8 Reasons Gargoyle Gecko Is Lethargic or Not Moving
Raising a reptile is a great joy, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Every owner wants their pet to be healthy and well, but sometimes you see behavior that worries you. What do you do if you notice your Gargoyle gecko not moving?
Gargoyle geckos naturally spend a lot of their time stationary, but long periods of inactivity can signal that something is wrong. They may be injured or unwell or just getting used to a new environment or under stress. Sometimes the wrong diet, temperature, or humidity levels can cause a lethargic gargoyle gecko.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about why your Gargoyle gecko might not be moving so that you can figure out whether it is normal behavior, something that can be solved with simple lifestyle adjustments, or a cause for concern.
Contents
Why Is My Gargoyle Gecko Not Moving?
It’s a worrying sight for any owner, but you don’t need to panic immediately if you notice that your Gargoyle gecko isn’t moving. First, you should see if you can identify why this behavior is happening and whether or not it requires urgent attention.
Your Gargoyle gecko might stay still for perfectly healthy and natural reasons, such as rest, sleep, and relaxation. Alternatively, they might be a little uncomfortable in their environment or struggling with an illness or injury.
Natural Reasons for a Gargoyle Gecko to Remain Stationary
There are several reasons why Gargoyle geckos stop moving that are completely natural, even for longer periods of time. This behavior is common during the following:
- Sleep. Gargoyle geckos are primarily nocturnal and will spend much of the day sleeping. They are usually more active at night time and around dusk.
- Rest. Even during their waking hours, geckos of all kinds spend a lot of time resting. They can also be active but like to preserve energy by remaining still and calm.
- Basking. As reptiles, geckos rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature, so they can spend much time basking in their favorite spots.
If you are worried that your Gargoyle gecko is stationary for too long, or is not active when it normally would be, then something else may happen.
Common Reasons Why Gargoyle Geckos Are Not Moving
1) Death
Unfortunately, all of our beloved pets will eventually pass away. Though Gargoyle geckos can live for around 20 years, death is a natural part of life. If you are worried about a lack of movement from your gecko, check if they are breathing.
If their breathing is present but very faint, you should take them to the vet right away, as they are probably very weak.
2) New Environment
When first introduced to a new environment, gargoyle geckos can feel quite stressed and uncertain. You should not handle your gecko while they are settling in – let them gain confidence and feel safe enough to start exploring. However, it would be best to keep an eye on them to ensure they are eating and drinking properly.
3) Incorrect Temperature Levels – Too Cold or Too Hot
Reptiles can’t regulate their body temperatures, so their environment needs just the right level of warmth to be active and healthy. Your Gargoyle gecko should have a 72- and 78 degrees Fahrenheit temperature gradient.
4) Incorrect Humidity Levels
Your gecko is designed to live on a tropical island, so they need the right humidity to be comfortable. The wrong humidity can make your gecko nervous and anxious, causing them to remain still. Gargoyle geckos need humidity levels of 50-70%, and they like their tanks to be misted daily.
5) Stress
Sudden changes to their environment or external influences, like other pets or loud noises, can stress your gecko and cause them to spend a lot of time motionless. Try to provide a quiet, calm atmosphere for your gecko to relax and feel confident enough to move around.
6) Incorrect Diet
If your Gargoyle gecko is not getting the nutrition it needs, it will not have enough energy to be active. At the same time, an overfed gecko can become overweight and lethargic. Your gecko needs a varied, healthy diet of protein-rich, high-quality foods.
7) Injury
An injury could be the cause of your gecko’s immobility. Sometimes reptiles can hurt themselves, even in the safest environments. You should examine your gecko for any signs of swelling, scarring, or a lack of mobility in its limbs.
8) Illness
If your gecko is not feeling well, it will likely be less active. They may have a parasite, a disease, or be seriously dehydrated. Look out for other signs of illness – such as a lack of appetite, weight loss, or abnormal bowel movements.
Should I Take Them to The Vet?
There are many reasons why your gecko might not be moving that are perfectly natural or easy to solve yourself with a few changes to their environment. However, more serious causes of immobility will need to be addressed by a professional.
If you are concerned that your gecko is seriously lacking in energy or may have an illness or an injury, you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
Summary
If your Gargoyle gecko is not moving, it may be sleeping through the day or basking to conserve energy. There is also the possibility that a stationary gecko might be struggling with more serious problems.
If they are stressed, or their environment is not suitable for their needs, it can cause your gecko to spend a lot of time staying still. Your gecko might also be suffering from an illness or injury that will need to be looked at by a vet.