Leopard geckos are one of the most unique reptile pets and that is not due to their exotic look only. They have some strange habits and behavioural patterns which make them attractive and mysterious at the same time. Emitting sounds is one such unique aspect of their character. The different kinds of sounds that they make are often enough to confuse the owners, so here we will be discussing the same.
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Why does leopard gecko squeak?
Most of the leopard geckos are pretty quiet in nature. They do not make much noise. But squeaking is a different kind of sound that they are heard to be made. The reasons for the squeaking vary though. But the common factor remains the same; they are most threatened or frightened when they make this sound.
There is no fixed timing for this sudden squeaking but you can assume that when they are making this sound, some reason is there due to which they are feeling uncomfortable or exhausted. The researchers have claimed that this is part of their survival tactics. Whenever they used to face predators in the wilderness, they used to make such squeaking sound to make the other same species creatures alert.
What does it mean when the leopard gecko squeaks at night?
Leopard geckos sometimes behave like nocturnal creatures. They often become active in the nighttime. Also, they are pretty defensive among the lizards. As they stay up most of the time at night, they can get frightened or shocked when they see something coming towards them. They are inside the cage and thus they make the squeaking sound to make the owner alert or just threaten the possible enemy.
Does gecko chirp?
Geckos are different from other lizards in the way that they can vocalize. They can make various different kinds of sounds like clicking, barking or chirping. If you are an owner of a leopard gecko, you can experience all these various kinds of sounds. Or if you are to adopt a gecko anytime soon, be prepared to hear sounds like these at any time of day, or even during the nights.
Difference kinds of sound uttered by gecko:
This is the common noise that we often hear when we keep a leopard gecko at home. Even when we are not keeping them as pets, the wild ones that visit our home or garden make such sounds. The most common and plausible concept about this sound is, they utter this sound when they are not feeling safe, are threatened or need to frighten some other creature.
Chirping and the reason:
Though it is not much understandable for the new owners, the chirping and squeaking are not the same kinds of sounds. The chirping is heard when they are hungry. Also, they can chirp when someone is holding it roughly. They do not like to be held for long and by unknown people, so they kind of make protest by chirping.
Squeaking and the reason:
Squeaking is rather a common outcome of leopard geckos. They often make this kind of sound when they are all alone and maybe shifted to a new terrarium. The gecko is heard to squeak when they are exploring the new residence, and that is a sound of awe or expression of curiosity for them.
Clicking noise and the reason:
Clicking is possibly the most common sound made by leopard geckos. This sound is heard when the gecko is threatened for some reason. This sound expresses the discomfort of the gecko. This sound is made when the gecko is held or handled by people for too long, or it has seen some other pets in the house. Most geckos are afraid of the dogs and cats, as they are seen to it like enemies or hunting creatures.
If the gecko is not accustomed to the other pets of your house, or some guests arrive with their own pets, then the gecko can utter the clicking sound to inform you about the exasperation or shock.
Also if you have an old gecko and a new gecko is newly brought to the cage, then the old gecko will act dominantly and the newly brought one will be submissive and utter the clicking sound. This is not advisable by the herp vets and they suggest arranging for two different terrariums if you are planning to get two leopard geckos.
Screeching sound and the reason:
The screeching sound is uttered by the leopard gecko when it is in a concerning situation. The loud sound is heard by people who are around. This is sometimes the indication of some pain or physical uneasiness of the leopard gecko.
If you are unsure of the cause of the pain and see the gecko screeching, do not try to touch it. This is the period when the gecko is in a defensive mood and they can attack even the owner. Do not try to take it out of the cage or insert your hand into the terrarium. Any behaviour can increase its fear and it will try to act defensively.
If you find the reason for its uneasiness is somewhere outside, like the heat source not working properly or the UV rays are emitting excessively then fix it immediately. Check the temperature of the cage in the thermometer and make sure all the external causes of discomfort are removed.
Barking noise and the reason:
There is a minute difference between barking and chirping. Only when it is heard in a loud tone, can it be called barking. The reasons behind the barking are the same as physical discomfort, the uncertain change in the terrarium environment or the presence of some threatening creature or other pets.
Try to make the leopard stress free by checking the equipment attached to the terrarium or make sure that the creature, your other pets, or some unknown guest does not bother it or handle it.
If the problem persists for more than a day, and it feels alarming to you, you can get the gecko checked by the vet.
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