Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone on the list have an idea that can help?

I purchased a pair of U. pietschammi from an importer. The female is small, stout, active, and a good eater. The male is older--about 5.5 inches total length. He arrived looking thin but not emaciated. Since he is alert and active, I didn't worry at first and was confident that he would fatten up. But I have had him for 10 days now, and he shows no interest in food and has gotten thinner. A couple days ago he received panacur and flagyl. Hopefully, removal of parasites will generate appetite.

Other care parameters are good. I have kept Uroplatus for several years and have bred U. henkeli. I have four other U. pietschammi, including the new little female, and they are all thriving.

Any ideas? I would hate to lose him.

Thanks,
Mike

Hey Mike,

I'll admit up front that I don't have any corkbarks, Mostly fims and a couple phants. That said, there is one idea that popped into my head when I read your post. Apart from treating parasites, you may be able to stimulate your lizard's apetite with different food items. I'm thinking in particular about moths. I've seen my geckos sometimes run all around the cage after I put big fluttering moths in. Of course I guess I would add the standard warning about pesticides, etc. But just a flick of the porchlight and there they are.

Best

Doug

Thanks for the reply Doug. I've been doing just that--keeping the porch light on and trying to attract moths. Problem is that I live in Los Angeles, and we have moths but not in big numbers. After several nights with the porch light on, I have yet to a decent-sized moth. But in light of what you said, I think I will take a drive to a nearby university campus that is well watered and see if their lights are attracting better specimens.

Thanks, Mike

Along the lines of food diversity, I have found great acceptance of lobster roaches. If you can find some, give it a try... the insect hobbyist and feeder insect boards would be good places to ask where one might find some lobster roaches in LA.

Good luck,
Jared
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With great power, comes great responsibility.
-Ben Parker

Thanks Jared. I kept a colony of lobster roaches some time ago and would not want to have those in my home again (my wife would not be happy). I will try a larger tropical species like B. dubia and feed off the juveniles.

Thanks for the advice, Mike

seriously? They are the easiest feeders I've ever dealt with! I just use a large Rubbermaid tub, replace the center of the top with aluminum screen, and paint the top three inches or so of the inside walls with a Teflon paint called Bug Stop which prevents them from crawling out through any little gaps in the lid without the mess of vaseline. I heat the enclosure with a ceramic heater in a dome reflector. I don't use any substrate, except cardboard egg trays from www.eggcartons.com which can be replaced whenever tey get a little stinky or dirty. The cage only needs to be cleaned every month or two. I feed the roaches whatever veggies are in the fridge that are going funky, and fish food I buy in bulk. Also, lobster roaches never smell, make noise, and, with the proper precautions (as described), they never escape!

Just my $0.02

Jared
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With great power, comes great responsibility.
-Ben Parker