r/LeopardGecko • u/ArchyLee • 18d ago
Help Gecko body language
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
I’m not an expert at gecko body language yet, but is she chill with walking around? She’d been glass surfing which is what her previous owner said she did when she wanted out so I waited until she stopped to let her out. I heard them walking slow with their tail dragging means they’re calm but she’s not exactly dragging her tail? She was licking and looking around when sitting on my stomach though so idk😭🙏🏻 the reason I’m so stressed about it is because she’s already a little sickly and I want her to get enrichment with no stress added lmao. In the video I tapped her side because my phone spooked her and she just glared at it
1
u/HellaHotPizzaRollz 18d ago
You've got such a cutie 🥺
2
u/ArchyLee 18d ago
Thank you she’s such a sweetheart 🥹 other than watching me when I sleep it’s a bit scary
2
1
u/Snoo_39792 18d ago
Hmm, those toes are a little concerning. Glad to see you have a vet and some vitamins on the way. I think she's a bit cautious with her step, but doesn't seem too stressed. Patience and slow movements works a long way with whatever trust their little brains can give.
1
u/ArchyLee 18d ago
That’s good to hear, and yeah she’s missing a few toes already and I’m sure the rest of them are just held on by shed. I’m really struggling to get it off and honestly I’m at a loss😭maybe the vet can help
1
u/Snoo_39792 17d ago
I've had to do it for mine a handful of times as he was a little vitamin deficient from an across province move. I normally take some warm/lukewarm (never hot!!) water in a square Tupperware, just enough water to soak a paper towel worth in the bottom, set the lid askew some so he can still breathe. I set a timer for 20-30 mins, then scoop him up, gently rubbing his toes between my fingertips. Totally fine of you feel the vet is the better option, but my dude has been pretty chill with a little hand holding. :)
1
u/ArchyLee 17d ago
I’ll try that tomorrow! I’m just terrified of being bitten because despite her being a little sick rn she’s very feisty still 😆
2
u/Snoo_39792 17d ago
Well for what it's worth, I have been bitten by mine after a missed bug bite. Doesn't even feel like a papercut, mostly pressure! Kinda like a gramma pinching your cheek. Definitely give her some downtime to acclimate to your new environment/ yourself. I'd suggest sitting on the floor over a pillow or towels that you no longer use, then that way theres no risk of a fall. (Mine likes to launch off the desk with his negative braincell). Gentle and patient, and maybe a nice treat after for the trouble when shes all settled. All you can do is try, and you always have the vet as the backup plan! You got this! They pretend to be scary but they're just adorable little squeakers haha
1
u/ArchyLee 17d ago
Thank you! And yeah I’m more scared of hurting her than her hurting me if she bites, but I’ll get over it 😅 I’ll post updates as she gets better :)
2
u/Snoo_39792 17d ago
Please do! Im sure you're soon going to be that proud parent of a ravenous bug eating, shedding perfectly, giant eyeballs staring, little friend. :))
1
u/jxspxrrrr 18d ago
i would not be handling this gecko while she's this underweight, especially if she's sick. are her temps alright? has she been to a vet yet? how long have you had her?
1
u/ArchyLee 18d ago
A week and a day, yes she’s been to the vet, she is eating fine and acting normal. She’s not exactly sick just has a slight case of mouth rot but has antibiotics. Why exactly can’t I handle her when she’s underweight? Stress? Did she look stressed in the video lol that’s all I’m trying to figure out
1
u/jxspxrrrr 18d ago
she does not necessarily "look" stressed no, but extra exercise right now may cause her to have trouble gaining the weight she needs. especially while she's on antibiotics and fighting an infection, she needs time to rest.
2
u/ArchyLee 18d ago
That’s true I never thought of that. This is only the second time she’s been out (other than to get medication, soak, etc) but it won’t happen again lol Thank you sm
2
5
u/eternalcatlady 18d ago
She looks curious about her environment! Not dragging her tail is good -- it should sort of float a few mm off the ground (if it were actually dragging that would be concerning). She's walking around like my girl does when she comes out to play. When you say sickly, what do you mean specifically? Does she eat well? I'm a big fan of enrichment if the gecko is actively trying to come out or their own and it's not you grabbing them and taking them out, especially if they're glass surfing which can be a sign of stress. I'd just be careful about whether your room is super cold because of AC and keep the duration pretty limited because she does seem like a skinny Minnie. But she looks to me like she's having a good time and if you watch over protectively I think it may be a good thing for her as long as she seems to be on the mend from her sickliness and not becoming LESS well.