rmn88
New Member
Hi everyone, firstly I'd like to say that this site has been a huge help with regards to my first reptile. His name is icarus and he was literally thrown into my life.. There is an illegal trade in south africa where reptiles are hawked on the side of the road, in short he didn't seem to make the cut and as my husband and I were driving past we saw a man throw him onto the road infront of us. We barely saw what it was but I had a feeling to stop and that's when we ssaw him, all bruised and skinny he looked like he was about to die, when we reported it to the police the said we could either leave him in the grass to die or take him home but if he did recover in his natural habitat he would probably he scooped up and somebody would try and sell him again. Long story short he's with us for over a month now and I've done extensive research in respect of the correct husbandry. He's healed nicely with no broken bones despite being thrown. Until yesterday he's been eating and drinking normally however he has been showing some pre-shed tendancies and behaviour traits such as not eating and being snappy and not wanting to leave his vivarium which is not like him, he has no signs of stress, temperature is 24 degrees with his basking area at 26 despite it being winter here with temperatures of minus 1 degrees. His humidity is at 65-75%. Food is gutloaded and dusted with calcium and D3 once every 2weeks. I bought him a fancy uvb and uva light that cost an arm and a leg but seems brilliant and is still emitting a decent amount of uv rays. Despite the nature of how he was found and that no vet in our area will see him due to that he seems well adjusted. Never stressed. Happy. Loves to interact with us despite all I've read about them hating being handled, nonetheless I keep it minimal, opening the cage and allowing him to choose between his huge ficus plant, his eating tank or us.. Somehow he chooses me first
anyway the goal is to allow him to get a little bigger and healthier and find somekind of sanctuary where he can be set free as getting a permit is impossible in S.a for flapnecks. Now for my question, is he a he or a she? I really cannot decifer and in the event that icarus is female I fear I will have to start preparing as I do not want her to be egg bound, and the information I've read makes me wonder if the sudden change in appetite is not linked to that, as well as the colour change to yellow daily although advised that this is a colour of resting, icarus has no spurs and I'm not sure if this specific species has spurs. The base of the tail looks thick to me but I don't know if its wishful thinking. What are the signs of a cham that is female and wants to lay eggs? Any advice would be apprechiated. Apologies for the long essay, he or she, just means the world to me.. My little fighter.
anyway the goal is to allow him to get a little bigger and healthier and find somekind of sanctuary where he can be set free as getting a permit is impossible in S.a for flapnecks. Now for my question, is he a he or a she? I really cannot decifer and in the event that icarus is female I fear I will have to start preparing as I do not want her to be egg bound, and the information I've read makes me wonder if the sudden change in appetite is not linked to that, as well as the colour change to yellow daily although advised that this is a colour of resting, icarus has no spurs and I'm not sure if this specific species has spurs. The base of the tail looks thick to me but I don't know if its wishful thinking. What are the signs of a cham that is female and wants to lay eggs? Any advice would be apprechiated. Apologies for the long essay, he or she, just means the world to me.. My little fighter.
