re: Leopard gecko questions

Question
QUESTION: Hey Tracie, I've asked you some questions about my Crestie not too long ago and now I need some help with Leopard Geckos. I just got two baby leopard geckos and I keep reading that any loose substrate should be avoided. I got the english crushed walnut substrate and I was wondering if this is a bad idea. Just a little concerned because one of them dived for a cricket, missed and appeared to get some in it's mouth, he kind of shook his head trying to get it out, but I'm worried that they will get impaction over time. I just need some clarity from a professional.

Thanks, Dan

ANSWER: Hello Dan,

Yes, crushed walnut should not be used for any gecko species.  They are very bad about licking their surroundings.  Also, they are somewhat clumsy with their feeding when they are young, so inevitably, they will ingest some of it which will impact them as they are so tiny.  
Please do change that out & replace it with either tiles, paper towels, colored felt, or non adhesive shelf liner.  That will be so much safer!

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Tracie, yeah this weekend I have already bought ceramic type tiles and placed them in there. I was very worried about impaction, I've noticed already while feeding that they ingest some of the substrate, does that mean they may get impaction already? or is it more of a gamble? They would probably pass a lot of it through a poop no?

thanks! Dan

Answer
Hello Dan,

They might already have a slight impaction or some substrate that could be passing through.  Just watch for any problems like straining when going to the bathroom, etc, in case they have problems passing it.  It is always a gamble using loose substrate with reptiles most of the time, yes.

Great that you have already gotten the ceramic tiles, that will be fine.  
Let me know how things are going.

Tracie