Leopard geckos have the most amazing colours, which vary for each individual. But sometimes you may be wondering, “Why is my leopard gecko pale but not shedding”. Is this natural, or should you be concerned at all. Through this article we will delve into the reasons why leopard geckos sometime turn pale but not shed, with reasons which vary from environmental issues, too illnesses.
(Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to find ‘Other related articles you might like’, once you are done reading).
The first thing you should be asking yourself is, “Has my leopard gecko been acting different lately”. When a leopard gecko turns pale, it’s not always considered as natural. Yes, turning slightly pale when shedding is completely natural, but in this case we have to assume it’s unnatural, due to the “not shedding” factor.
If we eradicate the possibility of shedding, then there are a couple of other reasons why your leopard gecko may be starting to look a little pale.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why a Leopard Gecko May Be Pale But Not Shedding Includes;
- Enclosure Temperature
- Diet
- Stress
- Illnesses and Diseases
Enclosure Temperature
Just like humans, if a leopard gecko loses too much body heat, they shows signs of this thought loss of skin colour. A leopard geckos enclosure should vary roughly between 24-30 Degrees Celsius, from cool end to basking temperature. If the temperature inside the enclosure drops below this, you may well see a colour change in your leopard gecko.
To make sure the enclosure temperature is at the correct level, make sure you have a reliable thermometer placed in the cool end, to easy check on these temperature levels. Ideally you should have two thermometers, just incase one break and gives you incorrect readings.
Our BEST recommended thermometer is the Exo Terra Digital Thermometer.
This easy to use and read thermometer, makes keeping track of your leopard geckos environment temperature simple. The digital screen makes for easy use, and tells you the exact temperature of your geckos enclosure. No only that, it can be easily removed and cleaned, which you can’t do with many other similar products.
Diet
The diet of a leopard gecko can also play a big factor in its skin looking pale. If your leopard gecko isn’t getting a staple diet, with the corrected vitamins and minerals, then you could start to see signs of discolouration in its skin.
A leopard geckos diet should consist of live protein foods such as Crickets, Cali-worms, Waxworms, Mealworms and Dubia Roaches. These foods should be no bigger than the geckos head, as they will simply not even try to feed on them, as they will be too big.
Juveniles should be fed every day with about 5-7 small crickets or live foods. Adults can be fed every other day with roughly 6-7 large crickets or live foods. Leopard geckos don’t usually eat fruit or vegetables, so these should be kept out of their diets.
As an example, Crickets are high in moisture, however they are fairly low in fat. So if you are only feeding your leopard gecko crickets then it will be well hydrated, but will have fat deficiencies. On the flip side, if you are feeding your gecko mainly mealworms, these are low in moisture, but high in fat. So your leopard gecko may become dehydrated.
See how often your leopard gecko should be eating, just click here.
Dehydration is one of the main reasons why a leopard gecko may seen pale. They also get over 60% of their water from the foods they eat. So a staple diet is key to its healthiness and vibrant skin colours.
Mix up your geckos diet and purchase foods easily online for the BEST prices. (We’ve done the research so you don’t have to).
Stress
Stress levels have been known to play a part in a leopard geckos happiness. When stress levels get too high, commonly a leopard gecko will stop eating as much and become lethargic. This includes sleeping more and hiding more.
All of these combined together will have an effect on your leopard geckos skin colour. Naturally, with all these combined factored your gecko skin colour will chance. Not always pale to be fair, sometimes it gets darker, but nonetheless, it’s a chance in skin colour.
You should take the time to determine the reason why your leopard gecko is under so much stress. Has something been changed lately, for example, diet, substrate, heat lamp etc. Any of these changing factors could have an affect on a leopard geckos stress levels.
We found a book that details all the aspects which can raise stress levels for leopard geckos. The book is called THE LEOPARD GECKO MANUAL 2nd EDITION which can be purchased through the link. You will not find a better book on the market at then moment to help with shedding.
Illness and Diseases
There are many illnesses and diseases which could be listed which all could have symptoms of pale skin, however there are two which I feel are most likely.
The first being Chronic Malnutrition. Malnutrition is very common in leopard geckos as they struggle to get all the vitamins and minerals they need from their natural diets. For this reason you should always be coating their foods in powdered supplements, which boost their intake of needed vitamins and minerals.
The second being Hypovitaminosis A. This is again due to an improper diet, however the pale skin comes from impaired shedding. Basically, through the lack of correct dietary requirements, a leopard geckos body falsely believes it should be shedding. Unfortunately there is an in-between stage, at which point the shedding process begins temporarily, but doesn’t see the process through completely.
This causes the skin to to look pale, as if your gecko should be shedding, although never actually does.
If you feel your gecko could have either of these conditions, then please see a trained veterinarian as soon as possible. They will have all the knowledge and antibiotics you need to regain your leopard geckos healthiness.
Another Illness which you should always be looking out for is Mouth Rot. Click here to find preventions and treatments.
So Which One Of These 4 Factors Should You Be Most Concerned About?
Obviously you should be concerned about all of these factors. After all, other than shedding, there is no reason why your leopard geckos skin should be turning pale.
With that said, if I had to chose one of these factors to be most concerned about it would be STRESS.
Stress can be caused by the other three factors and many other as well. A leopard gecko is naturally very shy, so the rate at which stress levels rise is naturally higher too. Geckos will become stress over pretty much everything, so here is a list of factors which could cause stress for a leopard gecko.
- Incorrect Temperature, too hot to too cold – Do leopard geckos need a heat lamp?
- Incorrect Substrate – Is Eco Earth good for leopard geckos?
- There’s too much light – Can leopard geckos see in the dark?
- Incorrect diet – Do leopard gecko eat fruit?
- The surrounding is too noisy – How long do leopard geckos sleep?
- Constant predatory threats – Do leopard geckos like to be held?
- Illnesses – Leopard geckos that stargaze?
- Diseases – Mouth Rot in leopard geckos
- Being bullied by housemates
- Enclosure is changing too often – Leopard geckos natural habitat
- Enclosure is too small – Do leopard geckos like to climb?
- Going through the shedding stage – How often do leopard geckos shed?
- Going through the brumation stage
It sounds like an impossible task to avoid all of these, but after a while these should all come naturally to any leopard gecko owner. These factors should become second nature, so you will know exactly what the reasons could be to why your gecko is stressed.
In any case, if the stress levels seen to continue for any longer than a few days, I would recommend taking a visit to a veterinarian just to make sure. There could be some underlying health issues which aren’t visibly clear.
Understanding Pale Leopard Geckos That Don’t Shed
Leopard geckos, with their vibrant patterns and captivating personalities, have become popular reptile pets. While shedding is a well-known phenomenon among these creatures, it can be perplexing when leopard geckos display pale coloration without actually shedding their skin. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of differentiating pale coloration from shedding, exploring the characteristics of shedding geckos, contrasting features of pale geckos that don’t shed, and highlighting the importance of accurately identifying the cause of paleness. So why is your leopard gecko pale but not shedding?
Characteristics of Leopard Geckos During Shedding:
Shedding is a natural process for leopard geckos as they outgrow their old skin and replace it with a new one. During this phase, several key characteristics can help differentiate a shedding gecko from one experiencing paleness without shedding:
Cloudy Eyes:
One of the most noticeable signs of shedding is the appearance of a milky or bluish haze over the gecko’s eyes. This is caused by a transparent layer that forms on the cornea, preparing it for the shedding process.
Dull Skin:
Shedding geckos often exhibit a dull and lackluster appearance, with their skin appearing dry, wrinkled, and opaque. This is an indication that the outer layer is loosening and separating from the new skin underneath.
Increased Lethargy:
Leopard geckos may become more sluggish and less active during shedding. They may spend more time hiding and exhibit reduced appetite.
Contrasting Features of Pale Leopard Geckos That Don’t Shed:
In contrast to shedding geckos, pale leopard geckos that don’t shed display a different set of features that can help differentiate them:
Consistent Eye Clarity:
Unlike shedding geckos, pale geckos usually have clear and bright eyes without the cloudy haze observed during shedding.
Normal Skin Texture:
The skin of pale geckos that don’t shed appears to be intact, without any signs of dryness, wrinkling, or separation.
Unaffected Activity Levels:
Pale geckos typically maintain their regular activity levels and show no decrease in appetite or behavioral changes.
Importance of Accurately Identifying the Cause of Paleness:
Accurately identifying the cause of paleness in leopard geckos is crucial for their well-being and health. It allows for appropriate interventions and ensures the underlying issue is addressed. Some reasons for paleness in leopard geckos that don’t shed include:
Stress:
Leopard geckos can experience stress due to factors such as inappropriate environmental conditions, excessive handling, or territorial conflicts. Identifying and resolving these stressors is essential to maintain their overall health.
Temperature Fluctuations:
Inconsistent temperature regulation in their habitat can lead to pale coloration. Monitoring and providing the appropriate temperature gradient ensures their physiological functions are not compromised.
Illness or Disease:
Paleness can be an early sign of illness or disease in leopard geckos. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to diagnose and treat any underlying health issues to prevent further complications.
Distinguishing between shedding and non-shedding pale leopard geckos is a vital skill for reptile enthusiasts and pet owners. By understanding the characteristics of shedding geckos and contrasting features of pale geckos that don’t shed, we can accurately identify the cause of paleness and take appropriate action. Whether it’s addressing stress, maintaining optimal environmental conditions, or seeking veterinary care, ensuring the well-being of these fascinating creatures is essential for their overall health and happiness.
Creating a Haven for Leopard Geckos: Minimizing Stress and Ensuring Optimal Conditions
Leopard geckos are captivating reptiles that make wonderful pets. To provide them with a thriving environment, it is crucial to mitigate stress factors and maintain optimal conditions. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in creating a suitable habitat for leopard geckos, minimizing stress factors in their environment, and emphasizing the importance of regular health checks and veterinary care, to provide possible reasons why your leopard gecko is pale but not shedding.
Creating a Suitable Habitat for Leopard Geckos:
Temperature and Humidity Requirements:
Leopard geckos are ectothermic creatures, relying on external sources to regulate their body temperature. It is essential to provide them with a thermal gradient in their enclosure, ranging from 88°F (31°C) on the warm side to 78°F (25°C) on the cool side. Additionally, maintaining a humidity level of around 30-40% helps ensure proper hydration without creating excessive moisture that can lead to respiratory issues.
Providing Hiding Spots and Appropriate Substrate:
Leopard geckos are nocturnal and require hiding spots within their habitat to feel secure. These hiding spots can be provided through the use of reptile caves, hollow logs, or other suitable structures. Additionally, choosing an appropriate substrate such as reptile carpet, paper towels, or non-adhesive shelf liner is important to avoid ingestion and potential intestinal blockages.
Minimizing Stress Factors in Their Environment:
Reducing Excessive Handling and Disturbances:
Leopard geckos are generally solitary creatures that prefer limited interaction. Excessive handling and disturbances can lead to stress and negatively impact their well-being. It is advisable to handle them sparingly and with gentle care to allow them to feel secure in their environment.
Proper Feeding and Nutrition Guidelines:
Providing leopard geckos with a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for their health. Their diet primarily consists of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. Ensuring that their diet is varied and appropriately sized for their age and size helps maintain optimal nutrition and minimizes stress associated with improper feeding.
Regular Health Checks and Veterinary Care:
Regular health checks are essential for the well-being of leopard geckos. Observing their behavior, appetite, and physical appearance can help identify any potential health concerns. Additionally, scheduling regular veterinary check-ups allows for early detection and treatment of any underlying conditions, ensuring their overall health and longevity.
Creating a suitable habitat and minimizing stress factors are key to providing a thriving environment for leopard geckos. By maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels, providing hiding spots, and selecting suitable substrates, their physical and psychological well-being can be enhanced. Additionally, reducing excessive handling, following proper feeding guidelines, and seeking regular veterinary care contribute to their overall health. By implementing these practices, we can create a haven for these fascinating reptiles and ensure their happiness and longevity as beloved pets.
Conclusion
Hopefully this has helped answer the question “Leopard gecko pale but not shedding?”. Always do your research into dietary requirement and what powdered supplements will be bet for your individual gecko. Remember to always give a varied diet as this is one of the main reasons for discolouration.
Paleness in leopard gecko isn’t that common unless it’s for shedding purposed. So unless your gecko is shedding, you should monitor their health closely. Try to determine why this has happened and act quickly to change it.
See how often your leopard gecko should really be shedding here.
This is the best way to familiarise yourself with your leopard geckos shedding patterns, so please go take a look.
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Vivarium/Enclosure – Click Here
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