Large Day Gecko Adoptee

[ijmccollum]

Have a giant day gecko coming in tomorrow as adoptee with prolonged shed issue. Any tips on how to help this little critter get through the old shed without too much stress? Pretty lil` thing -- did undergo partial tail drop a year ago but just recently came up with problem shedding. I am setting up the 18^2x24 exoterra with mist system, etc. Diet ideas for greater hydration and nutrition? There are problems with footpad adherence to the walls as well. All suggestion/ideas welcome.

 

[Syn]

The issue of not sticking to the walls may be low calcium (or occasionally other vitamins), bad shed, or dirty sticky pads.

When I've had shedding issues Mineral Oil has been a great help. Dab it on and if needed try rubbing gently.
However, noting this is a Day Gecko... good luck!

 

[Jakedn]

Where is the shed skin stuck on him?

 

[ijmccollum]

Thanks. I think I will start with a 10 g hospital tank with uber humidity and higher temps ~80F. I have some mango and honey at home but I think I will need to get some bee pollen. There is a spray that is suppose to help with sheds -- I thought I might go that direction. I used to use it on my beardie and AFT gecko when they had problem shed areas -- particularly toes. They are both happy adults now and since adult do not shed as often.
I have bene-bac but am hesitant to use it. I don't know if parasites are an issue yet -- will need to look at the poo.

 

[ijmccollum]

From what I saw -- didn't handle him, just distant viewing -- along the length of his back. Didn't see the tail. From what I have been told, he is no longer climbing the glass which leads me to think footpads are involved as well. The shed almost looks like a dry shed but they say they were keeping humidity levels up.

 

[Syn]

Thanks. I think I will start with a 10 g hospital tank with uber humidity and higher temps ~80F.

I have bene-bac but am hesitant to use it. I don't know if parasites are an issue yet -- will need to look at the poo.

From my knowledge of crested geckos, higher temps often stress them out more than anything, however, because of my limited knowledge of phelsuma, I'm not sure if 80 is warm to them. A warm mist might be better than hot temps (if 80 is on the warm side for phelsuma).

Go check that poo! That may be a part of the problem somehow. Good luck!

From what I saw -- didn't handle him, just distant viewing -- along the length of his back. Didn't see the tail. From what I have been told, he is no longer climbing the glass which leads me to think footpads are involved as well. The shed almost looks like a dry shed but they say they were keeping humidity levels up.

If he isn't climbing the glass, might be worth it to try the mineral oil option. If possible, put him in a small, clear container (tupperware) and try to look at the bottom of him, I often "sauna" them with warm (NOT HOT!) water to try to "steam"(STILL NOT HOT, JUST WARM!) the skin to be softer and easier to move. You may need to get a q-tip if the shed doesn't come off. A gargoyle I received ended up losing a nail because shed was left unnoticed from the original owner. I had to remove the shed with mineral oil and now she is doing fine.

Try to do this after he is somewhat settled in.

If you can get clear pictures of the feet, post them.

 

[ijmccollum]

Have the lil` thing safely in the hospital tank. Male/female, don't know presently. There will definately be some toe loss. Appears constriction in shedding may have occurred. If you ever saw the Wizard of OZ and the witches toes curled -- you will have an idea of what this little creature is dealing with. There is interest in the honeyed fruit mash provided though the actual source still is undiscovered. No live food has been offered yet. Will try tomorrow when there is a full day of light to monitor behaviour. Eating/hydration/pooping is the main issue for now.
An aside: I made excess fruit puree and froze it. Any idea how long the frozen mash will last before spoilage? Haven't done day geckos before. All advice is welcomed.

 

[Syn]

It shouldn't spoil so long as you've contained it properly. Freezer burn is my worst enemy.

Poor little guy, I know what you mean, I've seen geckos in bad shape before with the toe curling. Hopefully something can be done. Hoping for the best!

 

[ijmccollum]

Thanks, will keep you posted. Now I need to take to some human time out.

 

[ijmccollum]

Okay, first full day with the adoptee. He will lick the puree off the finger or spoon but won't take from the cap I have it in. He is active and alert but ignores the crickets I have placed in the tank except to shake them off when they climb on. There has been no poo and I don't know the last time s/he ate. Any ideas on how to jump start the appetite? I don't want to overdo the friut.

 

[ijmccollum]

The day gecko has transfered from the hospital tank to the housing viv. S/he is still working on getting sticky pads back -- did lose some toes (lots) but is looking pretty healthy. S/he actually was hanging on the side of the glass 3" up -- full weight suspension. Now if I could just get it to lick the nector from something other than my finger.

 

[Syn]

I am so glad you adopted her! Hopefully she will get a better life. How many toes did the poor girl lose? I was actually going to ask how she was doing.

 

[ijmccollum]

Lost a total of five, complete. Some toes still look marginal but hopefully will be complete enough to keep her from being too handicapped. Yeppers, she's a keeper -- really sweet. I am pretty sure it is a female -- no bulges, but then hey the kid wants to name it reptar -- from rug rats -- if it is female, Milton if male. Secretely I have been calling it Millie because she is just too sweet for a macho name.

 

[Syn]

I believe the females normally have large calcium sacs by their jaw... then again males may have it as well, but she probably needs recuperation before you will be able to tell.

Reptar is a cute name.

I really hope she pulls through with all of the effort you've put into bringing some life back into her. Even if she's only getting nectar from your fingers, it's better than none at all.

 

[ijmccollum]

Guess I will have to check the jaw for sacs -- will post if I get good pics.
Okay, I guess you and the kid win -- the reptar lives.

 

[Syn]

Hell, if I had a Day Gecko I would name it Reptar!

I would really like to get a Day Gecko, just wish it was hand tame. I need to ask KttKat about that.. LOL