Dear VetBabble,
I was wondering about my leopard gecko’s pregnancy. She was bred four weeks ago and you can see the eggs in her belly. She hasn’t laid her eggs yet, and I’m a little worried. She is active and alert, so I don’t think she is egg-bound. She is 11 months old, 30 grams, and 8 inches long. Should I be concerned, and is there anything I can do to help her?
Expectations During Reptile Pregnancy and Proper Care
It’s essential to understand that various animals have different pregnancy lengths and expectations. For example, dogs usually have a gestation period of about 63 days, while cats’ pregnancy lasts around 60-67 days. You can learn more about dogs and cats’ pregnancies in our articles about Pregnancy in Dogs and Pregnancy in Cats: Advice and What to Expect.
Regarding reptiles, leopard geckos’ gestation period typically takes 16-22 days after mating. Since your gecko hasn’t laid her eggs yet, it’s essential to ensure that you are providing her with a suitable environment and care in the meantime.
Providing the Right Environment for Your Pregnant Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos, like other reptiles such as iguanas and bearded dragons, need specific care to thrive. You can learn about care for other reptiles in our articles How do I Care for an Iguana? and How do I Care for a Bearded Dragon?.
For your pregnant leopard gecko, one of the most crucial aspects is to provide her with a lay box in the enclosure. Without an appropriate area to deposit her eggs, she may not lay them. There are many DIY lay box plans available online. All you need is an adequately sized plastic bin filled with peat moss or vermiculite, kept moist but not soaked. The box should provide privacy and security while ensuring that your gecko feels comfortable.
In your situation, it’s worth noting that your gecko is the right age to be bred, but she is a bit light. Ideally, a female leopard gecko should weigh at least 45 grams before breeding, so it’s essential to provide her with a nutritionally balanced diet and consider increasing her food intake prior to breeding her again. This will ensure she is healthy and strong enough to avoid complications during her pregnancies.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
If it has been more than four weeks since your leopard gecko was bred and she still has not laid her eggs, it may be necessary to have her examined by a veterinarian. It’s especially crucial if you have provided her with a suitable lay box and environment, and you are still worried about her progress.
While it may not be likely that your gecko is egg-bound due to her activeness and alertness, it’s better to err on the side of caution. An experienced herp veterinarian can offer proper medical intervention if needed and ensure that your leopard gecko’s pregnancy is healthy and successful.
We hope that this information eases your worries, and you can provide the best care possible for your pregnant leopard gecko! For more information on leopard gecko breeding, you can refer to this resource: Reptiles Magazine: Leopard Gecko Breeding.
