New 2 Leos

Question
QUESTION: Hello Tracie,
I recently (four days ago) adopted a pair of Leopard Geckos.  The only information I given about them was that they were a couple, were dropped off together, and they wanted them to be adopted together.  I have no clue as to their ages, previous histories or anything else, and have no experience with Leos either.  The male is at least 10" long, the female probably 7-8".  At the shelter, they were kept together in a 10 gallon tank, sand substrate, no thermometer (they felt really cold), no moist hide and with a constant supply of crickets running amuck.  I did some research about their care, but unfortunately, as usual, found a wide range of debate and conflicting opinions.  I currently have them in a 20-gallon long I keep at ~90F day, ~80F night with red lamps.  They have three hides (one damp, 2 dry), water, dish of calcium powder and put a dish of ~10 meal worms in every night.  The first two nights I put a dish of crickets in their tank, but found them untouched each morning.  The third night I put meal worms in with the crickets and the male ate ~17 worms but didn't touch the crickets.  Tonight he ate another 5 worms.  I try to leave them alone as much as I can for now.  The male appears to be very curious and out-going, the female very shy and I've only seen her come out of her hide once.  Neither seem to enjoy being handled, but both put up with getting moved without any hissing or biting.  I'm a little worried about the female, not sure if I should temporarily separate the two so I can monitor her behavior more accurately.  One of them (not sure which) had a healthy looking bowel movement yesterday, and today there was another "normal" looking solid excretion, but the paper towel around it was wet, and from what I understand, they don't normally urinate liquid.  I also noticed that the females toes look really weird.  First it looked like her toes were falling off, then I figured she was just shedding.  Then I read that if they don't shed properly, the skin around the toes can cut the circulation and the toes can fall off.  I don't see her shedding anywhere else on her body, but her coloring is much duller than the males.  Then again, I don't know if she's just normally not as bright as he is.  I'm kinda torn because I'm worried about her and hope she's not suffering, but at the same time don't want to harass and stress her out if it's normal and I'm just worried due to my lack of experience with this species.  Thank you so much for your time, can't wait to hear back from you.

ANSWER: Hello Mar,

Well, at that length, they are most likely full grown adults now.  Do you know if she could be gravid possibly, since they have been kept together it is possible.
The 20long for a pair, is perfect as long as they have a couple of hides/caves for more space for them.  The best temperatures to keep them at is to provide a hot spot on one end of around 88-90, with a basking light & an undertank heating pad/heater, then on the other end it should be around 80 or so.  So the temps you have are great, no problem!  The 3 hides will be fine, as well.  
You will want to try to get them to eat both the crickets & mealies just for variety & to make sure they don't get too much fat in their diet.  As adults, if you feel their weight is good, then you can feed them every other day instead of daily unless right now you feel they need to gain some weight initially.
If the female looks dull, she most likely is going to shed then.  I would very closely watch her toes & foot area because if she doesn't shed correctly & the skin constricts the toes it will cause necrosis yes.  
They do excrete excess liquid along with their stools, if they are well hydrated, so that is pretty normal.  Was there a solid white urate with the stool, I assume?  
Leopard geckos are extremely sensitive reptiles, & are very aware & receptive to their surroundings.  They notice absolutely everything around them & if even 1 thing changes either in their tank or in the room, they will stop & stare trying to figure it out.  So, your female may just take a little more time to settle in than your male.
They should tame down & want to be handled hopefully more each week.  So, just start with a few minutes a day so they slowly get used to you.  Increase the time in small intervals until gradually they will climb up something & wait to be taken out.  
If you have any pictures, you can post them so I can take a look at them both for you.

Oh, what substrate did you end up using?  Reptile carpet, felt, non adhesive shelf liner or tiles are all good choices.
Let me know how they are both doing.

Tracie

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My female   QUESTION: Here's my girl, or her head.  She's always in that cave, and I'm hesitant to pull her out.  I really do want get a good pic of her to you though, would love your input.  Do you think I should pull her out to snap a pic?

Answer
Hello Mar,

She looks lovely also!  Well, I hate for you to stress her too much if she is not coming out of her cave.  If her tail is fat, then, her weight is probably just fine.

You can supplement them both by dripping babyfood on their nose to see if they will lick that off a little bit.

Tracie