Choosing Your Gecko’s Habitat

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the cage. Size is the biggest factor. 

For adult geckos, you would want a habitat that is at least 20 gallons. Juveniles can have smaller tanks. We would suggest getting at least ten gallons for a young lizard. Of course, these are estimates for a single gecko. If you’re going to have more than one, you’ll need a larger cage.

It’s best to get a habitat with glass sides.You may see habitats with open tops. These can be quite attractive, but they aren’t going to be right for every household. If you have other pets and/or children, you’ll want to get something with a screened lid. While leopard geckos aren’t able to climb, as some other lizards can, this will protect them from outside dangers … such as your cat.  

As far as shape goes, Choose a tank that offers more horizontal than vertical space for a leopard gecko. Make sure the cover closes tightly, especially if you have cats.

(A note on this: geckos do vary in size. We’re focusing on the leopard gecko in this article, so if you are getting  a different type, you’ll want to do some research on the specific type of lizard you want. For instance, if you’re getting an arboreal gecko, such as a crested or tokay gecko, choose something tall enough to allow them some climbing room, so you can put small trees in there for them.)

Leopard Gecko Habitat Lighting

Most reptiles require UVB lighting to thrive. Some reptiles can develop MBD (metabolic bone disease), a painful and sometimes fatal condition, if they don’t get enough UVB. That isn’t the case with leopard geckos. In fact, this is one area where leopard geckos are a bit different than other reptiles. These guys are crepuscular. That means they are most active at dusk and dawn, and spend most of the daytime hours sleeping. Some studies do show that geckos will benefit from getting some UVB light, but they don’t require as much as many other reptiles do. It also isn’t as critical to them. That said, they do need proper lighting. For a leopard gecko, you can get a simple 12 watt bulb. You’ll want to put this on a timer, so it will imitate national light cycles. 

Choosing Substrate For Your Gecko

Choosing the right substrate is also very important. These are generally broken into two categories. Solid substrates would include things like reptile carpet, butcher paper, paper towels, or newsprint, while loose substrates include substrate products, such as quartz sand, excavator clay, and desert soils.

There are pros and cons to each type. Solid substrates are easier to keep clean. They also don’t weigh as much, and usually cost less. However, they don’t give your pet a chance to dig, and may not offer much traction. They can also be uncomfortable. Just like people, reptiles may get sore from standing on a hard surface! Loose substrates do allow for digging, and may be easier to keep clean. However, they cost more, and also weigh more. There’s also a larger risk of impaction, parasitic load, and dehydration, particularly if conditions and other care needs are not up to par.

We wouldn’t suggest using sand, especially on juvenile geckos. They may accidentally ingest it. This can cause intestinal blockages, which are both very painful and very dangerous. You can, however, use a mix of sand and soil. 

Ask your vet for more information on substrate. 

What Temperatures Do Geckos Need? 

The areas leopard geckos naturally inhabit are quite a bit cooler than the tropical and subtropical regions many reptiles hail from. Unlike many of their cousins, leopard geckos don’t enjoy those blistering hot temperatures. However, it is important to keep the cage within a specific range. Generally, this should be about 23.89 to 26.67 C on the cool side, and 27 to 29 on the warm side. You can drop the temps a bit at night. You’ll also need to offer a basking spot. This should be hotter: about 32 to 35 C. Under tank heaters or heating pads are a good bet. Don’t use heating rocks: geckos often get burned on them.

Ask your Mississauga, ON vet for specific advice on this, including tips on getting heating equipment. 

What Sort Of Hides Do Geckos Need?

Everyone needs a place to go and unwind and get away from things. That is true for reptiles as well! You’ll need to provide a sort of hide. Geckos often hide in cracks and crevasses in the wild, so they have a strong instinct to want to retreat. Your pet’s cage should offer something that imitates this.

You can find great hides in pet stores, but you can also get a bit creative and use a plant pot, a plastic container with a ‘door’ cut into it, or something similar.

You’ll need to get two. One should be on the end with the heat lamp, while the other can be on the opposite side. One of these will need to be set up in a way that will help your lizard shed. You can do that by adding wet paper towels, moss, or other substances.

What Do Geckos Need For Accessories?

Geckos don’t exactly play, so you won’t need to add any toys. They do, however, need dinnerware. That would include things like a small water bowl, and a small dish for calcium powder.

Making A Fun Environment For Geckos

Like any other pets, geckos need stimulation and enrichment. For reptiles, this basically entails climbing and exploring things. You can add safe plants, climbing rocks, logs, and other accessories. Small statues or even pieces of art can also add a fun touch. These things can also make the habitat look attractive and interesting!

What Else Should I Consider When Getting A Gecko? 

There are more than 1500 kinds of geckos. Only a few of these make good pets, though. Though the leopard gecko is at the top of the list, there are other options, such as the Crested gecko, and African Fat-Tailed gecko. If you opt for a different type, you’ll want to look up specific care instructions. 

Before purchasing a leopard gecko, or any other reptile, do plenty of research. You’ll want to consider things like size, habitat needs, temperament, lifespan, and difficulty of care. Diet is also a big one. Most of these guys eat living insects, such as crickets, Dubai roaches, and waxworms. This of course means you’ll need to be comfortable with purchasing, storing, and handling the bugs. 

Make An Appointment At Our Mississauga, ON Animal Clinic

Are you looking for a great reptile vet in the area? Contact us, your Mississauga, ON pet hospital today. We are dedicated to offering great care!

The post Creating A Leopard Gecko Habitat appeared first on Britannia Animal Hospital.

Provide A Play Zone

One of the first rules of getting a bunny? You’ll need to petproof absolutely everything Floppy can reach. Rabbits will chew on anything and everything!

You don’t necessarily have to bunnyproof your entire house. You can choose a few rooms to give your pet access to, and petproof those.

Here are a few things you’d want to address:

Baseboards: Baseboards happen to be right at bunny level and are quite tempting for them to chew on.

Table Legs: Anything that is made of wood and within easy reach of those cute paws is a prime target. You can get protective casings table legs. Taste deterrents will work, but you will need to reapply regularly.

Small Or Sharp Items: The complete list of things that would fit into these categories would be far too long to put here, but some examples include pens, pencils, jewelry, beads, buttons, craft kit pieces, safety pins, thumb tacks, thumb drives, coins, and small toys.

Personal Items: Things like shoes, purses, wallets, and even cell phones are all fair game for your adorable chewing machine. Keep these things in secure spots, well out of paws’ reach.

Plants: Many rabbits love to nibble on plants. If you like, you can set out some herbs at floor level for your cute pet to gnaw on. You’ll just need to make sure to choose only safe ones. Some of the safe plants would include daisies, dandelions, mint, basil, marigolds, cilantro, spider plants, and orchids. Just keep in mind that these plants are not going to be safe from your rabbit. If you want your plant to live, keep them in high spots, where your pet can’t reach.

Here are some of the more toxic plants:

• Snowdrops
• Hyacinths
• Bluebells
• Crocuses
• Daffodils
• Buttercups
• Foxgloves
• Primrose
• Delphiniums/Larkspur
• Columbine (Aquilegia) Hellebore
• Comfrey
• Poppy
• Periwinkle
• Monkshood
• Nightshade
• Ivy
• Privet
• Holly
• Yew
• Ragwort

Anything with a bulb should also be considered toxic. That includes things like daffodils, tulips, garlic, and onions. Ask your Meadowvale, ON vet for more information.

Spaces: Bunnies are both small and curious, and they have a tendency to want to explore any kind of nooks, crannies, or crevasses. You may not notice the pencil that rolled under the couch, but Floppy certainly will! Your best bet is to seal off any openings behind and beneath furniture and cabinets. Under-bed storage containers can work for this, though choose ones your bunny can’t chew through.

Wires, Cords, Ropes: These pose a triple threat. Not only are cords and ropes choking and strangulation hazards, they can cause very dangerous internal injuries if ingested. Needless to say, chewing on a live wire would also be extremely dangerous!

Doors: As far as Floppy is concerned, that closet door is a convenient snack. You can get protective coverings, such as a thick mat or sheet of hard plastic. Just make sure to choose something your pet’s teeth won’t get through. It’s also best to keep closets shut. Otherwise, your pet may very well munch on anything she can reach.

Be sure to ask your veterinarian for more information on bunnyproofing.

How To Set Up A Great Bunny Cage

When it comes to pet care, comfort is very much king. You’ll want to give your pet a little luxury bunny condo. A great cage is absolutely paramount here. While Floppy will need several hours of free time outside of her cage daily, she will still spend quite a bit of time inside her cage.

Here are a few tips on setting up your rabbit’s cage:

Bigger Is Better: One of the most common mistakes that people make is using a cage that is too small. Rabbits are naturally very active, and they need a bit of room. Your pet’s cage should be more like a one-bedroom than a studio. Make sure Floppy has plenty of space to stand up, hop around, stretch out, and play, without tripping over her things or touching the cage wall or side.

Avoid Wire Floors: Choose a cage with a solid floor. Wire floors don’t contain substrate. They also can cause serious paw and leg injuries. Plus. They aren’t very comfy, either!

Offer A Hidey Hole: Your pet’s cage is her house. Give her a little spot to retreat to, like a little pet tent or hide box.

Provide A Hay Rack: One of the basics of bunny care is providing plenty of grass hay. You may find a hay rack helps keep things neat. (Tip: If you’re including a litterbox, position the hayrack so that your pet has to jump into her box to eat from it. Rabbits like to eat while doing their business, so this can help with training.) 

You may also want to consider a litterbox, though this is optional. You’ll of course need to add a water bottle and a dish for pellets. 

Ask your vet for specific advice on cage setup.

Keeping A Bunny Entertained

Floppy is just as playful as Fluffy and Fido! Bunnies are naturally curious and inquisitive, and love to poke their cute noses into absolutely everything.

You’ll need to offer plenty of toys, including lots of chew toys. You can buy these, but you can also make them out of things like paper, cardboard, wood, and wicker. Look online for ideas, or try making something new!

Here are a few favorites:

• Hanging Toys
• Toy Balls
• Chew Toys
• Branches from safe fruit trees, such as apple trees. 
• Paper
• Obstacle Courses
• Box Castles
• Dig boxes

Just stick with safe items. Avoid anything small or sharp. Items covered in decorative substances, such as varnish, paint, glitter, and dye, are also unsafe, as are things with dangling ropes or strings.

Floppy loves to explore things. She’s also a big fan of jumping and hopping. Tunnels and mazes are also big hits. You can even combine the two and make a tunnel or maze that contains elements of an obstacle course. 

Playing With Your Bunny

Don’t be surprised if you realize that your cute pet actually really enjoys playing with you. Try different games. Some bunnies like ‘bowling’ type games. You can also do scavenger hunts, by hiding treats in certain spots.

Love

At the end of the day, pets really just want to feel loved and safe. Spend time with your little buddy every day, and just make sure that she feels loved and safe. You’ll know you’re on the right track if you start scoring binkies. Binkies are basically the bunny version of a happy dance. We probably don’t have to say how adorable they are! 

Schedule An Appointment At Our Meadowvale, ON Animal Clinic

Are you looking for a great vet that handles bunnies? Please feel free to contact us. As your Meadowvale, ON pet hospital, we are dedicated to offering your pet great care! 

The post Keeping A Bunny Hoppy appeared first on Britannia Animal Hospital.