Stress in The Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos can become stressed very easily. The most common reasons why a leopard gecko may be stressed could include:
Tapping on the glass of the enclosure.
Malnutrition.
Poor water quality.
Poor diet.
Lack of hiding areas.
Inappropriate housing.
Improper environmental temperatures and/or humidity.
Excessive and unnecessary handling.
Overcrowding.
Subjected to aggression from other cage mate(s).

When a leopard gecko is subjected to constant stress, the immune system can be suppressed. This leaves the gecko more susceptible to a variety of health problems.

Leopard geckos that are stressed may exhibit the following signs/symptoms:

Tend to hide more.
Darkening/dulling of the skin.
Loss of appetite.
Failure to bask.
Lethargy.
Fearful and nervous behaviors.
Change from normal patterns of behavior.

Stress in leopard geckos can very easily result in:

Weight loss and emaciation.
Dehydration.
Malnutrition.
Systemic infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic).
Slow growth or failure to grow.
Poor muscle tone.
Loss of tail.

The key to dealing with stress and leopard gecko is to prevent these stressful situations from occurring in the first place. Use the common reasons listed above as a guide of how to eliminate/reduce the stress your gecko may be subjected to.

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