licking sand

spudrikapoo · 02-24-05, 08:11 AM

So is it a sign I'm not giving enough nutrients to my gecko if she sometimes licks the sand? (I know some of you don't like the fact there is sand in my cage, but it's worked for me with no problems.) If it is because of lacking something what should I do? I already coat all crickets, mealworms and the like with calcium powder before feeding.

SnowSnake · 02-24-05, 10:33 AM

Take it off the sand and put papertowels instead. See what happens.

Topaz · 02-24-05, 10:33 AM

Try providing a small dish of calcium powder that she can lick if she feels she needs to. Most likly that is the problem.

HeatherRose · 02-24-05, 10:35 AM

From my experience leos need a calcium dish in their enclosure to lick when they see fit, as Topaz said.

While many people see sand as a problem and many others see it as fine, I'm sure people from both groups would agree that if your leo is actually eating the sand, it could lead to problems... if it's a juvi especially, I would put it on paper towels (at least for the time being)

Good luck.

JVG · 02-24-05, 04:10 PM

My leos seem to lick everything, like their tasting it, their hides, the sand, till i took it out, even my hand if it was close

TLH_Wär§cöötmän · 02-24-05, 08:35 PM

Geckos smell by "tasting" JVG, so thats most likely what you see. I agree with Topaz and HeatherRose, put a calcium dish in the tank.

As for sand, its a definite risk if your leo has aquired a taste for sand

I never really trusted sand even before people told me about impaction risks. By all means I am not being judgemental, and hope I am not coming off so, but even if I had my leos in sand for a year or two, the first time I saw my leos licking/eating sand more than once they would be on slate or terrarium carpeting. I like my little guys and I try to remove as many health risks as possible from their tanks.