Lizards are amazing creatures. Chameleons can change color to blend in with their surroundings. Other small lizards (including leopard geckos) drop their tail as a defensive technique. Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets, so this is a common concern for owners. Many of them don’t understand why it happened or what to do next. You should take some basic steps after this happens to ensure your lizard’s recovery.
Don’t worry, it won’t suffer any long-term health problems, and the tail may even grow back.
Why Did My Leopard Gecko Drop Its Tail?
In the wild, predators like birds or even larger reptiles may try to eat leopard geckos. They may drop their tails when they sense a physical threat. Usually, there are two potential outcomes from this reaction.
First, it could distract the predator because the tail will continue wriggling for several moments. Often the animal will fixate on the tail instead of the escaping leopard gecko. Even a few seconds could give the gecko enough time to disappear into the undergrowth. The tail may also break off if something grabs it, allowing the gecko to run away.
Owners should avoid touching their lizard’s tail to reduce this risk. They should also do everything possible to help their lizard avoid stress. For example, if you have a group of geckos in a terrarium, one might suffer bullying, leading to tail-dropping. Observe your gecko’s behavior and interactions if they’re housed with other reptiles to ensure their well-being. Also, while leopard geckos are easy to handle, you should avoid doing so to reduce stress.
Treating a Leopard Gecko’s Stump
It can be alarming when a leopard gecko drops its tail. However, this is a natural reflex. It’s in their biological capacity to naturally recover from this. Nonetheless, here are some steps we can take to prevent infections and further stress.
Firstly, remove the regular loose substrate from the lizard’s terrarium and replace it with paper towels. Loose material can cause infections if it sticks to the stump. Remember to change the paper towels regularly. Another simple step is to isolate affected geckos, so their tank mates don’t attack them and impede healing.
Experienced reptile owners recommend cleaning the stump immediately with an iodine solution. Then apply a triple antibiotic ointment without painkillers. Leave it to heal after this while keeping their tank as clean and comfortable. Take care when feeding your leopard gecko after it drops its tail. Crickets may even try to nibble on the exposed stump if the gecko doesn’t get them first.
Allow At Least Two Months for Tail Regeneration
According to Zoology, it usually takes at least two months for a leopard gecko to regenerate its tail. Sometimes it may take much longer or never grow back at all. However, it’s important to note that it won’t be the same shape as the original. Usually, the newer tails are smaller, and the color may be dimmer. This may be disappointing from an aesthetic perspective. But the good news is that it won’t impact the lizard’s quality of life in any way.
You should instantly monitor the stump for signs of infection. Geckos are susceptible to illnesses for up to a month after losing their tail. That’s because they’ve lost a significant fat reserve. Consider feeding them more waxworms or other high-fat-containing food to offer much-needed energy and boost their immune system.
Talk to a Veterinarian About Your Gecko
One of the best things that new reptile owners can do is talk to a trusted and experienced reptile vet. This may seem like obvious advice, but believe it or not, many reptile owners never take their pets to the vet. A vet can help in the rare case that a lizard suffers an infection after dropping its tail. They may prescribe lotions for the stump and clearly explain the necessary treatment steps. If you have any doubts about your reptile’s health, talk to a trusted professional.
Other Pet Reptiles That Drop Their Tails
Leopard geckos are only one of several reptile species that drop their tails. Here are some other lizards that have this natural reaction when they experience a threat:
Crested Geckos
These geckos are some of the most striking small lizards in the animal kingdom. They’re also very common reptile pets. Crested geckos also suffer tail loss because of stress or external threats. Unlike leopard geckos, their tails do not grow back. They’re an arboreal species, so they spend most of their life in elevated spaces. This is important for first-time lizard owners to consider because they’ll need a tall enclosure for their new gecko.
Many new reptile lovers wonder if crested geckos are a better option than leopard geckos. The reality is that both lizards make wonderful pets.
African Fat-Tailed Geckos
These geckos are a lesser-known species, but they’re fascinating nonetheless. They also lose their tails for similar reasons to the lizards above. However, the good news is that they will grow back. The new tail will be a different color from the original, too. Unlike many other reptiles, they have functioning eyelids to block dust. They also demand an all-insect diet, so you should give them crickets and mealworms.
Blue-Tongued Skinks
Maybe you’re looking for a small lizard that’s less likely to drop its tail. A blue-tongued skink could be a good option. These skinks can drop their tail as a defensive reaction. However, it’s far less likely to happen than with the geckos we’ve already mentioned. It takes an extreme situation for them to drop their tails. This means it’s very unlikely that it will fall off during daily life in their tanks. The tail will regenerate but won’t be as nice as the original.
