[Zoodulcis]

She is perfectly ladylike! Very nice looking girl. Does she ever flick hairs or is she too well-mannered for that?

[Zoodulcis]

He looks fairly healthy, and so does the lizard 🤣 Seriously, from what I can see of the gecko’s tail, he is not underfed. Where did he come from?

[Zoodulcis]

Gorgeous and apparently well socialized. What’s his name and how old now?

[Zoodulcis]

Don’t panic yet. The parasite load of earthworms varies a great deal. Do collect a fecal sample, and take that to the vet in the next day or two. Keep it in the refrigerator until then. Not the freezer.

Do keep a very sharp eye on your new gecko. Spend at least 1/2 hour per day right now, carefully observing its behaviors. Since you are new to this, you need to establish a baseline for apparent normalcy. That way, if there is a problem down the line, you will know when weight, appetite and energy level are truly out of whack. If there is a change, and it is worrisome, then take the gecko itself to the vet. If the fecal sample tests positive, the vet may be able to give you a prescription wormer that prevents problems, without a trip for the gecko being necessary. Because the animal is a bit traumatized already, with being in a new home, best not to complicate things unnecessarily.

Different topic, since you are new to this. Big box pet store employees often try to sell new reptile owners sand as a substrate. If that is the case here, refer to the leopard gecko care guide on the Critter Depot site, and find a safer material to switch it out with in the next few weeks.

Hope this advice was helpful. Let us know what the fecal sample reveals, when you get a chance.

[Zoodulcis]

Well I guess you will know that at some point! I am not extremely familiar with this species. Will it get pretty big?

[Zoodulcis]

So true!! Like when cats hear the can opener. You don’t have to teach them what that means. And expectations can change, in pets and in people. I no longer assume that when the phone rings its a friend or business associate, but I have become conditioned to assume it is a robocall! And sadly, I’m usually right.

[Zoodulcis]

What a guy! That must be total fun. I assume you’ve had him since he was a hatchling, more or less. True?

[Zoodulcis]

Sally is gorgeous. What a fun pet. How old is she?

[Zoodulcis]

That sounds like a great compromise, and I’m sure you’re right about the chlorine. How big is the tub she can use and do you fill that with dechlorinated water?

[Zoodulcis]

He really matches his substrate. How old is he now? Is he pretty friendly?

[Zoodulcis]

Hangin’ five on the water bowl. Does this stylish beardie have a name?

[Zoodulcis]

An interesting thought process, thank you for sharing that. How many crickets does he normally mac down to hold that famine thing at bay?

[Zoodulcis]

They are a relatively social species and will be happier with company. So I suggest that as you weigh these alternatives, that you lean in favor of two newts in a 10-gallon tank. Two newts will be happier with each other, but may find themselves uncomfortably crowded in a 5-gallon space. If you simply have no room for a 10-gallon set -up, then get just one newt. Loneliness may shorten it’s lifespan, as a lonely animal has a lower immune system, but won’t kill your pet outright, right away. I do recommend 2, if possible, since unlike a bearded dragon or other human-oriented pets that enjoy handling and human interaction, these pets are more for show and dislike being handled, so their only company is really each other.

I hope this helps you think through all of the options. Thank you for asking, it means that you care and are trying to provide the best care possible.

[Zoodulcis]

Stunning coloration. Very artsy! How old?

[Zoodulcis]

I’m sure it’s that sort of a weird conditioned response.

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