strange gecko behavior

Question
QUESTION: Okay, I know you guys are probably going to get annoyed with me asking another question already...but my leopard gecko just did something strange and I want to make sure that it doesn't mean anything bad.  I was feeding my leopard gecko just a few minutes ago, and just out of the blue, she kind of stiffened, opened her mouth (no sound coming out) and started wagging her tail-tip very quickly...then she just stopped, and went about her regular business...I don't know if she was irritated because the waxworm I gave her was trying to crawl underneath her, or what...but my gecko seems to be pretty even-tempered and I have never seen her exhibit this behavior before, even when I've held her.  I've never had a leopard gecko before, and I just want to make sure she's all right.

Thanks for your time,
~Cheyenne

ANSWER: Hello Cheyenne,
Oh no, I am not getting annoyed, we are here to help.  :-))
Hm, that sounds like she was getting ready to strike at the waxie but it crawled underneath her.  They will sometimes do the very quick tip of the tail twitch at excitement of getting prey, right before they strike.  I have seen that many times.  It is pretty cool to see.
I hope you are enjoying having her.  They are neat little creatures.


Tracie


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

QUESTION: Oh, thank goodness! lol, I get so paranoid because I'm new to all this.  Okay, I have just two more questions:

1. I have been housing my gecko on sand, and am strongly thinking about changing it...I saw her accidentally swallow a few grains while feeding, and heard that it could cause impaction...I think the advice that the petstore clerk gave me when I bought her was misleading lol...I'd just like to know what the best substrate would be to use?  I have considered cage carpet.

2. Do I need to keep a second, moist hide in my gecko's tank at all times?  Or only when it is shedding?

Thanks for the advice,
~Cheyenne

Answer
Hello Cheyenne,


Oh that might be a good idea, to change out that sand!  It will impact her badly.  Carpet is great, felt is great, non adhesive shelf liner, tiles & paper towels are all good choices.
It is good to keep a small moist/humid area in his tank at all times, just in case he needs some moistures & he doesn't dry out so badly.  It doesn't have to be sopping wet or anything, just a bit of moisture, that's all.

Tracie