Leaving crickets in?

[Jenna]

Hi, I've had 2 leos for about 2 years and just recently got a new one who is not as healthy as I'd like.

I've always left the crickets in the cage 24/7 because the 2 I have had don't always eat asap, they have a few here and there. But now I'm wondering if that is the right thing to do.

I haven't had any problems but I see others asking.

Also, my new leo ate a cricket yesterday, but she kept it in her gullet for a while after, is that normal?

[AkHerps]

You shouldn't leave insects in with your reptiles because well, the insects can bug the crap out of the animals, and they can nibble on your animals also.

[jfreels]

There is a MUCH more serious reason why you shouldn't leave crickets specifically in the tank for long periods of time....

PINWORMS

It's common for crickets to carry pinworms. The real problem occurs when the crickets have nothing to eat inside the cage. The crickets will eat the poop which may contain pinworms. Now that cricket has a higher load of pinworms.

Stress is another big reason.

[Jenna]

There is a MUCH more serious reason why you shouldn't leave crickets specifically in the tank for long periods of time....

PINWORMS

It's common for crickets to carry pinworms. The real problem occurs when the crickets have nothing to eat inside the cage. The crickets will eat the poop which may contain pinworms. Now that cricket has a higher load of pinworms.

Stress is another big reason.

What exactly do pinworms do? I have had two leos for 2+ years and haven't had any problems with them (I got them from a breeder) But I recently got a new one from a pet store and she has strange white lumps, mostly on her joints, and they keep popping up. One of her toes it about 2x the size it should be. I don't know if it's causing her pain, but she doesn't seem as mobile as the others.

I took these pictures about a month ago, but they're bigger now. Does anyone know what it is?

http://partridgepictures.webs.com/ap...toid=101513782
http://partridgepictures.webs.com/ap...toid=101513783
http://partridgepictures.webs.com/ap...toid=101513784

[jfreels]

Pinworms are intestinal parasites. Generally, they won't do much harm and probably a good majority of captive reptiles have them because of feeders. The problem worsens though when the feeder ingests more pinworm eggs and then passes them onto your reptile.

Having a fecal done is the only sure-fire way to know if it is parasites that are causing the problem. I've recently had a fecal done and my vet didn't charge me much for it.

Here are the common symptoms of intestinal parasites...

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Abnormal appearing stools
• Diarrhea

Now, looking at your pictures, it's hard for me to say what is going on there. Those feet just look horrible, poor thing. With most cases of MDB that I have seen online, the legs will start to bow. It could be MDB and maybe those are multiple fracture points? I'd take it to the vet ASAP.