Hibernation and Mouth question

[Amuna1225]

I've heard about Hibernation for Leopard geckos but was curious to what the positives/negatives of that are and if it is necessary. Also, how old should they be before they go into hibernation?

Also another thing, my gecko will not open his mouth for me. I have tried rubbing on the sides like i've seen online and on youtube videos but he won't do it.

Thanks

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I've heard about Hibernation for Leopard geckos but was curious to what the positives/negatives of that are and if it is necessary. Also, how old should they be before they go into hibernation?

Also another thing, my gecko will not open his mouth for me. I have tried rubbing on the sides like i've seen online and on youtube videos but he won't do it.

Thanks

Never have brumated/"hibernated" a leo.

Have you seen the YouTube video about opening a leo's mouth in GU's video section?

 

[Amuna1225]

The one about rubbing the sides right?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

The one about rubbing the sides right?

This video?

How to force feed a Leopard Gecko - YouTube

 

[cricket4u]

Here's a thread on brumation.

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...haris/68370-possibly-brumation-happening.html

Why do you want to open your gecko's mouth?

 

[Thin Lizzy]

Why do you want to open your gecko's mouth?

I was thinking the same thing.:?

 

[Amuna1225]

Shouldnt you open their mouth to check their calcium sacks and to make sure there's nothing wrong? Have read you should do that every once in a while. And yes that's the video i've seen

 

[cricket4u]

Have read you should do that every once in a while.

:? Was it a caresheet for crested geckos?

 

[Amuna1225]

:? Was it a caresheet for crested geckos?

I dont think so? So we shouldnt open our gecko's mouth to look for any issues?

 

[cricket4u]

Leos do not have calcium sacs like you will see in crested geckos. You shouls have your gecko examined by a vet at least once a year. You can injure his mandible trying to open it yourself.

 

[Aimless]

I don't generally make a herp open their mouths unless I have a reason to be concerned. you can stress them out, and you can also cause an injury that may make them more susceptible to mouthrot until it heals.

new animals, or animals with health concerns, sure I'll open their mouth and take a peek. you can - VERY GENTLY - pry at the side with a small silicone spatula; most herps will bite the spatula and you can look in while they're doing so.

they really don't like it, though, so why put them through the stress? do you have a reason to be concerned about your gecko's health?

 

[Amuna1225]

Not really, I just worry all the time.