New Leo Owner, Moving Soon...

[ChiTea]

Hi Everyone,

I recently 'inherited' a leopard gecko, and I absolutely adore him! :biggrin: I have a bunch of questions (I kind of feel like the new parent who brings their baby to the doctor when they sneeze) but here's the one I'm most worried about at the moment...

I'm moving in the next few weeks (not far - same city) but I'm concerned about how to safely move my little guy. His last move was just over 2 years ago, and I wasn't there, but I know it did not go well... Based on some things I've read, I'm thinking about putting some paper towels in a shoe box with some holes in the lid. I'm also concerned about how to get him into the box. Whenever I handle him, he is VERY jumpy, squirmy, and curious (it's rather difficult, and he doesn't always like walking into my hands). He's about 3 1/2 years old. If that makes any difference.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

-ChiTea

 

[cricket4u]

Is it possible to just move the whole enclosure with the gecko in it? Of course it would have to fit in the back seat where the temps can be monitored. This would probably be the least stressful way.

 

[ChiTea]

Hi Cricket. It's a pretty big tank - wouldn't he slide around? I would think that would be more stressful for him, no? And is it possible for them to get 'car sick' if they can see things moving?

 

[Mardy]

The safest way to move a leopard gecko is by putting the geckos inside a smaller container, such as a critter tote or something smaller like a 32oz container. Reason for small is to make sure the gecko doesn't get bounced around while you are moving. Smaller container with paper towels will secure the gecko while you're moving and driving. You can buy a heat pack to place it inside the critter tote if you want to provide some temporary heating for your gecko. But if the move isn't going to last more than half a day, it's usually not needed. During the summer I'd be more worried about overheating than under heating.

If you're moving during the summer, I'd recommend placing the gecko with you in the car while you're moving places. Don't place them in the back of the truck where it's going to be over 90 degrees. Pad the critter tote well with paper towels, provide a temporary hide such as a gladware container with moist paper towels inside. Your gecko will be safe during the move, you'll have nothing to worry about. I know, because a year ago I moved and I had to move my whole collection, including 16 20-gallon tanks. They'll tolerate the move just fine, the only thing you have to worry about is their safety, which is why you don't ever want to move them inside the tank they're in.

As for how to pickup the gecko, do it gently and slowly. Sometimes people don't realize when they are nervous, they do things such as pull their hand out real quick, or make sudden movements that only startle the geckos even more. Do it slow and gently pickup your gecko, without pulling on the gecko's tail. You should have no problem moving the gecko into a smaller container. Skittish or not, it's for their own safety. So sometimes no matter how much they dislike it, you have to do what you have to do.

 

[ChiTea]

Hi Mardy. Thanks so much for the advice! Yes, I'm moving in 2-3 weeks... August in Los Angeles. Hot hot hot.

 

[cricket4u]

Hi Cricket. It's a pretty big tank - wouldn't he slide around? I would think that would be more stressful for him, no? And is it possible for them to get 'car sick' if they can see things moving?

If it's too big for you to sit next to and monitor, forget it. I'm afraid to tell people to transfer them in small containers due to where they may place them and the chance of overheating.

I know people who have taken a 10 gallon with their leo in it to the vet without any problems. Of course you would have to move it slowly to the car. As long as someone is sitting next to the enclosure with their arm holding it. Obviously, if the enclosure has items that are heavy, they must be removed. You could always cover the glass only with paper bags temporarily. Stress is inevitable, they can smell the difference in the air.

If you move him in a small container, I suggest that someone holds him/her during the move on their lap so that they can monitor the temp and your leo.

 

[ChiTea]

Hey Cricket,

My ideal (hopefully practical) plan is to leave him in the tank as long as possible, while all my other stuff moves first. Then, his home will be the "last in, first out" of the moving truck, so he'd only be in a small container for an hour, at most. He'll ride in the car with me. I'm going to try pretty hard to make this work... Thanks again for all the helpful tips!

 

[panthergecko]

When I moved I placed my geckos in a small container inside their cages so they wouldn't move around too and so they can be in their cages.

 

[cricket4u]

I should have mentioned my experience transporting leos. At one point I thought the same, tight spot so that they don't shift. Well, they appeared so darn stressed that some defecated in the small containers. I would peek through the top which I left visible and they were desperately trying to find a way out. After this I started using larger containers and added one of their hides. No poop in the containers ever since and they remained hidden in their hide for the most part. I would also expect the driver to use common sense when carrying a load, drive slowly.

You mentioned the least stressful way, so that's why I stated inside the enclosure. They would feel more secure in their home. I figured you had to transport the enclosure anyway. Hope all goes smoothly.

 

[ChiTea]

Thanks for all the advice, guys! I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[XoVictoryXo]

Hi there!
I used a critter tote to transport my Rex to the vet. I use this same thing for the rare times they need a bath. It is a helpful thing to have.
I put moist paper towel on the bottom so it seems like a humid hide for him and made it more stable so he didnt slide. You can taunt him into the critter tote by putting a worm in it. seems like if you are in the same city a short ride wouldnt effect him too harshly with temps, dont leave him in a hot car!

 

[ChiTea]

Good idea! I have a similar tote that I keep his crickets in. Guess I'll have to get another one Rex doesn't get freaked out being able to see moving surroundings?

 

[XoVictoryXo]

His demeanor there in the picture reflects him being stressed, but that was because he was in pain and on antibiotics on his way home. when they take baths in there they just kind of hang out unstressed.
You could possibly tape construction paper on the outside to avoid any sort of stress. But I think they would be fine either way if its just a short transport.

 

[ChiTea]

Well, today was moving day, and I'm happy to say that my little Reggie is safe and sound and all settled in! There was a little bit of a freak out when I first put him in the carrier and he realized where he was, but he eventually got semi-comfortable in the hide I put in there for him. I turned on the heated seat in my car, which I think he liked, ha ha. He was out of his tank for about 45 minutes, and seems to be doing ok now! I did bribe him with a couple wax worms, which may have helped, also. . Thanks again everyone for all the good advice!