How to prevent my Leo from climbing his tank screen?

[hugatiefling]

Hey everyone,

Just today I finished upgrading my Leo's tank. Toast went from having a 10gal tank to a 23gal tank. There's very little height difference, and while there was a tall hide in there before - tall enough for him to reach the screen, conceivably - I had never noticed him climb UPSIDE DOWN onto the screen before now. A couple minutes ago I heard the screen of the tank moving, and when I checked, there he was, upside down, climbing his way across it like a reptile Spider-man. I had to grab him, gently unhook his claws, and put him back on solid, right-side-up ground.

I have hides that don't reach nearly as high that I'm thinking of changing out, but as you all can imagine, he absolutely loves climbing and always wants out of his tank. Is there a way to prevent the screen climbing without changing his hides? Or should I bite the bullet and give him less "fun" hides?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Drago]

In my personal opinion, I would remove them. Him being on the screen, especially in a tank that's 23 gallons, is dangerous. He could fall and scrape himself or get other more serious injuries. If you're really against the idea of removing the hides, maybe tape printer paper to the screen right above where he can access the screen. I feel it were me I would remove it altogether just to be safe, but the paper thing might work so it's up to you.

 

[hugatiefling]

I did switch them out last night so I could get some sleep, so I'll just leave the shorter hides in there. Kinda disappointing because the setup looked so good and now it's kinda meh... but I'd rather he be safe and not almost a foot off the ground. Thanks!

 

[new_rory]

You could try the paper idea. Or even just use clear packing tape (taped inside the enclosure) on the screen right above any place he could get ahold of the screen. That would still allow for light to get through everywhere, and air to get through in the rest of the screen. I'll have to make sure that can't happen in my new tanks once they're set up (never thought of it before). Luckily I don't think mine like climbing that much, unless they think food is above them.

 

[hugatiefling]

Hmm... I do like the tape idea, and since it won't be touching any heat it shouldn't have any offgassing risk from the adhesive. I might try that out, thanks for the suggestion! And if yours don't climb too much you probably ly don't have to worry. Just keep an eye and ear out for any Spider-gecko signs. Toast seems obsessed with getting out. Maybe I need to give him better enrichment or something.

 

[new_rory]

Yeah, my girls don't like climbing, my boy only climbs up his décor if I'm putting food in his tank (new tank has front opening so that won't be an issue soon), and my only climber is a Turner's gecko who's got sticky feet and won't just fall from things (hopefully he never escapes or I'll never catch him).

 

[mecoat]

Mine climbed up the cage over the heat bulb for a day or two, dropping off each time when he reached the solid wood roof. He stopped when he realised there was nothing of interest up there. Assuming you are sure your leo cannot get out from the screen and won't injure himself too much if he falls, let him climb, it'll probably stop once he figures out there's nothing up thee.