Sexing Eloks

ICU844 · #1 03-27-2007, 04:16 PM

What is the actual length of time to accurately detect whether its a he or a she. I have 4 eggs and hopefully more on the way.

Greenstar · #2 03-27-2007, 07:08 PM

Are you trying to sex eloks before they hatch based on how long there incubation time is?

kenya_1977 · #3 03-27-2007, 10:04 PM

Well, I can tell you I have two individuals that hatched in September and I still wouldn't call them sexable size yet. I would venture to say that it will be close to 1 yr before they are.

ICU844 · #4 03-28-2007, 05:41 AM

I dont see how thats possible to wait almost a year. Theirs has to be a way or their has to be some penal development in the male before that time period.

Is it possible that you had female offspring only!

kenya_1977 · #5 03-28-2007, 10:31 AM

Of course it's possible I only have females. Might be a big reason why it's hard to find males, they could produce female heavy. We also don't know if there is TSD in this species. I incubate with fluctuating temperatures along with my cat geckos. I don't know if Shane has kept his babies this long, so I don't know if there's anyone else in the US that has raised them to sexable size. I think Jason might have some offspring too, but they are several months behind mine.

ICU844 · #6 03-28-2007, 12:52 PM

It may be a bit premature to be certain about TDS in this species. My personal opinion is that a change in temp may provide an earlier birth, but would have nothing to do with their sex. But that remains to be seen.

I will have to wait and see what happens when my eggs hatch. If I can get a piece of skin from their first shed, I know someone who can perform a DNA test and that will tell the tale. Otherwise, I will have to make my own conclusions as they mature.

I dont agree at this point that its a female heavy population. They just may be easier to catch during certain times of the year. I remember many years ago people saying the same thing about Nephrurus levis and that being a male dominated society. Time will tell. Thanks for your imput. Sorry you dont have any males.

Bowfinger · #7 04-02-2007, 05:28 PM

Jerry, I would recommend having all your geckos DNA tested first, to get an idea of M or F differences then have your hatchlings tested, maybe toe clippings or tail removal. Then you can sell the babies as sexed individuals for top dollar. Make you sure the cost of DNA testing is incorporated into the price. I would guess $150 per gecko extra out of their test then split up the cost of adult testing...maybe another $75 ea. Id say $500 a piece would be an average cost...then level out at $400 if you can produce eggs not condured up by wild copulations.
Good luck on that.

danscantle · #8 04-02-2007, 10:35 PM

Yeah Shane, I agree. DNA testing should be easy, since it is widly known they are ZW (the female is the heterogametic sex). Wait, they are XY (the male is the hetergametic sex)? TSD? Oh crap, I really have no idea. Jerry, please let us know the gender determining mechainism of Cyrtodactylus elok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111111

Ubergecko · #9 04-03-2007, 01:26 AM

You guys need to be nice to Jerry. He's been in the business for years! He knows what he's doing, just ask him. If you have a few hours, he'll tell you by phone. After that he'll e-mail you and after you block him, he'll sent it to you via snail mail!

Brian · #10 04-03-2007, 02:24 AM

Couldn't you just mouth swab them for cells? Do the same with known sexes then compare any possible differences with chromosomes as a rough dirty test?

Wouldn't have to clip a piece off and wouldn't have to actually know much about the sex determination system. It might not work, but if the chromosomes are actually different sizes in one sex it might be a dirty way to guess . . .