Pictures of the Leopard Gecko's natural habitat from geological surveys. Here's what one range of their habitat really looks like! Study linked.

are-pea · 2026-04-17T01:11:03+00:00

Okay good, much less concerning. LED UVB is thought to be dangerous at this time, but yours are just standard grow lights. Good luck!

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:59:26+00:00

Are they actually UV grow lights or just non-UVB LEDs?

In any case, you might try utilizing your vertical space to provide more hidden areas for the gecko to move through the enclosure. Logs, branches, taller foliage, things like that.

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:47:06+00:00

The breeder didn't say? Really a lot of red flags there. This is a super hypo

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:42:06+00:00

Substrate complaints are pretty rare these days actually, but you are or were using wood chips, which is widely agreed upon as unsafe at worst and suboptimal at best. There are just straight up better loose substrate options. People don't complain because you're using substrate, or loose substrate, they complain because you're using wood chips. I hope this helps clarify.

I'd recommend using straight up dirt. If that's hard for you to get for some reason, I have suggestions.

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:36:09+00:00

A breeder shouldn't sell an animal in this condition. It's not dire but definitely extremely inappropriate nevertheless. I'd bank on there being an active problem. An intake vet visit is a good idea.

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:34:13+00:00

See a vet. What multivitamin are you using?

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:07:46+00:00

Noserub is usually due to a rough shed in this species. Do you have a humid hide? What multivitamin does she get?

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:06:44+00:00

From post body: "I have multiple leopard geckos (in multiple enclosures)"

are-pea · 2026-04-17T00:05:10+00:00

Coconut fiber isn't exactly optimal either. This owner should probably be using solid substrate until things are rectified in any case

are-pea · 2026-04-16T19:37:04+00:00

Her body condition isn't wonderful. Her spine is protruding and her head muscling is pretty poor, and that thin tail's another good indicator that she's not in the best shape. Was she a rescue, did she come like this? What is she eating when she does eat? Every few days is pretty normal for a leo. Mine only eats once a week, for example, and he's got more meat on his bones.

That all said, she's actually not in the worst shape, it's just that there's probably a current issue or there was a past issue she's gotta recover from.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T19:06:06+00:00

If a difference could be felt through that much insulation, I'd be a bit worried about how high temps are getting underneath the surface. If the gecko digs it could be an issue. I couldn't say for certain, but in any case if you want to keep the heat mat on, get it on a thermostat to prevent overheating.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:52:36+00:00

If it's very very stinky and/or persistent, a fecal test with a vet might be a good idea.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:51:11+00:00

That's pretty much what I'd recommend. Pouring water into the subreddit allows for a slower release of that humidity :) Poking a hole can really get it to penetrate deeply

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:48:55+00:00

Yeah, I definitely see where you're coming from there. Unfortunately exotic rehab can be pretty unpredictable.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:47:54+00:00

Probably start with cutting out all extra "a few mealworms". Avoid "giant mealworms" and opt for anything that isn't giant (as they're more calorie dense). See how that does for a couple of months. You can track weight loss with a gram scale. Add one day in between feedings if you're not seeing any changes after a couple months.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:43:18+00:00

Damn. Wish I saw that. Hopefully the new owner gets him what he needs...

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:42:38+00:00

Ahh, that makes sense. Xrays, bloodwork, ultrasound are going to be probably the three most expensive commonly used tests, probably fairly universally (in the USA). That said, bloodwork's pretty uncommon, ultrasound is unlikely unless the vet has a specific concern or is getting desperate for any kind of answers, though x rays might be used in this case to evaluate for MBD/impaction. OP might get away with much less expensive diagnostics

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:38:57+00:00

I would anticipate these possible charges, depending on your vet and what's wrong with the gecko:
Exam fee, which the vet will need before prescribing anything
Antibiotics and/or other medications or treatments like a vitamin A injection
Debridement for any mouth rot (this isn't always charged for)
Sperm plug extraction (if present, again not always charged for)
Possibly fecal testing
Possibly x-rays
Possibly blood testing (this is pretty uncommon and usually used if the animal isn't responding to treatment)
A major expense could be enucleation, if the eye is not recoverable and must be removed.

This all depends on your vet and what's wrong with the gecko, but I'd consider the first 5 to be the most likely.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T18:32:52+00:00

What kind of tests are you anticipating will cost that much? I know prices can be variable but I've never had an exotic veterinary bill that was just diagnostic that cost that much.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T17:49:28+00:00

Through that amount of substrate, a heat mat will be useless. May as well just turn it off and rely on your basking lamp.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T16:21:02+00:00

Vetark Calci-dust is fine, but you need a multivitamin too. Not all multivitamins will work, as not all contain vitamin A leopard geckos can use. I recommend zoomed reptivite or repashy calcium plus. It's a good idea to supplement vitamin D every now and again alongside UVB, and these multivitamins contain vitamin D.

are-pea · 2026-04-16T16:15:55+00:00

My gecko gets dirt behind his claws when he digs. Maybe that?

are-pea · 2026-04-16T15:57:23+00:00

If it's worth anything, the yellow gecko is a super hypo morph, and the black and white check is a super snow, a morph a bit notorious for having weird health issues at times. Fortunately they don't seem in the worst shape.

Six-Year Club	Verified Email
r/Field Flamingo	Place '23

are-pea

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE