Designer Geckos Blog: Ray has Something to Say......
Hello...welcome to our regular feature on our website's News page to inform our friends and fellow gecko enthusiasts of the latest topics regarding geckos, their care, new developments, Designer Geckos activities, and other noteworthy items. If you have a suggestion for a topic let us know...
1/22/12 - Gecko Care Essentials: We get many emails, reptile show visits, and phone calls about the proper care and husbandry techniques for leopard geckos. We're always amazed at the lack of knowledge imparted to customers by pet stores and other so-called experts, resulting in many difficulties for the customer as well as the geckos that rely on them for proper care. Here is a list of some of our key recommendations that will make your experience a happy and positive one...your gecko will appreciate your efforts at proper care!
- The surface temperature of your warm hide should be in the range of 89-93 degrees. Leopard geckos do not need overhead "hot" lighting. Use an under tank heat pad regulated by a reliable thermostat such as a Herpstat or Zoo Med 500R.
- We do NOT advocate the use of humid hides except at shed time...humid hides stay too cool, the geckos spend too much time in them, and it negatively affects their appetite, growth, color, and overall health. We have done extensive testing on this. Be sure they do have moisture when they look cloudy at shed time however. If you are going to be gone for a period of time, you may want to use a humid hide so you don't miss a shed while gone. (White geckos like Diablo Blancos are extremely difficult to predict shed times so it may be good to use a humid hide with them.)
- Always very thoroughly check your gecko over after it has shed...check toes, face, and vent area carefully and promptly remove shed remnants with warm water and a Q tip. Toes do NOT grow back!
- Be sure to properly gutload your insects prior to feeding them to your gecko. This is VERY important and we are always amazed at the number of people who do not know this. Let us know if you need instructions on this.
- Always keep your gecko's enclosure very clean and their water dish clean and refill with fresh bottled spring water regularly...no tap water due to chlorine and other chemicals.
- Use a 50-50 mixture of Rep Cal with D3 and Herptivite (or similar quality products). A separate shallow dish should have a small amount of this mixture available for your gecko at all times. For geckos under 40 grams, also be sure to have a pinch of this mixture in with its food so they get plenty of the mixture for their rapidly growing bones.
- Avoid drafts and very sunny locations. Geckos like a stable temperature so keep that in mind when deciding placement for your terrarium.
- Perhaps one of the most important aspects is our C.A.R.E. philosophy. Use Compassion, Affection, Respect, and Enthusiasm when working with your gecko. Geckos are smart animals and respond very positively to high quality care and affection. They get to understand some of our words, much like dogs, and respond positively to your love and friendship. Show them you care....they are part of your family!
JUST ANNOUNCED! SUPER GIANT ALBINO BANDIT
Here are the first pictures ever released of our very rare, Super Giant Albino Bandit. This gecko has developed into something really special....what could be the only one like it in the world today. Pictures do not do her justice. She has brilliant yellow coloration with patches of lavender and white, has lots of very bright orange streaking carrot tail, a very distinct Bandit noseband, and is growing at an incredible rate. At 5 months of age, she is already 75g and 9 1/2 inches long! She eats like a horse and has a very smart and friendly personality...the total package! We are excited to introduce her to the world. The question is....will she be put up for sale? Stay tuned....
Here's "Lucky" a 2011 Striped Bandit from our Zorro Bandit project. Many more babies to come from Zorro, so stay tuned...
Designer Geckos Recent News:
Here's a little video that is sure to put a smile on your face: Dancing Dog!
New video! OK, so it's not about geckos, or even reptiles...but this is a must see...a rabbit that herds sheep! Who says animals aren't smart?!
