Causes and solutions for the lightening of the color of the Leopard Geckos culture
The Leopard Geckos is a small to medium sized lizard belonging to the genus Blepharoplus in the gecko family, and has become a popular reptile pet due to its unique markings and docile character. It hides in rock crevices or caves during the day, and is active at night hunting for insects. Adults are 10-25 centimeters long (including the tail), with a broad head and obvious “eyelash”-like scales around the eyes. They are gentle and seldom attack humans, and are suitable for novice keepers.
Many reptile pet enthusiasts in the breeding process of the Leopard Geckos palace, found that its color becomes lighter, darker, the following we talk about the common reasons why this phenomenon may occur and the corresponding solutions.
1. Normal physiological color fading (molt cycle)
Cause: The skin will gradually turn gray before molt, and the new skin color may become lighter tccemporarily after molt, which is a normal metabolic phenomenon.
Solution: Ensure the humidity in the environment is 50%-60% (need to be raised to above 60% during molt), and can be assisted by spraying water or placing humidified dodgers to assist the molt. If you find stuck skin (e.g. toe residual old skin), soak in 30℃ warm water for 5 minutes to soften and then gently rub to remove, avoid manual tearing.
2. Abnormal environmental factors
Cause: Low temperature (<28℃), low humidity (<40%) or too much light may cause lightening of body color.
Solution: Use heating pads to maintain the temperature of the feeding area at 28-32℃ (slightly lower at night). Always keep clean drinking water in the water bowl. Avoid using tap water (containing chlorine) and recommend cool boiled or purified water. Reduce direct light and provide shade (e.g. coconut shells) to reduce stress.
3. Nutritional deficiencies or metabolic problems
Cause: Inadequate intake of calcium, vitamin D3 or abnormal metabolism may lead to poor bone development or reduced pigmentation.
Solution: Sprinkle calcium powder + vitamin supplements evenly on the surface of live insect feeds (e.g. crickets, dubia cockroaches) 2-3 times a week.
Avoid overfeeding high-fat bugs (e.g. barley bugs), and give preference to easy-to-digest foods such as crickets and cherry cockroaches.
4. Diseases or genetic abnormalities
Causes: Albinism: genetic defects leading to melanin deficiency, pale body color and accompanied by poor vision, photophobia and other symptoms. Diseases of internal organs: such as metabolic abnormalities or gastroenteritis, which may be accompanied by dark spots on the abdomen, refusal to eat, mental depression and other manifestations.
Solution: If albinism is suspected, confirm that the individual is of a known albino strain (e.g., Kawaii albino, rainwater albino), and that such individuals should avoid bright light and undergo regular medical checkups. When there are black masses in the abdomen and refusal to eat, immediately warm up to 30-32℃ to promote metabolism, and supplement electrolytes + probiotics to regulate the gastrointestinal tract. If there is no improvement in 48 hours, the patient should be sent to the hospital for internal organ lesions.
To sum up, for the breeding of reptiles, we should observe and record regularly, compare the molt cycle and the law of change of body color, and distinguish between normal physiological phenomenon and pathological discoloration. Avoid stressful operations, reduce frequent handing, and try not to disturb the molt period to prevent metabolic problems aggravated by stress. If the lightening of color is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms (e.g. refusal to eat, slow movement), it is recommended to prioritize the investigation of disease risk, and contact a professional reptile veterinarian if necessary.
