Me again...

Question
QUESTION: Hi there.  Just me again.  I got a digital thermometer for my tank and noticed today when I got home that the Max temp today was 90.1 but the min was below 86.  Could such a drastic temperature change be harmful?  How can I regulate this?

ANSWER: Hi Jenna,
Welcome to keeping reptiles!!I go through the same thing with all the critters here. Are you measuring the temperature right at your leos level, where he is spending his/her time? If you haven't done so, try placing the probe in the warm hide on the floor...see what your temperatures are there.  I'm guessing that's where he/she spends most of the day?   Its only a 3 degree difference..which isn't perfect, but isn't all that bad.  Would be better if the temps stayed between 88 and 92... If the temperature in the warm hide is not in the correct range,try covering part of the top of the tank with a towel.  Be careful of your heat lights though.  Another thing that helps is to place several layers of newspaper under the tank.  If necessary, even covering a side or two of the outside of the tank with newspaper or something.
Another thing you can try is changing your light bulb.  It sounds like you have the right wattage, just might need to change the type of bulb.  Try a halogen or try a flood instead of a spot..or visa versa.  You are on the right track, now you get to do the fine tuning. You can also try adding a ceramic heat emitter on a thermostat.  Its a wonderful way to control the temperatures but will cost about 40$ for the CHE and thermostat on line plus a fixture for it which is about another 10$.  Something you might want to think about for the future. Something else I do recommend is to have even household light bulbs on hand in the event one of the reptile bulbs blow out.  


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

QUESTION: Ok, I think I have my oddest question yet... How often should he/she :) be going to the bathroom?  It seems that the new spot he's decided to use is on top of the half log I have on the cool side.

ANSWER: Hi!!  
Generally, once a day or every other day..depending on how much he is eating. He might go more than once a day also. Whats important is the the consistency of the poop.  Normal is not loose or slimy. Normal is a fairly solid piece dark in color with white urates.
Silly leo...doesn't he know its not easy to clean the log? One of mine uses the INSIDE of the cave on her cool side and the other hides behind the bushes on her cool side.

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

QUESTION: Hi there.  So I noticed last night and again today that his poop is a little slimy and runny.  Based on research that I've done this could be signs of a parasite.  He also seems to go more often than most but I don't know if that has anything to do with it.  I collected a sample of the one I found today to bring to a vet.  I assume I have to bring him in as well.  The problem is that none of the vets in my area who care for reptiles are open on Sunday.  I work on Monday and wouldn't be able to get to a vet until at least 5:30.  I realize you aren't a vet but do you think this is a big enough problem that I should take him to the emergency clinic?  He seems to be eating just fine (at least he did yesterday, I haven't fed him yet this evening).  He has about 4 crickets a day.  I've also gotten him to eat a couple meal worms.  Like I told you before I'm afraid that the same thing will happen to him as happened to my first leo.  I think a parasite probably contributed to his death.  I would just like your input.  Thanks.

Answer
HI Jenna,
Yep, can be parasites or can be from stress of a new home...which, stress also increases their parasite load.  All reptiles have parasites.  Its keeping them at a safe level that is important.  
The vet will need an exact weight on him for medication. If you have a gram scale, the vet MIGHT give you the meds if he tests positive for parasites.  Don't count on it though.
Parasites will cause the slimy, loose and more bowel movements. If he is eating that's good.  What you might want to do is to drip some water on his upper lip so he licks at it to help prevent dehydration from the loose and frequent stool.  I don't think it requires an emergency visit.  Of course if you see anything out of the ordinary then you will have to do that emergency visit. With mealworms, its best if you feed only the fresh shed ones, which are the ones that will be white.  Then, the outer body isn't hard like on the dark colored ones.
If you aren't taking him to the vet until Monday, you will need to get a fresher sample to take.  Best if its less than 24 hours old. Keep in in the fridge if its going to be a few hours before you get it to the vet.  What you might want to do, if possible is to drop the fecal at the vets on your way to work on Monday.  Then, if the vet wants to see him, you can set the appointment up for whats convenient for you.  Will save time at the vets with not having to wait for the fecal to get checked.
If you decide on the emergency clinic..call first to be sure someone there knows how to care for reptiles.  
O know its neat to start out with baby lizards but they can be such a pain with things sometimes.