Leo trying to escape

[Lotusflower]

Is it, well, normal for your leo to try to escape the enclosure. Mine tries every so often, scraping the glass with it's little claws, or climbing the plant that reaches to the top of the enclosure . Is there something wrong? the temps seem to be correct being 80-90 F on the hot side and from 75-80 F on the cool side. I have a 10 gal tank, warm hide cool hide, and a moist hide when shedding. Suggestions welcome.

 

[Kiefer]

I've had this problem as well. For you, a 20 gallon long is the smallest recommended size for a leopard gecko. A 10 gallon is just too small. There's many reasons why a leo would be trying to escape(none of these reasons fit with mine) so Mayne you'll find out. But please consider upgrading to a 20 or 30 gallon tank.

 

[JIMI]

Are those temperatures that you provided the air temps or floor temps? Buy the biggest enclosure you can get. Check Craigslist for some good options!

Kiefer, maybe your leo is uncomfortable with seeing its reflection?

 

[Kiefer]

I have a desert themed aquarium background taped to the back of the tank, to avoid that. I'm not sure why he does it. He stops and normally goes and lays down somewhere. I'm trying to save money to maybe spiff up the tank a little so he isn't getting bored of his environment.

 

[budriley]

You can try covering the sides of the tank as well that may help him feel more secure until you are able to provide a larger tank for him.

 

[JIMI]

I have a desert themed aquarium background taped to the back of the tank, to avoid that. I'm not sure why he does it. He stops and normally goes and lays down somewhere. I'm trying to save money to maybe spiff up the tank a little so he isn't getting bored of his environment.

The glass still has a reflective surface from the inside so the leopard gecko can still see its own reflection, which it can interpret as another leo. This was what my vet told me. She said that males especially will sometimes try to fight with their own reflection. If the aquarium background doesn't have a reflective surface then try taping it on to the inner walls or you can even try printer paper. I don't know if that's the reason it's climbing the walls, but maybe it will make a difference. It's worth a try. Or maybe your leo just isn't satisfied with the space you've given it and it's demanding more:lol:. I feel your pain. When mine was younger he seemed to enjoy the space and never tried climbing the walls, but as he grew huge(he's a 12 inch long a super giant) the space just started looking smaller and smaller. Then he started trying to climb the walls. I even spiffed up the tank with a lot of things to climb. He enjoyed it for a month and started climbing the walls again. It's frustrating! So I'm saving to either make or buy another larger enclosure:roll:. I haven't gotten around to putting up some paper on the inside so I might do that today.

 

[Kiefer]

My gecko is now where near that big. I'm just not sure. No way I could afford a new big for him let alone save money to spiff his cage up. He's never had a problem with his tank until these past recent weeks. Idk.

 

[JIMI]

Sorry about your situation:sad:. Perhaps you can increase space by adding a second level using Aliza's method on post #90 following Elizabeth's caresheet. All you'd need is a tile and something to elevate it. I understand your frustration. Good luck!