Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought home an adult male Giant Day Gecko for my wife. This is her first interest EVER in herps! I am a longtime Morelia and Chondro guy and my only lizards are Beccari.

I set him up in a 30"x12"x20" glass tank w/both real and artificial plants, live moss, and a cocoa bedding/planting mix substrate. He is misted twice daily w/aveage humidities app. 60%. Ambient temp is 82F w/a warm side @ 86F He gets full spectrum light on a 12 on 12 off cycle.

He hasn't eaten since I set him up Tuesday nor has he barely moved from his corner of the tank - up high. Is this a normal acclimatization period/behavior? Would the addition of some cork bark on the back wall as a hide help? I want him to do well and am not sure if I'm gong through the "new herp stress syndrome" (lol) or if I need to make some adjustments. Any help/advice would be greatly appeciated.

Bill

I wouldn't worry about anything yet. My guy sometimes goes 2 weeks without eating (especially in winter), and if you just got him it wouldnt be too out of the ordinary for him to be hiding out for a couple days.

Have you tried feeding peach or banana baby food? Thats the easiest way to get a grandis to eat something if you are worried.

yea, i wouldn't worry too much at this point, they are sensitive and he's probably just nervous right now. he's not used to you or his new surroundings. make sure he's got lots of cover and some sort of a log to go into so he can feel safe during this time. just leave him alone for awhile while he gets used to everything. i bet that if you give him some fruit baby food he'll eat it.

also, sounds like his temps and humidity are a bit low. try a basking spot around 90-95 F and humidity should be a bit higher also.
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Lisa

1.0.0 P.m. grandis (Linus)
3.3.1 P. standingi (too many to name!)