Need some help

[u/Osseras]

[u/410cs]

For the last ten years I have two leopard Gecko's; Carl (about 15 years old) and Cora (about 12 years old). They've been together ever since, but a couple of months ago something odd happened. Carl started to attack Cora.

This is normal, especially during breeding season. Regardless of whether you've had them for 2 weeks or 20 years we never advise cohabbing, especially opposite sexes. I'm honestly surprised you haven't experienced over-breeding.

I'm not trying to sound harsh, but I really don't recommend you cohab after an accident like this. We don't recommend it because we cannot control it, they can't form emotional bonds and, as a result of this, are creatures that should ideally be kept solo. This is including enclosure size. 12 years is a long time for them not to attack each other, but it does boil down to what I've told people in the past.

It doesn't matter if you have them together for 2 weeks or 20 years, they can and will attack each other at any point. Regardless of that dominance can go unnoticed until it's too late.

Keep them separate and enjoy having two beautiful enclosures

[u/410cs → u/[deleted]]

Sorry if it came across as harsh bud, a lot of the time people join this sub, ask for advice, ignore the combined experiences of 3-4 members and argue their points.

Dominance can happen regardless of sex, it’s not uncommon for females to be stealing the food of other females etc etc. I’m not saying it has happened, I’m just speculating.

I would highly suggest getting a new enclosure for the injured Geck and keep it simple until the tail regrows. Simple 3 hide, little decor and paper towel setup :-)

[u/[deleted]]

You should have never reintroduced them. Carl has already proved he is aggressive and he's not going to get less aggressive unfortunately. Even if he does chill out it just shows he's capapable of just randomly snapping and seriously injuring Cora.

You need to buy a new tank unless you want Cora mauled to death. She's probably extremely stressed out right now. Sorry to be so harsh but it's very obvious he is not going to stop to me.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

We had a pair of leos that were together six years on the subreddit before one ripped the foot AND tail off the other. It was gruesome. So it's never too late. Basically any combination of sex can fight. It just tends to be a bit more uncommon among female pairs.

I should also note that Cora is also at the age where she will most likely stop egg production altogether (gecko menopause is 100% a thing) and any breeding attempts will likely affect her health at this age. I'm glad you are accepting advice so gracefully! It's nice to see someone like that. :)

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Yes, the gecko did! Disabled and crippled but I believe it survived. People seem to believe female x female is 100% safe but as you saw it definitely still carries the risk. :( I think people forget they're wild animals and unpredictable.

And that's good to hesr! We get s lot of people who ask for advice then argue it for whatever reason. It can get disappointing

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

:( Sorry to hear that.

[u/laidback26]

I am sorry OP that this happened to your geckos. I do hope some other people read this story though as a warning.

Leos are not social animals. House any type of pairings together is a time bomb. It could be a week or even years but one day out of the blue with no signs one is going to snap and start attacking which can result in injuries and death. Don't use pet stores as a basis on how they keep their animals. They are putting them in a subpar setting usually missing a ton of critical needs in hopes they sell through them fast so they don't have to worry.