Moist hide being used too much?

[Olievertraiqn]

In my viv I have a cool dry hide, a warm dry hide, and a warm moist hide.

I know that a leopard gecko will use the moist hide to aid with the shedding process, and could go back there for awhile before/after the shedding, but Oliver (my gecko) seems to go in there a lot.

When I first got him, I only had two dry hides because my gecko hadn't been shedding at the time and I still needed to make one (tupperware container). He had gone with only the two dry hides for maybe three days. Then I made the moist hide and put it in the viv.

For the first couple days I didn't see him in the moist hide.. ever, but then he started to shed and I started to see him in there.

I've had him for almost three weeks now and he's shed twice (he's just a baby), but he's almost always in the moist hide. The only time I ever see him out of there now is when I'm feeding him or taking the lid off of the container to spray the hide to keep it moist and it scares him a little (then once he sees I'm not going to do any harm, he goes back in there).

I can't see this being dangerous (if this isn't the case feel free to correct me), but I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong that's causing him to stay in his moist hide even when he's not shedding. :?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for any advice/suggestions/tips you give me.

 

[cricket4u]

In my viv I have a cool dry hide, a warm dry hide, and a warm moist hide.

I know that a leopard gecko will use the moist hide to aid with the shedding process, and could go back there for awhile before/after the shedding, but Oliver (my gecko) seems to go in there a lot.

When I first got him, I only had two dry hides because my gecko hadn't been shedding at the time and I still needed to make one (tupperware container). He had gone with only the two dry hides for maybe three days. Then I made the moist hide and put it in the viv.

For the first couple days I didn't see him in the moist hide.. ever, but then he started to shed and I started to see him in there.

I've had him for almost three weeks now and he's shed twice (he's just a baby), but he's almost always in the moist hide. The only time I ever see him out of there now is when I'm feeding him or taking the lid off of the container to spray the hide to keep it moist and it scares him a little (then once he sees I'm not going to do any harm, he goes back in there).

I can't see this being dangerous (if this isn't the case feel free to correct me), but I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong that's causing him to stay in his moist hide even when he's not shedding. :?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for any advice/suggestions/tips you give me.

There can be several reasons along these lines. Too hot, humidity too low or security reasons. Make sure that all his hides are closed in and not too exposed. Also check your air temperature which should be ranging from 75-85 during the day (no higher). Try to maintain the humidity at 40-45 which helps prevent dehydration and shedding problems as well.

 

[zelda]

Some leos just prefer the moist hide.

I have one that never use it, not even during shedding. One that use it only during shedding. And two that use it all the time.

 

[cricket4u]

Some leos just prefer the moist hide.

I have one that never use it, not even during shedding. One that use it only during shedding. And two that use it all the time.

Yes, they prefer it for a reason. They are not fans of high moisture by nature. Can we do a little experimenting with yours? :idea: What is the humidity? air temperatures? Is the humid hide more secure than the rest?

 

[Mardy]

Some leos just prefer the moist hide.

I have one that never use it, not even during shedding. One that use it only during shedding. And two that use it all the time.

Yup completely normal. I would say especially so if you have a baby/juvenile, they prefer higher humidity than adults.

 

[cricket4u]

See, there was a reason. Now I highlighted it incase everyone missed it.:biggrin: That's why I prefer to keep the humidity at a reasonable level. They will spend too much time in it instead of digesting and thermoregulating which is not what you want. It is their way of staying hydrated.

 

[Olievertraiqn]

Thanks for all the replies!

I don't have anything to judge the humidity level, but the air temperature is 80 f (on a side note, I think it's funny that no matter where I read about leopard geckos, the temperature is always in farenheit. I live in Canada, so I use celcius).

As for how secure the hides are, the cool hide is probably a little more open than he'd like. The viv is a few degrees cooler than it probably should be, but it's too little a difference for me to really add anything (I am working on it though). So on that note, he doesn't really go to the cool side anyways (I'm not sure about at night, but I've seen him move around a lot and he is never on that side unless going to the bathroom).

As for the warm hides, the dry one is definitely secure. He seemed to love it before I got the moist hide. The moist hide is a tupperware container lined with paper towel, so maximum security.

I'll post pictures so you can get an idea of what I mean. It seems like it's not a big deal though, so at this point it's more just judging his viv and hides.

Anyways, I'll go take the pictures now and post back in a couple minutes with them.

 

[Olievertraiqn]

Here are the pictures.

The first one is of the moist hide.
The second one is of the warm dry hide.
The third one is of the cool dry hide.
The fourth one is just because he's super adorable.

Sorry if the pictures are sideways, I'm kind of new to this. Also, sorry they're slightly blurry.

 

[cricket4u]

It could be he feels more secure in that one, although the last 2 are also cozy. It would be best to buy a hygrometer to make sure the humidity does not drop to low. They are prone to dehydration and so it's best to help avoid the problem. You can also check the humidity hide as well because due to the large opening it might not hold in enough humidity and he can end up with shedding problems. He is super cute.

 

[zelda]

Yes, they prefer it for a reason. They are not fans of high moisture by nature. Can we do a little experimenting with yours? :idea: What is the humidity? air temperatures? Is the humid hide more secure than the rest?

The humidity is the same in all my tanks. Around 50-55.

In the big tank the air temperatur varies from 77-80 at night and 77-88 (88 at top, under the lights) during the day in the various zones. I think the air temp is 77-80 all the time in the small ones.


In the big tank, the moist hide may be a little bit more secure than some of the other hides, and it's also bigger than the rest.


Here is the big tank:

Top: Left, normal cave. Right: Moist hide
Bottom: Left, big moist hide. In the middle; Two small caves. Left: To big caves.

The big moist hide is being used the most. Second, the small caves in the middle. Third, the moist hide at the top.
There are 7 hides/caves in the tank, and 4 are being used. But when they are in a cave, it's almost allways the big moist hide.

 

[cricket4u]

The humidity is the same in all my tanks. Around 50-55.

In the big tank the air temperatur varies from 77-80 at night and 77-88 (88 at top, under the lights) during the day in the various zones. I think the air temp is 77-80 all the time in the small ones.


In the big tank, the moist hide may be a little bit more secure than some of the other hides, and it's also bigger than the rest.


Here is the big tank:

Top: Left, normal cave. Right: Moist hide
Bottom: Left, big moist hide. In the middle; Two small caves. Left: To big caves.

The big moist hide is being used the most. Second, the small caves in the middle. Third, the moist hide at the top.
There are 7 hides/caves in the tank, and 4 are being used. But when they are in a cave, it's almost allways the big moist hide.

Hey!, I am moving in :banana:

 

[zelda]

lol

 

[senaslaughter]

I have only had my baby for a week. She is always in her moist hide too. I am worried I am doing things wrong to make her stay in there. She does seem to come out a little at night to get her calcium and drink water, but that's all. I have to put her food close to the entrance of her hide or she won't come out to get it, so I am curious to find out what is going on to cause it. Sorry, I don't have an answer, I'm just letting you know that I understand your worry.

 

[zelda]

Just give her some time to settle in

As long as she's eating, pooping, and looking healty, there is no need to worry.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

W-O-W, zelda, what a super habitat! I would like to move in with cricket4u.

At first I thought you may have made this? Then someone else posted a very similar backdrop. Where did you buy this? Brand? I especially like it because it so expands the tank's use

 

[zelda]

Thanks!
I built it myself So your first thought was absolutely right

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks!
I built it myself So your first thought was absolutely right

zelda ~

When I saw the picture on GU of the similar looking one much earlier this morning, I came back to this thread and edited my post in case you had not made yours. I was correct the first time. You are exceptionally creative ! What lucky leos you have!!!

Thanks for linking me up with your Naturalistic Vivarium post .

 

[cricket4u]

W-O-W, zelda, what a super habitat! I would like to move in with cricket4u.

At first I thought you may have made this? Then someone else posted a very similar backdrop. Where did you buy this? Brand? I especially like it because it so expands the tank's use

Those where exactly my thoughts in regards to the background Elizabeth. I am sure we can squeeze between a rock and live happily surrounded with geckos:lol:

Zelda I am so glad you shared this. Their climbing abilities and need for reasonable humidity are underestimated. I have argued a few myths along these lines to the point of exhaustion and have found myself giving up. If given space along with a natural environment you will be surprised in what you discover. This allows natural behavior, mental stimulation along with exercise. Good for you Zelda:cheer:

 

[cricket4u]

In the big tank the air temperate varies from 77-80 at night and 77-88 (88 at top, under the lights) during the day in the various zones. I think the air temp is 77-80 all the time in the small ones.

So this means that the larger hide which is of most use is located where the temperature is warmer correct? According to the temperatures you stated, it's obvious they prefer it in order to remain warmer along with the cute gecko that is on top getting heat.

My only suggestion would be that you have a method of penetration heat towards one side on the lower levels if that is where the dry hides are located. I know they do not have heat mats in the wild and therefore do not necessarily need them in large enclosures where they have many options as to heating. With that being said it's important that they are not forced to bask to remain warm and why I asked if they have dry hiding areas with warm temps as well.

 

[Olievertraiqn]

Wow, that sure makes me feel like I'm not providing enough for my gecko.

That tank is amazing!

As for your comment senaslaughter, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Like Zelda said, just keep an eye on her. Oliver is fine, I don't know why I'm always so worried. Right now he's actually in his warm dry hide.