listless crested gecko

Question
QUESTION: My son has three crested geckos--loves them like mad!  Two of them were born together and live together. They are only a few months old. The third one lives alone.  He's about 8 months old.  He was never as active as the other two--but in the last couple of weeks he's become incredibly listless.  A few weeks ago, he was shaking and unable to climb up my arm. We gave him calcium and increased the light.  He got better fast, but has been going downhill again.  He doesn't eat any of the crickets, but will eat baby food.  He tends to stay in one part of his tank for a few days at a time and then switch to another.

When we brought the two babies, we moved the first one into a bigger tank.  It's a 15 gallon tank, the other was 10 gallons.

Help!

ANSWER: Hello Jan,

What type of UVB lighting are you using for him?  Crested geckos do need full spectrum UVB lighting to help with D3 & calcium absorption.  So at 8 months, if he has not had adequate UVB lighting, then he is developing metabolic bone disease.
What are the temps in his tank at, & how do you measure the temperatures?  Do you have a stick on thermometer, a digital probe or a temp gun?
Remember, cresteds are very sensitive to overheating.  The recommended daytime basking is only at 80 & no higher than 82 or so as they can overheat.  
Continue feeding the babyfood if he will not eat right now.  
Let me know how he is doing.

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Hi Tracie,
Thanks for getting back to me. We're taking Turtle (our listless gecko's name) to a vet tonight.  That said, I think you're right.  The light we have is blue, from pet-co, but UVA, not UVB too. I think it's only for heat.
If we get the right light what are Turtle's chances?

ANSWER: Hello Jan,

Great, what did the vet say?
Oh the blue light would be a UVA that is it, no UVB.  So what yo uneed to get is a Reptisun 10 flourescent tube light.  You can get it for around $20 or so here:

http://www.petmountain.com/category/286/1/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs.html

Do not get any compacts or coils, or get any Reptiglo 10 products either, they are no good at all.
She has a good chance at survival since you are getting her help immediately.  Some liquid calcium may really help her out if you can get some of that.  
Good luck.  Let me know how she is doing!

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Hi Tracie,
The vet gave turtle some liquid calcium and showed us how to administer it--daily for the next few weeks.  He also gave her (him? someday we'll know!) a medicine for parasites--just in case.  She's only 15 grams...

We purchased a UVB light on the way home.  Maybe I'm dreaming, but the precious little creature seemed better by the time we got home.

I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for all your help!

Answer
Hello Jan,

I hope the vet dosed her appropriately for the parasite meds.  It was probably Albon.  Are you supposed to continue giving it or was it just a once time dose for her?
Great, the liquid calcium should help alot.  She shouldn't need much daily, but it will help her out.  
Keep me posted on her!

Tracie