Leopard Gecko Newbie

So my kids talked me into turning my 20 gallon high into a leopard gecko habitat and we thought we'd done a ton of research but now I have questions, of course. She's about 2 yrs old and she seems to be eating well and drinking. I was planning on doing paper towels for substrate but the reptile store was using calcium sand so I thought that might make it an easier transition with familiar surroundings so I took their recommendation.
First off, she's slopping her water everywhere, I'm thinking sand or paper towels, soggy substrate isn't great for a desert creature, right?
Also, it's only been two days but I don't see any poop. Is that normal? I mean, she inhaled 8 crickets yesterday alone! Seems like it should be going somewhere, ha ha ha.

Ok, those are my questions for now if anybody out there can lend me their expertise.

 

Don't use sand, especially calcium sand. It can impact them.

Since she hasn't popped yet, try soaking her bottom in some warm water to make sure she didn't swallow sand.


You're going to want two huts - one damp and humid and one not. The humid one will be for when she sheds. That's the only area that should be humid.

 

Ok, we knew about the two huts, we have that set up. I'll ditch the sand. Any idea how to keep her from getting water everywhere?

 

Ok, we knew about the two huts, we have that set up. I'll ditch the sand. Any idea how to keep her from getting water everywhere?

What does the bowl look like? Smaller bowl that she would have issues throwing water around with maybe?

 

Possibly getting a bigger heavier bowl will help. I agree definitely ditch the sand.

 

Nevermind on the poop issue, she's good and apparently hungry again because she is chowing down. Ok- here's the bowl:

 

Nevermind on the poop issue, she's good and apparently hungry again because she is chowing down. Ok- here's the bowl: View attachment 365900

Does she crawl in it or just swish her head around and make a mess? Maybe put just enough water to drink for the day but not to throw around.

 

The bowl looks a bit deep so it might be hard for her to drink the water. Also I would think about moving her into a 20 gallon long. I don't think this is necessary, but it would give your leopard gecko some more space to move around.

 

Does she crawl in it or just swish her head around and make a mess? Maybe put just enough water to drink for the day but not to throw around.

I've only seen her out her head in so far. We'll be home more tomorrow to watch.

 

The bowl looks a bit deep so it might be hard for her to drink the water. Also I would think about moving her into a 20 gallon long. I don't think this is necessary, but it would give your leopard gecko some more space to move around.

My kids pooled their money to get her so I donated this tank to the cause.

 

I've only seen her out her head in so far. We'll be home more tomorrow to watch.

Maybe stick with paper towels so it's an easy cleanup if she does spill anything. Some are just messy. Lol

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm sure we'll have more questions as we go along. She sure is cute though!

 

I'm no expert but paper towels are a no no. These guys shed there skin, then they will eat it for 2 reasons 1 its nutritious 2 to hide there whereabouts from predators. Paper towels have the same texture as there shed skin, and they may eat it, which can cause major digestive issues. Just my 2 cents. Your new pet is very pretty congrats.

 

I'm no expert but paper towels are a no no. These guys shed there skin, then they will eat it for 2 reasons 1 its nutritious 2 to hide there whereabouts from predators. Paper towels have the same texture as there shed skin, and they may eat it, which can cause major digestive issues. Just my 2 cents. Your new pet is very pretty congrats.

Paper towels are actually one of the recommended substrates to use since it’s easy to clean and cheap

 

Paper towels are actually one of the recommended substrates to use since it’s easy to clean and cheap

A few friends used paper towels with there leos, and they caught them eating them. I use a washable green cloth mat. I just give it a quick rinse, and ring it out.

 

A few friends used paper towels with there leos, and they caught them eating them. I use a washable green cloth mat. I just give it a quick rinse, and ring it out.

What's a green cloth mat? Like one of those reusable paper towels?

 

What's a green cloth mat? Like one of those reusable paper towels?

Made of cloth not paper.

 

I found a picture of it.

 

Mystery solved: there's a crack in the water dish

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm sure we'll have more questions as we go along. She sure is cute though! View attachment 365904

She looks really cute! Wish I had one too!