Halter leashes?

lbanta

New member
what is your opinion of taking leopard geckos outside on small Halter leashes for exercise?
 

acpart

Well-known member
I think in general it would be safer to set up a space outside (like an empty wading pool), put different things in it, like obstacles to climb on, maybe some crickets, branches, etc. and let the geckos wander in there rather than have to put the halter on them. Besides the fact that they are generally nocturnal, so will be happier at night (though they are often awake some during the day), I have a heck of a time getting the halter safely on my beardie who is much bigger.

Aliza
 

kholtme

New member
Some people also say that there are diseases outside that leopards are not accustom too and could be very dangerous to them, I have no facts on this, just remember reading it and thought i would give you a heads up.

Also i think it would have to be the right day, and make sure the ground temps are at a safe level.
 

lbanta

New member
The wading pool idea sounds great and I think it would be a lot of fun to set up thanks for the suggestion!
 

Hilde

Administrator
Staff member
It's really not a good idea.
Leashes and harnesses are for dogs, in extreme situations, maybe for cats.

Reptiles aren't meant to go for walks. They're ectotherms, cold-blooded creatures, which means wasting energy on useless activities likes walks and exercise sessions is hard on them. Warm-blooded animals have no problem replacing energy. Cold-blooded ones can't do that very efficiently. They tend to move when there's a good reason, not just for the fun of it. That's part of the reason they can sit in one place for hours, while we'd get bored silly and go run off someplace to do something. They can't afford to waste energy like warm-blooded animals can. Long periods of activity (walking for exercise) does them more harm to them than good.

They're not very active by design, it goes hand-in-hand with being an ectotherm. They rest up and save their energy when they're not hunting, protecting or establishing territories, or looking for a mate. Even though they might seem to be asleep, part of the time they're just 'idling in neutral', not doing much, but ready to go if something comes along.

Taking him outside just exposes him to parasites, and disease, it will do more harm than good. You'd most likely take him out in daytime, which is the time he would normally be resting.
The only ones to benefit from reptile leashes are the stores and manufacturers who make money on the sale.
 

HVani

New member
I have heard that reptiles can be exposed to disease and parasites if you take them outside but I have never heard of a case of this happening. They are a lot tougher than people give them credit. I also don't agree that they cannot afford to waste energy. Many leopard geckos are obese compared to their wild cousins. With that logic they should also never be handled. A healthy gecko should have no problem being outside for a few minutes.

I come from a snake background and in the warmer months all of my snakes get to go outside here and there. A little stimulation is healthy no matter the species. Now only my bigger girl I allow to go in the grass. The rest get to be handled while outside.

If you are going to take your leo outside I suggest setting up a safe area for them as was suggested above. They would also appreciate being taken out in the evening on warm days. Never leave them unattended and don't be surprised if he just wants to lay around.
 

Aimless

Super Moderator
often leopard geckos in captivity are obese because they are overfed, and because of the prevalence of mealworms as a dietary staple.

I agree with Hilde.

put your leo outside with a playpen and he'll likely run around stressed for a bit, then find a corner and stay there. geckos are ectotherms. this can't be stressed enough.
 
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