If you are thinking of moving houses or going on vacation in the company of your leopard gecko, traveling with them may seem like a daunting task. And being a new exotic pet owner, you might wonder how you can safely take your gecko on a long-distance trip.
Is it possible to safely transport your leopard gecko long distance? Yes, it is. You must ensure your pet is safe, secure, and warm throughout the journey.
Leopard geckos are small animals that can get injured easily during trips and require a specific environment. Planning is therefore essential to ensure its safety and comfort.
Below, we discuss things you can do to ensure your leopard gecko feels secure and comfortable during the trip.
Transporting Your Leopard Gecko in a Secure, Sturdy, and Well-Ventilated Enclosure
You may be moving houses or visiting a destination for an extended period and want to transport your friend to its standard enclosure. In this case, you must remove objects from its enclosure that may move around or fall during transit, as they can injure your Leo.
Place the enclosure in a secure place, like the floor of the passenger seat; this will provide stability and prevent the tank from moving around.
Also, you can transfer them to a temporal enclosure for short travels. Days before the trip, let your gecko spend a few minutes a day exploring the new tank. This will help your Leo grow comfortable and, as a result, help eliminate one stressful factor during a travel day.
You can also acclimate them by taking them on a short car ride so they can know what to expect come the day of the trip.
Bring Your Leopard Geckos Essentials
The days you’ll be gone will dictate how much you get to bring along to ensure your gecko is well taken care of and in emergencies. Some of the things you can pack include:
- Bedding,towels, andblankets
- Water and food
- Spray bottle
- Heat-mats
- Cleaning supplies
- Hides
- UVB/basking light
- A list of nearby vets along your route
Secure Your Leopard Geckos Enclosure in the Car
You must ensure to secure your gecko’s tank for his safety. You can do this by placing the enclosure on the back seat, passenger seat, or floor.
If in a position to, kits are suitable to put your friend in the passenger seat as this will allow you to keep an eye on them, and also, they won’t get knocked off the seat if you have to hit emergency breaks.
Try and Minimize Your Stopovers
Minimizing your stops will help you get to your destination faster and get your gecko back to its routine and environment, especially if the trip is less than 24 hours. Geckos get car sick; therefore, it’s recommended to withhold food and water a couple of days before travel which will make them feel better.
Geckos can stay up to three days without food. If the trip lasts longer than a day, you must spritz them with some water, and you will need to feed them after three days.
Limit Your Leopard Geckos Exposure to a Stressful Environment
If the trip is more than 24 hours, during a stopover for the night, don’t return your gecko to its standard enclosure, as it will stress them out when you pack and leave in the morning.
Also, you can use an insulated bubble to wrap the enclosure if it’s clear, as some geckos dislike traveling in clear containers, and you can also use it to block out the sun to prevent overheating.
Also, in cases of long journeys, ensure your leopard gecko is drinking water and eating enough, and look out for any behaviors that may seem abnormal.
Also, avoid loud music during the trip, as this will stress your gecko.
Maintain the Ideal Temperature in the Enclosure
Leopard geckos thrive in temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t place your gecko’s enclosure directly under the AC during transportation, as this will be too cold for them. If the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside, put your gecko in an insulated or hard-sided cooler.
A warmer on low or ice packs can regulate the enclosure temperature. Still, it should be placed on the side of the enclosure and not directly, under, or above your Leo, as abrupt temperature changes can be fatal. Ensure the environment throughout the journey mimics their home.
Introduce Your Leopard Gecko to Their New Environment
Once you get to your destination, give your leopard gecko some time to acclimate to its new environment before slowly letting them out and explore.
If your Leo is acting frightened or spends most of its time hiding, it’s best to avoid handling them until they become comfortable in its new environment and settle back in its enclosure.
Be patient with them as they are likely to feel at ease if they are not rushed or forced.
You can place your hand in their enclosure for several minutes at a time, and with time it will realize you are not out to harm them and will begin to feel more at ease with you around them.
Also, look for any signs of sickness after taking your Leo out of the car. A stressed gecko showcase symptoms like lethargy, not eating, and changes to its poop. For example, the poop may be runny, darker, or have no poop.
A stressed leopard gecko is prone to getting sick; therefore, check for any signs of illness, such as changes in urine or stool, bumps or lumps, changes in their general appearance, and decreased eating and drinking. If you suspect your gecko is unwell, take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Traveling with your leopard gecko requires some preparations and planning. To ensure a safe environment for your Leo, prepare its enclosure by removing objects from its enclosure that can move around or fall during transit, as you may risk your gecko getting injured.
Also, ensure the enclosure is secured throughout the trip. Once you get to your destination, give your Leo some time to acclimate to the new environment before placing him back in their home. It is also essential to keep an eye on your gecko’s behavior, and if you notice any signs of illness, you should visit the vet as soon as possible.
