One angry gecko

TRD · 01-17-17, 09:43 AM

I think that using UTH with species that burrow and/or use burrows is counter initiative. Those species are used to cool down by going underground but when using a UTH this would actually work against their nature by warming them up.

This is the main reason I don't like using them. There is only use for them in rack systems as there is not enough space for any lighting.... but then again, I'm against use of racks too regardless of all the arguments that "My BP likes it as it simulates an underground burrow"... No, it does not simulate an underground burrow, it simulates a plastic box in a cabinet with heating, there's nothing natural about it. But I guess to each their own opinion.

LISA127 · 01-17-17, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD

I think that using UTH with species that burrow and/or use burrows is counter initiative. Those species are used to cool down by going underground but when using a UTH this would actually work against their nature by warming them up.

This is the main reason I don't like using them. There is only use for them in rack systems as there is not enough space for any lighting.... but then again, I'm against use of racks too regardless of all the arguments that "My BP likes it as it simulates an underground burrow"... No, it does not simulate an underground burrow, it simulates a plastic box in a cabinet with heating, there's nothing natural about it. But I guess to each their own opinion.

he's talking about a leopard gecko.

sirtalis · 01-17-17, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LISA127

he's talking about a leopard gecko.

Correct, my male has a 130f basking spot. Most people keep their reptiles a bit on the cool side. Thats why bearded dragons and leopard geckos are so "tame" you know the little green lizards, anoles. They bask in excess of 150 all the time on my property. And texas rat snakes are suggested supposed to have a warm side of 90ish in captivity but Ive caught them basking on 130f rocks in pure sun.

LISA127 · 01-17-17, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtalis

Correct, my male has a 130f basking spot. Most people keep their reptiles a bit on the cool side. Thats why bearded dragons and leopard geckos are so "tame" you know the little green lizards, anoles. They bask in excess of 150 all the time on my property. And texas rat snakes are suggested supposed to have a warm side of 90ish in captivity but Ive caught them basking on 130f rocks in pure sun.

I disagree.....I believe it's too hot and dry, hence the shedding issues.

sirtalis · 01-17-17, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LISA127

I disagree.....I believe it's too hot and dry, hence the shedding issues.

The humidity is in excess of 90% in her burrow, look into biactive enclosures, most people have a great deal of success with higher temperatures and natural cages. Plus, the burrows remain cool and humid just like the wild. Keep in mind the basking spot in the rock under the lights, the air temperature is in the 90s on the hot end. I've kept all three of my geckos like this or in similar enclosure for close to 6 years and this is the first time anything has happened. I get where you're coming from but I would rather a healthy gecko to a tame gecko any day. There's a reason reptiles in the wild can move so fast, and personally I believe it is from the temperatures they are exposed to. If any of my animals got out of their cage the likely hood of me being able to catch it would be close to zero

LISA127 · 01-17-17, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtalis

The humidity is in excess of 90% in her burrow, look into biactive enclosures, most people have a great deal of success with higher temperatures and natural cages. Plus, the burrows remain cool and humid just like the wild. Keep in mind the basking spot in the rock under the lights, the air temperature is in the 90s on the hot end. I've kept all three of my geckos like this or in similar enclosure for close to 6 years and this is the first time anything has happened.

Well, that's fine. I've kept all of mine as I mentioned for 20 years and have never had problems. I was just answering your question to the best of my knowledge.......

sirtalis · 01-17-17, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LISA127

Well, that's fine. I've kept all of mine as I mentioned for 20 years and have never had problems. I was just answering your question to the best of my knowledge.......

Fair enough, I don't have a problem with keeping leopard geckos in a more "traditonal" enclosure but I personally like to watch them show of a more natural range of behaviour. I kept my first gecko in a 10 gallon cage for about a year with a heat pad and on repti-carpet and all she did was sleep and come out when I turned out the lights to eat. She was perfectly healthy but I prefer to actually see my geckos and watch them explore throughout the day if that makes any sense.