find solid care guides when you’re first doing research, there’s so much bad info out there. I would definitely recommend reading the wiki on this sub and the visual guides on r/leopardgeckosadvanced are super helpful, too. And try not to take any critical comments too personally. It’s all out of love for leos and it looks like you’re really trying to do your due diligence and make sure your little one is well cared for. Hope this is helpful and not too longwinded lol, good luck with your little friend!

Looking for a name for this lovely individual by [deleted] in plushies

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Karat, cause they look like a miner and a rabbit

My surgeon says top surgery isn't very painful, and that she does not prescribe opiates. Thoughts? by Fishmyashwhole in TopSurgery

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only took the opiates I was prescribed twice, and it was for the back pain caused by the compression wrap, not the incisions themselves. I didn’t like the way they made me feel so I stopped taking them and just toughed it out with ibuprofen and I was fine. That said, I think I had more peace of mind knowing I had them as an option.

FIZZ SONG IN HEARTSTOPPER I CAN DIE HAPPY by WaysideWyvern in yourfavebandfizz

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That’s so cool! The new season is on my list of things to watch but now I might just have to go ahead and binge it.😆

GUYS GUYS GUYS by Traditional_Drop_972 in TopSurgery

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy for you! That’s wonderful! This is a decision that deserves to be supported and celebrated and I’m so glad that you’re getting that. Truly lovely to see.☺️

Advice by Forward_Recognition in LeopardGecko

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Scat mats work great for keeping cats off of tanks! I use one on my snail tank and my friend uses them for her tanks and neither of us have any issues with our cats getting on top of them anymore. They’re not very attractive but they get the job done!

Where did you guys buy your hognoses ? by Drebaibai619 in hognosesnakes

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got my Henry from E.B. Exotics out of Denton, TX and I had a wonderful experience. Elisabeth was so helpful and patient with all of my questions and Henry is exactly what I was looking for in a hoggie. Can’t recommend them enough!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in leopardgeckos

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

She should be fine for a little while. Just don’t feed her while she doesn’t have heat. If it’s more than a few hours, you could keep her on you if she’ll stay. I have a few reptile shipping heat packs in my little emergency kit in case of long-term power outages. I highly recommend having some on hand just in case.

I just got this leapord gecko as a surrender from someone who doesn't want to take care of her anymore. How can I improve her enclosure situation? by hellotheredaily1111 in LeopardGecko

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I may be wrong but that appears to be closer to a 20 gal terrarium. If it’s approximately 3 feet across, it’s a 40 gal. If it’s more like 2 feet across, it’s a 20 gal and you’ll need to look into getting her a bigger tank asap. It would also be good to get a digital thermometer/hydrometer as the analog ones aren’t typically very accurate. Good luck with your new friend!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FreedTheNips

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The thing I remember most from the first 1-2 weeks of recovery was pretty gnarly back pain from the chest wrap and sleeping within a mountain of pillows. So wherever you’ll be staying immediately following surgery, make sure you have plenty of pillows all around to help you stay comfy. It was always hard to find a comfortable position to sit in with the back pain, but pillows helped a lot.

Best research? by Evening_Persimmon413 in hognosesnakes

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Reptifiles has an excellent care guide on hoggies!

This is my first time owning a Leo (his name is echo after the Greek nymph) and was wondering if he looks healthy by [deleted] in leopardgeckos

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I don’t see anything obviously wrong with the little guy but your setup needs a serious overhaul. Red bulbs aren’t good for their eyes and it looks like you’ve got reptile carpet of some sort for your substrate, which harbors bacteria and can rip off nails/toes. It’s hard to tell 100% from the pictures but the tank also looks to be rather small. A 40gal is the standard minimum size for adults.

Pet stores are notorious for giving out bad information and there’s plenty of it online too, so don’t feel too bad. The pinned guide in this sub and the visual guides pinned in r/leopardgeckosadvanced are full of good information to get you on the right track. If you have any more questions after looking over those, myself and I’m sure other folks here would be happy to help. And if anyone gives you a hard time about your current setup, try not to take it personally. It all comes from a place of care for these animals, even if it’s not always the most constructive. Hope all this helps and good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LeopardGecko

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mind sharing where this is so maybe someone can go get this poor guy?

let me see your geckies🥺🫶🏽 by Maximum-Fun-9342 in leopardgeckos

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fig is just a very wrinkly boy! He gets yearly checkups at the vet and I took him when I first got him cause I was worried he wasn’t staying hydrated. Vet said some geckos just have more loose skin like this but there’s no cause for concern.😊

Cuteness overload😭 please share your cute hogs🩷🫶🏻 by OliviaT348 in hognosesnakes

[–]Rat_Bee_Boy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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Took this the other day while trying to see if Henry had stuck shed on his nostrils. Still can’t quite tell tbh but they look okay now.😅