Should I buy this gecko?

[StickytheGecko]

Unfortunately, I do not have a pic, BUT
There is this juvenile leopard gecko at petsmart. He dropped his tail at the base, and when he moves he seems to be a bit shakey. Like when he moves his head, it shakes a bit like and old man shakes. I am afraid that with him growing, and regenerating his tail, that he is lacking nutrients and has developed mbd. I asked one of the employees about it, and they said it got its tail stuck under a log, and it is growing back. But I am concerned because it was kind of shakey, I have no clue how it could have gotton its tail stuck under a log hide, its a baby.... and its PETSMART. I dont think they would give it to me like I have heard in some stories of people rescuing animals from petsmart, and I am afraid to buy it because I dont want to support their abuse. Do you all think I should buy it? And if you agree that it is in trouble, how can I convince the store to give it to me? Thanks!

 

[LeopardGecc]

It's awesome that you want to save a life! I always struggle with decisions like that because like you said, I want to save the gecko but I don't want to support it. I would vote to go to them and say that this gecko is in terrible conditions and you would be willing to take the gecko, but you want it for free. I think there might be a chance they would say yes because A. they don't want a sick gecko making them look bad B. It's a burden to get treated and take care of and C. they're overcrowded anyway. I think that it mostly isn't the employee's fault because they don't know that it's so wrong. But I do think you should at least try. And maybe if they do say no buy it anyway because it's only one gecko. I hope this helped at least a little bit, sorry I couldn't help more!

 

[GeckoFanboy]

I wouldn't buy it, but that's just me. I'd want a healthy gecko. Think about it this way...if you bought a healthy gecko, the last thing you'd want is for it to get sick or have health issues, so why buy one that you know already has issues? If you have alot of experience with geckos, I'd say go for it, nurse it back to health, but if you're a novice with geckos, I'd recommend buying a healthy pet from the start.

 

[Tedward]

It sounds to me like it's already sick. A shaky Leo is not a good sign. Could be neurological or sick from something. I definitely feel sorry for leos that I see in box stores like that. It's extremely hard not to "rescue" every one of them.

Best of luck in which ever decision you make.i agree with geckofanboy, if your experienced with leos then go for it.

 

[StickytheGecko]

Thanks I did wind up getting him (maybe a girl cant tell yet). I have rehabilitated 2 leos so far and some other reptiles. I think it is enigma syndrome or something similar. Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks I did wind up getting him (maybe a girl cant tell yet). I have rehabilitated 2 leos so far and some other reptiles. I think it is enigma syndrome or something similar. Thanks everyone for your input!

Click this thread and video for helpful suggestions regarding shaky-legged leos: Female Leopard Gecko (very slight tremors when walking)......dbott67 + Zux