Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A baby just hatched and it doesnt seem to be acting correctly. Its back right leg doesnt seem to be working right and it really isnt moving all that much, its just sitting still in my baby cage on the floor. Ive had babies before but I found them a couple of hours after they hatched and they were active as anything. I was just wondering if this is normal or do I have a problem and what should I do about it.

Should I try to stick some food in there or what? Guys I really dont want it to die, please help me out here.

Just try to keep the temps elevated, close to 80F and keep it comfortable. I wouldn't suggest trying to feed it until after the first shed, if it makes it that long. Sorry but sometimes they die and it sucks. Just try to make it comfortable if that is the case...wishing you luck and hope everything works out.

Charlie
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Charlies Geckos

If you do attempt to feed it, be very cautious. It is possible that the geckos may aspirate the fluid. Meaning the food/sugar water may go into the geckos tiny lungs, I am sure that you know the rest. Please keep us updated.
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Charlies Geckos

I actually saved a week baby once by making the baby open its mouth only hours after hatching (prior to its first shed) and administering baby food via a syringe (without needle, of course). I did this a couple times per day for the first two days. After that, the gecko slowly started acting normally.

I think it was the sugar that helped the gecko survive, so I'd venture to say that even sugar water or a non-citrus fruit juice (like grape juice or apple juice) would be even easier and more effective.

I would also advise you to keep the baby in the mid 70 degree range. If you keep it too much warmer, that will only speed up its metabolism, which will make the baby expend much more energy (calories) than necessary.

I should mention that the gecko I saved is still tiny (five months old and only about 5 grams) and has an underbite. I'm keeping it around as a pet, but because of that, I've decided that I'll let nature take it's course if I happen to get any week hatchlings in the future.

-Anthony
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Anthony Caponetto
www.ACreptiles.com

The baby died within an hour after the orignal post. When it first hatched (sometime through the night, found it in the morning) his back legs werent working right and he was walking like a zombie and sort of gasping for air.

But anyway his "clutchmate" egg is leaking and the shell is soft now, its been like that for 2 days....what should I do with that one? cut a slit open with surgical scissors or just let it be?