Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 2 week old baby Tarentola annularis that i happened to find it its parents cage. I do not know when it was born. Upon removal I noticed shedding problems- especially around the toes. Knowing this can cause problems - I place the little fella on a damp napkin to loosen the skin. Most came off easily with tweezers; however, some spots were stubborn. No digits were lost due to constriction. Know the little guy has problems climbing vertical surfaces - although he struggles and struggles. Is there anything that can be done? Are his climbing abilities gone forever? Will I have to set-up an ADA compliant cage? Worried parent.

Yeah, all you need to make sure his wheelchair will fit under the sink and the ADA are out of the way (I work for an architect). No, he should not be disabled for life. A single digit covered in skin can mess up the whole climbing process. Also broken lamellae will throw off the intermolecular bonding needed to cling to walls for that digit, but usually is not a problem for the whole foot or gecko(and lamellae regenerate too). It is probably those few digits with skin still on them. Put him in a deli cup with moist vermiculite at a warm temp for around 30 minutes; preferrably not in bright light. It seems like a long time but they usually relax and fall asleep. The shed should come off really easily right after you take him out. Work fast and carefully!
Ashton

Thanks a bunch. I think his little pads have damaged lamellae. Good to know they will regenerate. For the time being he will be placed in isolation and encouraged that geckos with disabilities and geckos nonetheless.

Dont worry he'll be ok. I had this problem with my tokay. He stops climbing a week or two before he actually sheds as well.