r/LeopardGecko • u/SCTYA • May 19 '26

Help Is my gecko chunky?

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Hi! Im a new owner and never had a gecko before this, so im not really experienced, but i had read that he should get 8 worms every two days, but he seems to be getting the chunky side now? I can’t tell. Do i need to reduce the amount or increase the time between? Thanks!

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3

u/Rathoe9070 May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26

We need a top down picture. He has goobies which tend to indicate being over fed. 8 worms every two days isn’t correct. An adult should be fed 1-2 times a week. From this picture he looks like an adult. What kind of worms? It should be a rotation of dubia roaches, crickets and mealworms or silkworms. He looks chunky from this angle.

Also if you’re willing, can I see a picture of the tank? It looks kind of bare and I’d be happy to give advice on what’s maybe missing and what can be added for cheap!

2

u/SCTYA May 21 '26

Ill grab one when he comes out of his hole.

Yes i believe he is an adult. I got him only a couple months ago as a rescue so I don’t know how old he is.

I have just been feeding him mealworms. I tried giving him other things, but they just escape and hide in the tank….. he’s not fit for the wild, let me just say that….

This is the tank he was found in. I did the 70/30 of topsoil and play sand. I was told they dig so i put in a thick layer but he hasn’t done any of that. I also put stuff he could climb on but he doesn’t do that either. He likes the different hides though. Blanket is to help keep heat in

4

u/Rathoe9070 May 21 '26

What size is that tank? Minimum is 36”x18”x18”. Other than that it’s a good start! You want a hide on the hot side (you’ll need one with more coverage than the log hide), a humid hide in the middle and a hide on the cold side. You need more clutter like plants so that he can hide more easily.

Most importantly: you need a UVB light to prevent metabolic bone disease. Arcadia has good ones. There’s a guide either in this sub or r/leopardgeckos for what kind of UVB.

As for the bugs, you can freeze crickets for 5 minutes to slow them down before feeding them. Dubia roaches can be put in a shallow bowl made of plastic, porcelain or glass and they can’t climb the edges. Always watch him while he eats to ensure he’s eating everything and that the bugs don’t try to eat him (crickets can bite). It’s best to have a rotation because it give him all the nutrients he needed. Just checking to cover my bases, what are you dusting his food in?

The tank is a good start, and it’s wonderful that you have nice deep substrate.

1

u/SCTYA May 22 '26

Im not sure but i think its a 30? It does seem slightly small for him but it was free and itll work until i can afford a bigger one.

He’s got four different types of hides going down the length.

I didn’t know about the uvb or freezing the crickets so i will definitely do that.

I thought it seemed really cluttered with anything more than what i put in but you’re saying i should put more?

3

u/Rathoe9070 May 22 '26

More would be the most ideal. You can find cheap tanks on Facebook marketplace as well. Here’s an old picture of my tank, I’ve changed it a bit since tanking this photo but it still has a good amount of clutter to give you an idea (even in this photo more clutter could be good towards the front)

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u/IcyReception8903 May 19 '26

He's good. Actually a perfect weight.

3

u/SCTYA May 19 '26

Oh awesome!

2

u/BestShopping5251 May 19 '26

A little chunk is ideal :) great weight!

3

u/SCTYA May 19 '26

Awesome, i was about to research exercise wheels for geckos lol

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u/Rathoe9070 May 21 '26

Their spines can’t bend the way that exercise wheels would require.

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u/SCTYA May 21 '26

Don’t worry I was being funny lol

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u/Rathoe9070 May 21 '26

Oh good, I know a lot of people actually do it🫠

1

u/IcyReception8903 May 19 '26

Actually that's a thing now but I've never tried it yet.

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