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I just got a LTC U Phantasticus. I've had him for about a week in a temporary habitat while I'm working on his natural viv. My question is though that he seems not to take any interest in Dubia. The previous owner said he only accepts crickets but I'm fairly confident he hadn't tried roaches. I also heard roaches seem to be a favorite with Phantasticus. Is there any way I could switch him over to roaches? He doesn't seem to be accepting them yet and I've attempted 3 times to feed them to him. I'd rather not be buying crickets all the time but will if I have to of course. Will the natural viv stimulate his appetite or make him a little more open to new foods maybe? Is it possible he just doesn't want to be hand fed? Thanks!

I haven't yet had the honor of owning Phantasticus but based on geckoes & other insectivors I previously owned try giving him a few more days to adjust to new surroundings before feeding him. Has he eaten crickets for you yet? If so then wait a few days add 1 cricket w/ the new prey item & it may go after all prey. What type of roaches are you trying lobsters,bannana greens,or another small species? I assume you breed roaches so prefer them. Give it a few days it 'll eat. Also when you move it to new enclosure give it a few days to adjust.

Is the gecko used to being hand fed if not that is probally a good reason it hasn't taken food. If is used to being feed by previous owner then it may need time to adjust to your presence before accepting prey from your hand. In the mean time let a few prey items run free movement always stimulates a hunter.

I agree with both the above comments, Uroplatus arent in the "pet" level of gecko. Setting up a naturalistic cage is a must for these. Even more so if yours is Wild caught with is a high probability. These are place some insect prey in the cage before lights out and sit back and watch them hunt at night
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Dan S.
Crotalus & Company-- Captive Bred Reptiles

Herplink-- Reptile Link Exchange