[Olivine]

I've just seen the pic of your leo that you posted on your other thread. I'm really sorry to have to tell you this, but your leo really is chronically underweight. I have to say that in this case, I'm afraid that you really can't afford to give her a week or two to settle in, as she doesn't have the fat reserves to be able to cope with fasting for that long.

Personally, I'd take her to a vet as soon as possible and get her checked over. If she does produce any poop before you get her to the vet, then take it along with you so that the vet can check it for parasites. If she doesn't, then I'd ask the vet to try perform a cloacal flush (essentially, flushing the vent of the leo to try to obtain a sample that way). If the littlun is suffering from parasites, then you really do need to confirm the diagnosis / start treatment urgently.

With regard to the viv, are you using a thermostat to control temperature of the heat mat? How / where are you measuring the temperature? And are you using a digital or dial thermometer? If it's the floor temperature of the viv directly above the heat mat that's 23.5C, then that's too low; you need to be aiming for 31C - 32C (if the hot end temperature is too low, the leos may refuse food as they can't digest it properly).

I'm really sorry to have to be the bearer of bad tidings; I know that you've only just taken the littlun on and realise that the last thing you want to hear is that she has a problem. However, she really does need urgent attention if she's to stand any chance of regaining her health.

[somerchooks]

No i have no thermostat its just a heat mat underneath the sand , now if i were to buy a thermostat will that bring the temp up ? i have both a dial thermometer and a digital one . Its looking like i will have to take her to the vets then .

[Olivine]

Yes, a simple mat stat (like one of these) should control the temperature. The control dials on stats aren't always completely accurate though, so I'd recommend using your digital thermometer to check the temperature. When you get the stat, place the probes of both the stat and the thermometer next to each other on top of the substrate directly above the heat mat; that will enable you to get an accurate reading and adjust the stat until you get the temperature range you need.

With regard to the vet, try to make sure that s/he is experienced in treating herps; many 'general' vets aren't, so the care / advice they offer may not be of the best quality.

If you need any advice on leo care, try checking out the care sheets on SleepyD's website; they're excellent. And, of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

I really hope that the littlun starts to improve very soon, now that she's got an owner who so clearly has her best interests at heart. Good luck! Please keep us posted as to how you're getting on.

[somerchooks]

thanks for all your help , iv been out today and bought s thermostat , iv put it on but i have a feeling that my 7watt heat may isnt powerful enough , im at work at present but iv asked my other half to go to our local pets at home and seek some advice on buying the right heat mat for the size of our viv , which is around 3ftx18x18 or there abouts any ideas ?

[Olivine]

Ideally the mat should cover between 1/3 and 1/2 the floor area of the viv. I know that Habistat produce mats measuring 23" x 11" and 29" x 11"; either of those would be suitable.

[xtons]

it would be nice to see how this little fella's getting on..??either good or bad news , doupt if anyone will be judgemjental

tony

[somerchooks]

She is doing ok she is now eating so fingers crossed .
i dont see any reason why i would be judged , after all i bought her like this .
and now that i have im doing everything i can .

[xtons]

i didnt mean it to sound bad , glad shes on the up , and your right theres no need for negative comments , this isnt you-tube lol , my 2 are so slow at hunting , they stalk , rise up , stare , then strike , after the cricket or mealy has gone , useless lol

[Olivine]

Originally Posted by somerchooks

She is doing ok she is now eating so fingers crossed .
i dont see any reason why i would be judged , after all i bought her like this .
and now that i have im doing everything i can .

Put quite simply...there isn't a reason

I'm glad to hear that the littlun's now eating. Keep us posted on how she gets on.