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Keeping Australian Geckos

Australian Herpetology Website (Reptiles and Amphibians)

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This page explains what to Do When Your Gecko Gets Sick and covers common health problems of Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and many other species of geckos
by
John Fowler & Rachel Barnes


Geckos are one of the most popular families of reptiles kept in the world.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR GECKO GETS SICK?

 

When you have a pet gecko it can be very difficult to notice if there is anything wrong with it, especially if you're not used to working very closely with it. However, there are some subtle signs that you need to watch out for, especially during the first twenty-four months of its life. This is a time when geckos are at their most vulnerable, being young and not quite fully developed.

Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Note that it is normally illegal to keep Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and other exotic (not native to Australia) species of reptiles in Australia


The biggest indicator of a problem is when your gecko stops eating. If you find that it isn't touching its insects, you will need to act promptly. Don't worry if it doesn't eat for one or two days, geckos aren't supposed to eat every single day. Start to worry if they refuse to eat for a full week. Left too long, you will eventually notice that its tail seems to shrink in, it starts losing weight and appears to be very skinny. A sick gecko is also usually lethargic. If your animal was once very active and moved a great deal about its cage, or if it moved a lot when you tried to pick it up, but it has now become very still and flops over in your hand, then something is wrong.

What do you do when your gecko becomes ill? You could take it to a veterinarian who specialises in reptiles, but these are very difficult to find and may not be available in your area. Before you even purchase your gecko, you should check for one. If you are fortunate enough to have such a vet in your area, be sure to call them up and ask if they are willing to accept new patients.

Most of the problems that affect geckos are brought about by malnutrition, impaction, stress or parasites. Prevention is the best cure, but if your gecko does happen to become infected with parasites, he can still be treated, although it will cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Otherwise, check the enclosure to make sure the temperature is set right, make sure it's not being stressed by other animals, and make sure that it's not eating loose substrate.



OTHER FEATURED LINKS

Housing Your Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Techniques in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Feeding Your
Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Australianherpetology.com

 


OTHER LINKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST

Caring For and Handling a Crested Gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliates)

Design a Vivarium For Your Crested Gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliates)

Common Health Issues Faced By Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliates)

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