Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few days ago, I posted about eggs that were layed and came out broken. One or two days after that post, the gecko is ill. She will not eat, and is having trouble climbing glass. The male that is housed with her, also appeared to be having some trouble for the last few days, although he appears somewhat better now. It is much harder to judge his sickness level, due to his somewhat shy demeaner. She however, is obviously ill, as she is usually a tremendous eater. I am not sure what could be causing this, or what to do for them. Any ideas would be helpful. Here is some background info on them in case this helps. He is aproximately 3, and she is about 2. They have UVB light and heat regulated by a thermostat. Their enclosure is filled with live plants. They have been given crickets exclusively, until about a week and a half ago when they each ate a few superworms. They are fed dusted crickets once a week.
Thanks for any help you can give.
chris

I went back and read your previous post and it kinda sounds like it might be a calcium deficiency. Phelsumas should be fed at least 4 times a week with a calcium dusting every time. You also said you lowered your temps. Because they are not doing well I would raise the temp back up to optimum levels, hopefully this will increase the feeding response. Good luck!
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Paul Morlock
of CaptiveCreations and
Retial Sales Rep. for Sandfire Dragon Ranch

thanks. I upped the temps yesterday, as I figured it would help them. Is their anyway that I can administer calcium to help her recover, in case she will not start eating on her own.. Hopefully the feeding response will improve and I will be able to feed dusted crickets.
thanks,
chris

Chris,
Get some tropical fruit (mango, papaya, banana, etc.) baby food and mix mix the following into it. Use a high grade of calcium such as Miner-ALL or Repcal (Nothing with a higher phosphorus level than half or the calcium content). Mix .5 grams (about a third of a teaspoon) of that to every 1 table spoon. Remember to keep the day and night cycle (very important). You may want to separate the pair for a while to ensure she is under as little stress as possible because, grandis can be quite rough when breeding. Make sure she has plenty of hydration resources and feeding and most behaviors should be back to normal within a week. Still, give her a little more time to recovery, egglaying is hard work!
Ashton
Gekko Terra

thanks. Last night I tried to get some calcium in her. I mixed my supplement with water and offered her drops of it with a dosing syringe. Since last night, I've gotten her to drink a few drops of it on 5 different occasions. Hopefully this will help. I will also try the baby food. They usually enjoy their babyfood, so maybe that will get a good feeding response. Any opinions on Zoo Med's Reptivite? It has a 2:1 Calcium to Phosphorus ratio, however it has Vitamin A rather than beta-carotene, which I have heard is better. This is what I have been using. Is it OK.
thanks,
chris

You can also set out a small dish of calcium such as Repcal and they will often times take what they need.

Chris, the Zoo-Med brand is good. Try to handle her as little as possible during this period. It will surely help.
Ashton
Gekko Terra

Thanks. I never handle them anyway.
chris