Here is a pic of my deformed hatchling....i need suggestions...

I took a pic of my little hatchling that hatched with no eyelids. It is really sad to see it like this. I need suggestions on what I should do, and if you think it will survive. It just sits there licking its eyes, and I feel so bad for it. Please let me hear your opinions. Thank You....

<img src=http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/15205IM003242.jpg>

Your little guy will more then likely be just fine, but it would be a really bad idea to breed it in the future. good luck with your leo, also it would help it stay heathy by useing a paper towel substrate, pretty much everything will harm its eyes.

I hope it will be ok, and I didnt plan on breeding it in the future. Thanks for the help...

It needs to be euthanized. It is not fair to a light sensitive animal to keep it alive without eyelids. i know that is not the answer you wish to hear, but be reasonable. I had a patternless albino hatch like that a week ago; culling is needed sometimes. It makes sure these animals do not get back into a breeding program down the line, and you are talking about an animal that lives a long time. Imagine not being able to close your eyes at the beach, and then make that stay at the beach 10-30 years.
I am sorry the hatchling did not turn out better, but there is always the next clutch to look forward to.
howard

I agree with Howard, I know it is not easy to put an animal down, but think about the quality of its life long term.

Good luck-
Kelli

I was considering putting down anyways. I was thinking the same thing you said, but I wanted some other opinions in case I was wrong. It's hard for me to euthanize it, but if it is suffering, I understand that its the best thing to be done. Thanks again for the help....

I agree that it should be put down too but I believe strongly in a "no-waste" policy. There are plenty of people around who need feeder reptiles. Maybe you can offer him/her.

I'm very sorry to say this, but after seeing the photo and hearing that it just licks it's eyes, I would definitely put it down. It is licking it's eyes because it cannot keep them moist or clean. This means that it's eyes will dessicate and it will become blind if it is not already. I know how sad disappointed you must be since this is your first hatchling.

Put the little thing in a deli cup and put it in the refrigerator... this will cause it to go to sleep and become unconscious. After an hour or so, but it in the freezer. This will end it's life humanely.

I put it down a couple of hours ago. Hopefully, the next clutch will hatch out in good condition...

Josh, I'm sorry this had to happen, but you did the best thing for this little one. There will be many more to come that are healthy.... my heart goes out to you.