I think I started a bad with feeding
- Thread starter westchem
- Start date
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Leopard Gecko: Establishing Some "Natural" Photoperiod
Are you using any overhead light/heat?
In addition to overhead heating I do this. My leo is out and about much more now!
To Establish Some "Natural" Photoperiod
A proper photoperiod is all about mimicing lighting (& heating) the particular reptile would experience in its natural environment. Short of having a comprehensive and expensive computer-controlled system that tweaks the lighting second by second, well minute by minute anyway, we can only approximate this goal. (If anyone has comments, please let me know via a PM.)
Since November 2013 this is what I have done. My leo Cha has been out and about more with her dawn-and-dusk-like lighting. The photoperiod light from my 5.5 inch dome is somewhat shaded by a tall silk palm tree in the center of the enclosure. Some natural daylight via distant windows and a sliding glass door adds to these methods. Vary the on-time monthly according to this Pakistan link.
Click: [B]http://www.timebie.com/sun/pakistan.php[/B]
Place a low wattage bulb (15 watt standard incandescent bulb) inside a 5.5 inch diameter fixture in the center of the screen top and right next to the Ceramic Heat Emitting bulb. Dim this 15 watt bulb to half power to provide dawn-and-dusk-like lighting since leos are crepuscular. It can be very small and simple. Vary the ON time monthly according to leos' native habitat. For example, 11 hours ON for February is good.
Are you using any overhead light/heat?
In addition to overhead heating I do this. My leo is out and about much more now!
To Establish Some "Natural" Photoperiod
A proper photoperiod is all about mimicing lighting (& heating) the particular reptile would experience in its natural environment. Short of having a comprehensive and expensive computer-controlled system that tweaks the lighting second by second, well minute by minute anyway, we can only approximate this goal. (If anyone has comments, please let me know via a PM.)
Since November 2013 this is what I have done. My leo Cha has been out and about more with her dawn-and-dusk-like lighting. The photoperiod light from my 5.5 inch dome is somewhat shaded by a tall silk palm tree in the center of the enclosure. Some natural daylight via distant windows and a sliding glass door adds to these methods. Vary the on-time monthly according to this Pakistan link.
Click: [B]http://www.timebie.com/sun/pakistan.php[/B]
Place a low wattage bulb (15 watt standard incandescent bulb) inside a 5.5 inch diameter fixture in the center of the screen top and right next to the Ceramic Heat Emitting bulb. Dim this 15 watt bulb to half power to provide dawn-and-dusk-like lighting since leos are crepuscular. It can be very small and simple. Vary the ON time monthly according to leos' native habitat. For example, 11 hours ON for February is good.
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Added details to post #4
cricket4u
New member
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sometimes they feel lazy and will only eat if food is directly in front of them; other times they want to hunt. Next feeding try placing the feeders close to his hide (or where ever he might be) and let them chase. It's also fun to watch!
Lazy is never good Ignitius. Your leos should be quick and have a strong feeding response. If the leo is lazy, there's something wrong (not necessarily sick although possible), sometimes overweight, not well hydrated, under heated, etc.
Westchem~ you just have to break the bad habit by allowing your leo to chase his/her own food. I don't recall how long you have had your leo, so there's always the chance it is still nervous to leave his/hide. If that's the case, try leaving the room for a few minutes. Also make sure to provide enough cover so that your leo does not feel too exposed. Too much glass can be scary for them, so cover the back and 2 sides with something.
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