I have 5 Mediterranean Geckos that I acquired last year. A couple of months ago I noticed one was having issues shedding, but figured he would take care of himself. All the other had no issues, so I left it at that. I got busy and beside misting the case daily and putting a box of crickets in weekly, I had no time to really check him out.

A few days ago I got sometime to clean the cage and noticed he was still having issues and also that he is about half the size of his cage mates. In face his mate look like mini Kamodo Dragons; really fat. So I decided to get him a new cage and soaked him with water and removed the old skin with tweezers and eye loupe. He is very deformed and I suspect he was born this way; slightly crooked back and tail. Has issues moving quickly. I still cannot figure out how he is eating and he is eating. He was really skinny when I put him in his new cage and obviously the next day you can see he was fatter from eating a couple of crickets.

He moves like he is handicapped and here is the kicker. Somehow he has adapted to his handicap. If you startle him, he will drop off what ever he is on and play dead. Won't move as long as he sees something moving around. Leave and he will find his way back onto the log. If he sees me coming or I don't startle him he will just remain still and occasionally move his head I guess to signify that he sees me.

So, how many of you have a gecko that plays dead? Is this normal or have I found a unique adaptation from a handicaped gecko?

Taz

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