I said I'm not buying a UTH. And I already have a digital thermometer.
I'll try and feed him tonight.
I think Porkchop might be too warm. H'es kinda like panting or something. He opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue, then closes his mouth again.
It doesn't look like Porkchop's active anymore. He's sleeping once again and he doesn't want to eat. He keeps spitting out his food, but what's worrying me most is that he is "panting" or whatever. I checked the inside of his mouth to see if there was anything clogging his throat, but his throat looked pretty normal to me. His mouth also looked normal.
I am not trusting some random person with my pet unless it's someone we know
And what? .. I mean gosh, we spent all of our money on vet bills. I don't have an extra $45...
And it's not vital for their health. Junior has been pooping fine without any problems. If it was vital, all of my geckos would be sick right now.
Lost Together,
A UTH and a Thermostat a vital for Porkchop' well being, he needs belly heat to digest his food, the trouble is, heating the floor with a lamp means the air temperatures are too hot, thus dehydrating Porkchop.
Please take into account that Porkchop was eating OK , sometimes it takes a while for husbandry error's to start causing issues.
LostTogether ~
GU members have visited this thread wondering how Porkchop, Apple, and Junior are doing. They have shared insightful advice. Yet not only GU members. About 2 weeks ago a young friend who was visiting sat by my side one evening reading GU posts. I showed her some of your Porkchop photos. The very next morning she asked about Porkchop. So you see, we are concerned not only about Porkchop. What you change with Junior's and Apple's husbandry will help them live much longer than Porkchop.
Early on I think you mentioned that surgery was not an option for Porkchop. Was that because his gout is severe or because the surgery would be very costly?
Perhaps a rescue could help? Please google to see whether there is a herpetological society nearby that does rescues? Caring vets sometimes offer discounted services to animals in rescue care.
Leopard geckos are easy and fun to keep once their needs are met.
You are giving Porkchop much TLC. I can tell you care about him.
How about taking a couple further steps by purchasing one Hydrofarm thermostat for each cage and one UTH? Hydrofarm thermostats cost ~$35 each via Amazon. UTHs are less. The Bean Farm sells 11 x 11 Ultratherm heat mats also via Amazon that are reusable. So you could qualify for free Amazon shipping! Can your sister help? What about asking for these things as early birthday gifts? Those two items will make your leos much more comfortable. Thermostats make controlling temperatures very easy.
If you get a couple under tank heat mats, you'll be able to lower the air temperatures for both cages.
We are concerned not only for Porkchop, but also for Junior and Apple. To have both your healthy leos live long lives will be a tribute/memorial to Porkchop. Really, LostTogether, consider the above.
