Ideal Humidity?

[Gecko Newbie]

What is the ideal humidity for leopard geckos?

As I've been discussing in the other threads I've posted, and some of you have expressed concern about it - the coconut fiber substrate I'm using has a seriously different effect on the humidity levels in the tank in comparison to the sand that used to be in there.

I've read in some threads quick comments about humidity causing respiratory problems - what humidity level causes problems?

What's too much humidity - what's not enough?

I tried searching the forums, but can't find it...

As always - thanks for your help!

 

[Allee Toler]

40%-50% is fine. I wouldn't go over 50%

I still think Mr. Gecko should be Tico. Lol.

 

[justindh1]

You do want some humidity because it generally good for all animals. A good range would be 30-50% but if you have a moist hide then i wouldn't be too worried about it. It does help out having a mid-range humidity with shedding over all but moist hides usually get it done.

 

[Kichi]

I keep my Leo's humidity about 30-55% But I'm always afraid that's too much, as they are desert animals. I don't know about you, but I live in an area that is extremely humid. So that adds to my fear of too much humidity. But so far she's shed just fine, so that seems to be the right atmosphere.

 

[justindh1]

You have to remember that leopard geckos do live in the desert but they are nocturnal. They go into their burrows or little crevasses which tend to be cooler and have a higher humidity, they are little micro habitats. So to me I believe that they tend to like a mid level humidity but not such a high humidity that your worrying about respiratory infections.

 

[Gecko Newbie]

Hmm... Well, I live in Arizona - it's a dry heat. The tank always seems to hover around 40-50% humidity...seems like that isn't too high to cause problems based on what the few of you have said.

JUST IN CASE - and because I'm paranoid - what would be signs of a respiratory problem? I assume they're not going to start coughing and wheezing....?? Or are they?

Thanks!!

 

[Gecko Newbie]

40%-50% is fine. I wouldn't go over 50%

I still think Mr. Gecko should be Tico. Lol.

Haha I like Tico, I tried it out for a few days... He just doesn't seem like a Tico. It's hard to explain, but he seems like if he were a human, he'd act like James Dean or something.... But I think James Dean would be a weird name for a gecko......

 

[Allee Toler]

Lol. Especially for the kids! Haha. Have the kids come up with names, then pull a vote. That's how we named out class cat. Her name ended up being Snickers. poor cat... haha. But the whole class loved naming her. =]

Infection: bubbly nose, wheezing. It'd clearly look sick. They DO sneeze. I've only heard Giovanna sneeze six times in a row, once. It was weird. Lol.

 

[Gecko Newbie]

Hmm, okay. I'll keep an eye out for those things... Thanks!

 

[cat_named_noodles]

Hmm... Well, I live in Arizona - it's a dry heat. The tank always seems to hover around 40-50% humidity...seems like that isn't too high to cause problems based on what the few of you have said.

JUST IN CASE - and because I'm paranoid - what would be signs of a respiratory problem? I assume they're not going to start coughing and wheezing....?? Or are they?

Thanks!!

I live in West Texas and the humidity stays around 30% on a good day. Chapstick is a must. My girlies have about 40% in their cage

 

[ColdBlooded]

Another sign of a respiratory infection is an audible click while breathing. In early stages there isn't always a runny nose but it's good to be alert for any strange noises while they are breathing. (I'm not referring to any grunty gecko noises or annoyed clicks, but a rhythmic and viscous sounding click on inhalation)

 

[hyposhawn]

thankyou also I liked to know what the symptoms were.

 

[Gecko Newbie]

Piece of mind

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it!

I've never heard my geckos make any noise. Once I thought Lola squeaked at me, but then I thought it must have been the crickets near by... Maybe it was her??

Had you all not told me about these noises, and mentioned that there are "normal" grunty, gecko noises, I would have freaked if they had made any noise... I thought they were the strong silent types...

 

[ColdBlooded]

I have very vocal geckos. My male Dagda chirps and whistles at me (quietly) and of course there's the irritated croaking sound if you pick them up or bother them when they aren't up for it.

 

[cat_named_noodles]

...there's the irritated croaking sound if you pick them up or bother them when they aren't up for it.

Or when a cricket suddenly runs over their tail...