Health and Selection

[The Gateway Gecko]

Here I will Compile a Care guide for each sub category based on everyones further posts. I will update it as often as possible and add everyones suggestions to each section. Please note the sub category you are posting for to make it easier for me to place it.

Selecting a new gecko
(Please feel free to post any information you feel would fit in this section)

There are various things to look for when selecting a gecko, ranging from the health of the animal to the color, pattern, traits and price. While color pattern, traits and price are up to you, the general health of the gecko is something that can easily be ascertained. By looking at the intended specimen, the first thing to look at is the tail (provided that it has one). The tail should be thick and without kinks. A thin tail is an indication of improper diet, or limited feeding, where as kinks could indicate a lack of proper supplementation. The base of the tail should be free from kinks as well, having parallel straight lines extending over the pelvis to the base of the spine. A twist in the base of the tail is normally an indication of a condition known as Floppy Tail Syndrome, or FTS where when the gecko is in an inverted position the tail flops forward over the body. It is not known if this is a genetic disorder or just a quirk of the gecko themselves liking to hang face down. Other things to look at would be the size of the gecko, being a hatchling, juvenile, or adult and what size you are comfortable dealing with. Also the general appearance of the gecko is important, does it have shed stuck to it’s extremities, does it seem to shake or tremble as it moves does it appear to be a healthy weight?

Check for responsivness and alertness. Do the geckos eyes seem clear and not sunken in. Eyes that appear depressed into the head are generally a sign of dehydration. Is the gecko flighty or prone to sparatic movements. While a gecko can certainly be conditioned to tolerate handling, some may be leary of purchasing or handling a high strung individual and would be best to chose another animal. Is the gecko clean. This may seem like an odd question, however a dirty and smelly animal is a sighn of poor huspandry or poor health in many but not all cases. If the animal has feces encrusted around its vent, this can be a sign of intestinal parasites. Likewise with odour. If an animal smells of feces this can sometimes as said before be due to impropper husbandry. If an animal is kept in an overly soiled enclosure and parasites are present, transmission to others currently in or soon to be in the enclosure is almost certain. Is the animal experiencing shedding problems. This is certainly not a serious problem in most cases and is easily fixed with propper misting. If there is need to manually aid its shedding then do so, but be sure to monitor the issue if you purchase a gecko with this problem. Is there any evidence of injury. This is a given I am sure but it is worth mentioning. If there are bites or other injuries whether superficial or otherwise you need to take this into consideration. It is true that most bites and scrapes heal quite quickly, however it is always best to carefully inspect any injury for infection and assure you keep it clean untill it has a chance to fully heal.


Handling
(Please feel free to post any information you feel would fit in this section)

The best way to handling Crested geckos is the "Hand over hand" method. Simply allow the gecko to walk from one hand to the other always offering the un-occupied hand infront of the moving animal. Doing this limits stress and ensures you are able to react quicker to any sudden movements the gecko may make. Never restrain a Crested gecko, not only because it will stress the animal but also it may cause them to drop their tail which will not regenarate like in many other geckos. Always be aware that the gecko may jump at any time so be sure to keep him in a safe area free from potentially dangerous landing spots, and try not to stand if the animal is prone to jumping. While handling your Crested, try to watch for behavior and posturing associated with jumping, changing direction, and even the always dreaded defecation. Cresteds readying to jump, bring their heind legs up to their mid belly to offer leverage in the jump. If you see this try to prepare yourself to catch your acrobatic friend. A gecko that looks off in a particular direction has generally spotted something they plan to investigate, whether landing pad or some place else to sit. As far as anticipating a bowel movement, it can sometimes be too late. Watch for tha tail to lift up at the base in a long arch and fidgety movements to help you get him to a more suitable place in which to releive himself.


Diseases, Disorders and other health concerns
(Please feel free to post any information you feel would fit in this section)


Crested Morphs and Traits
(Please feel free to post any information you feel would fit in this section)


Rhac species
(Please feel free to post any information you feel would fit in this section)

[The Gateway Gecko]

Does anyone have any tips on calming down a skittish gecko? We like to hand feed as much as possible and after they have gotten use to us we handle them on occasion to help keep them calm.

[The Gateway Gecko]

The best way to handling Crested geckos is the "Hand over hand" method. Simply allow the gecko to walk from one hand to the other always offering the un-occupied hand infront of the moving animal. Doing this limits stress and ensures you are able to react quicker to any sudden movements the gecko may make. Never restrain a Crested gecko, not only because it will stress the animal but also it may cause them to drop their tail which will not regenarate like in many other geckos. Always be aware that the gecko may jump at any time so be sure to keep him in a safe area free from potentially dangerous landing spots, and try not to stand if the animal is prone to jumping. While handling your Crested, try to watch for behavior and posturing associated with jumping, changing direction, and even the always dreaded defecation. Cresteds readying to jump, bring their heind legs up to their mid belly to offer leverage in the jump. If you see this try to prepare yourself to catch your acrobatic friend. A gecko that looks off in a particular direction has generally spotted something they plan to investigate, whether landing pad or some place else to sit. As far as anticipating a bowel movement, it can sometimes be too late. Watch for tha tail to lift up at the base in a long arch and fidgety movements to help you get him to a more.

[sal-amanda]

Hey Justin...How much do you want on other Rhac species? Are you looking for basic information on each, general sp. info, or do you want a little bit more detail, to answer common questions, like setup, behaviour, questions specific to each species. For example: differences between Mainland and PI chahouas or between the different leachianus islands etc? Just curious what exact type of information you were looking for. THanks in advance

[The Gateway Gecko]

I think for now basic info would be good. The things you would say really set the other species apart such as diet, behavior, appearance etc. In the future we may expand that section to include more or even a separate care sheet as I am sure you are chomping at the bit to let everyone know all about Leachies (I must admit I would love to hear it myself). I would say that all the info you mentioned would be of help and I am sure we could work it in. Clearly alot of the basic Crested information is multi species relevant but certainly anything worth noting is worth posting. I know we don't want to write a book here, but ignorance is never bliss with animals so at very least it would be awesome to have some informational posts on the other species we may not all be experienced with. I look foreward to learning more about your Leachies.

[sal-amanda]

Thanks Justin. I will work on something for the leachies. I will try and give the basics but I was just curious because on other forums I see a lot of questions about care sheets for chahouas, leachies, and saras. I also see so much confusion on the differences between the different "types" in leachies and chahouas. I promise I will try and keep it short and sweet Hopefully someone else will be able to give info on the other two...I dont own any so my knowledge is just limited to what "The rhac Bible" says.

[The Gateway Gecko]

That would be awesome and thank you for helping.

[drakos]

This is in relation to temperature and handling your cresties.
I know when I handle my crestie for more than 5 mins they always want to jump away. I think it is because we are too warm. Our body temps run at 98.6. I am curious as to what others may think about this fact.

[The Gateway Gecko]

That is actually a very good point and am glad someone mentioned it. Youg geckos in particular can easily overheat with excessive handling. Always be sure to avoid constraining or baracading the animal with any part of your body. The less contact with our heat emitting bodies the better.