Geckos Unlimited - Blogs http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/ GECKOSUNLIMITED.COM is intended for the exchange and dissemination of gecko husbandry information between gecko enthusiasts. We encourage gecko lovers to be an active part in the growth and diversity of this site. Awareness and education of proper captive husbandry techniques should be the goal of all gecko keepers, and this site can be a sounding board for those individuals who would like to take a proactive approach to this fascinating hobby. en Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:16:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Geckos Unlimited - Blogs http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/ 2010 http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/803-2010.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:21:56 GMT Re: U.S. Phelsuma cepediana breeding project Postby Leann@daygecko.com » Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:36 am 2010 - Update The co-op has four keepers... Re: U.S. Phelsuma cepediana breeding project

Postby Leann@daygecko.com » Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:36 am
2010 - Update

The co-op has four keepers still working cooperatively on cepediana in the U.S. One of the original keepers traded his stock to a keeper outside the co-op but that keeper has shown interest in trades.

The co-op is an "at will group" but everyone is urged to continue to working together. I believe this co-op is a model of how the keeping of endangered/protected reptiles should work, especially to have a chance for long term success in captivity.

It's taken six years to bring the total number of cepediana in the US from less than a handful to now over 50 within the co-op (estimated). Those numbers alone is proof that a co-op is needed. If cepediana were easy, there would be hundreds by now.

Because some of the co-op's cepediana found their way to keepers outside the co-op there is a small number in the US outside of our records. Those bloodlines and information on them is lost. It is possible that without good information new keepers may not keep and breed cepediana successfully. We hope that some of our husbandry information makes it out to them so they can have good breeding results too.

Numbers should increase more rapidly now that we have a proven method for producing male offspring. As more male cepediana are available, more keepers can be added.

Still a challenge: neonate deaths need to be reduced. Increase female breeding years. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/803-2010.html Males http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/802-males.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:20:46 GMT You asked me earlier how old until I can tell if a juvenile is male or female. I just ID a male from my 2008 offspring. It was about four months old... You asked me earlier how old until I can tell if a juvenile is male or female. I just ID a male from my 2008 offspring. It was about four months old and the femoral pores were very distinct - it's a boy! =D>

The back pattern of the male is not complex. Again, maybe a clue to sex id of the young. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/802-males.html How long do females breed http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/801-how-long-do-females-breed.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:14:05 GMT On the age thing, I am wondering what other people have noticed about when reproductive age ends in this species. It seems short compared to other... On the age thing, I am wondering what other people have noticed about when reproductive age ends in this species. It seems short compared to other species I’ve worked with, and that might be part of the problem with keeping the species going in captivity.

For females, at what age do they quit producing eggs? Last year my oldest female (5 years old) was with the male (in rotation) the same as the two younger females (3 years old), but laid no eggs, so was probably too old.
For males, at what age do they no longer breed? I know the are subject to "sudden death" so data on age at death might also be useful.

Just thinking about what else we can learn with this project!

Melody

Postby Leann@daygecko.com » Sat May 24, 2008 9:53 am
I think you are perfectly correct in your thinking. Our goals included to discover and solve husbandry problems. The hatchling deaths and female longevity is one of the problems.

In 2007, my three breeding females all did well in each giving a suitable number of eggs. Yet only 7 survive (1:6 m:f).



This year, only one female has obliged to lay more than one set of eggs; a second female has only laid one set of eggs and the third female will not breed at all.

Forcing the females on the male has resulted in some severe beatings but all the females have survived. Right now, not one of the females is showing any sign of being gravid. Disappointing.

I've had four offsprings so far and three have survived. I have only four eggs incubating.

I am doing some thinking on nutrition and my past successes. Everyone, do keep notes as to your nutrition husbandry. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/801-how-long-do-females-breed.html Sex ratio is greatly improved http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/800-sex-ratio-greatly-improved.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:11:58 GMT Postby Melodyh » Sun May 11, 2008 12:57 pm Hi all, Of the 6 offspring from 2007 here, there are 4 males (woo hoo!) and 2 females. The oldest male... Postby Melodyh » Sun May 11, 2008 12:57 pm
Hi all,

Of the 6 offspring from 2007 here, there are 4 males (woo hoo!) and 2 females. The oldest male is getting nice blue colors! The mothers of these are sisters, and are offspring of Leann’s Pair 1 and an unrelated (deceased) male. Father is male A31.

One clutch had one M and one F. I got single eggs a couple times too. One egg did not hatch but had no development at all, so I think it wasn't fertile. Based on this I don't consider the warmer incubation method a hazard to the eggs. Temps registered 82-88F on the end of the fluorescent light fixture where I set the carton. The light is on a timer, so goes off at night, making of course a temperature drop. But this is in a closet and the egg carton position is about 2 feet above an incubator set around 82F.

Leann: My results look like 1 male and 6 females.

Hundo: MY results so far 1 male for sure and 1 more is looking like a male but not for sure.Three females ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/800-sex-ratio-greatly-improved.html Record keeping - number assignments. http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/799-record-keeping-number-assignments.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:07:39 GMT Postby Leann@daygecko.com » Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:55 pm
To Melody & Brad & Harold:

Mailing you record sheets for your 2007 cepediana.

We need to keep numbered records for each specimen (first offspring #1, 2nd is #2, etc.).

Melody, hopefully you have kept the number of the female cepediana that you received from me originally. If not, I can send you its record (i.e. #5, or #18, etc).

We need to designate the breeder, i.e. Leann or Brad or Melody. I though of using the initial of our last name, (Leann=C, Brad=S, Melody=H) but Harold's last name is Chapman - both H and C would be taken. Should we just say A=Christenson, B=Brad, C=Melody, D=Harold?

What this would do is designate A36 as the male used by Melody since it was bred by me and is my 36th cepediana. Brad, your male who died two years ago would be B1. Make sense?

Here is the record of geckos:

Melody: (C numeral assigned to each gecko she breeds)
WC female, no record number, purchased 9-29-03
A20 female, hatched 8-26-02, from Parents #1
A31 male, hatched 9-11-05 Parents B1/A27

Brad: (B numeral assigned to each gecko he breeds)
B1, Brad's original male (died)
B??, female purchased from ____
B?? female purchased from ______
A32 female, hatched 9-27-05, Parents B1/A28
A33 female, hatched 9-27-05, Parents B1/A28
A35 male, hatched 11-2-05

Harold: (D numeral precedes number assigned to each gecko)
A39 female, hatched 6-14-07 Oviposition 4-23-07 Parents A36/A29

Leann: (A number preceeds number assigned to gecko)
A29 female 8-7-05 B1/28
A30 female 8-9-05 B1/28
A34 female 10-7-05 B1/A27
A36 male (died) 11-2-05, Parent B1/A27
A27 female 8-27-03, parent #2 (now retired)
2007 offspring - 1 female and 6 juveniles ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/799-record-keeping-number-assignments.html No temp change vs temp change http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/798-no-temp-change-vs-temp-change.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:02:52 GMT Harold: After 65 days i noticed a little cracking on one of the eggs,so i opened the egg and the gecko was dead and fully formed, no yolk sac. The... Harold: After 65 days i noticed a little cracking on one of the eggs,so i opened the egg and the gecko was dead and fully formed, no yolk sac.
The incubation temps were constant 87.

Another clutch egg was incubated at 87 during the day and temp drops to about 77 to 79 at night.This other egg hatched at 67 days and has eaten 2 days later,no shed problems and is very healthy so far.

Next one: 67 days it took to hatch, and the temps were from 77 at night to 87 during the day

Melody: The first two eggs here have hatched, and the babies are lively and look fine :D The eggs were kept on top of a light fixture, where temps were about 82 to 90 F. Incubation took about 35 days. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/798-no-temp-change-vs-temp-change.html How long to hatch http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/797-how-long-hatch.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:56:52 GMT I had two more cepediana hatch this week. Both are in perfect health and required no help in removing any baby shed. The first to hatch even had... I had two more cepediana hatch this week. Both are in perfect health and required no help in removing any baby shed. The first to hatch even had fruit baby food the day after it was hatched.

#43 Oviposition 5/28/2007 Hatched 7/10/2007 days incubating 44 days
#43 Oviposition 5/28/2007 Hatched 7/12/2007 days incubating 46 days

These eggs were left in-situ. The enclosure was put on a top shelf where day temperatures would reach 89º for a few hours daily, and drop to night temperatures around 80º F. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/797-how-long-hatch.html How soon to tell what sex http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/796-how-soon-tell-what-sex.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:54:32 GMT Question: Do you have any idea's about telling male from female at very young age, that is maybe at a few month of age? I really can't until they are about six months. Is there any difference in back patterns? I have the idea that the more "busy" paterns are female. Also i have the idea that juvenile males are more shy than are the females. Maybe you have the same or different thought's?

Answer: Postby Leann@daygecko.com » Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:28 pm
Regretfully, the shy nature of cepediana has prevented me from getting accurate guesses of sex when they are young. Color seems to be of no help as the males don't seem to really develop that blue coloration until they are past 12 months of age. Very reliable is the appearance of dud eggs when the females will lay as early as eight months. :D ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/796-how-soon-tell-what-sex.html Vary Day and Night temperatures best. http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/795-vary-day-night-temperatures-best.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:52:36 GMT We have established that the upper day temperatures with cooler night temperatures do bring about a good male/female ratio. This year, Brad and... We have established that the upper day temperatures with cooler night temperatures do bring about a good male/female ratio. This year, Brad and Melody will try to reproduce those results from last year. Only by having others reproduce those first year results will we know for sure that those are good techniques.

I am taking more of a risk this year by attempting to incubate at high temperatures 24 hours per day. Yes, as you can see by preliminary results, there have been problems. But, we have yet to see the male/female ratio. It is important that we take the risk in order to set see the whole picture of incubation results.

I harp about people keeping records and sharing them when at all possible. Without such careful records, we learn nothing. Without sharing, no one can learn and we all loose. On the same note, without experimentation, we end up short in the long run. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/795-vary-day-night-temperatures-best.html Can anyone help? http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/6thdaycreations/755-can-anyone-help.html Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:01:27 GMT I have stopped my breeding group from producing but I've stopped a little too late. I have a heavy work schedule and due to certain circumstances I am not able to advertise or go to shows to sell my babies as originally planned. I am fully aware of immature and irresponsible breeding practices. This is not the case with my situation. The original plan has not worked for us and we have an emergency! I have 50-60 cresteds that must be sold and I am willing to seriously cut the prices to get them moving. Almost all my animals are extreme harleys and gorgeous pinstripes. Adult breeders from AC Reptiles, Sundial Reptile, Pangea, and my very own offspring. I have pictures if you need to see them. Also any suggestions on how to move them are welcome. ]]> 6thDayCreations http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/6thdaycreations/755-can-anyone-help.html New to geckosunlimited http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/6thdaycreations/735-new-geckosunlimited.html Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:19:20 GMT Hey everyone my name is Kyle and I'm new to geckosunlimited. My wife and I have been breeding crested geckos for about 5 years now as what started out a small hobby and love for them. We are currently overflowing with beautiful babies. We don't claim to be the all-knowing fully loaded gurus of cresteds, but we certainly are convinced that the animals we've produced are amazing and healthy. We sell locally but the word doesn't get out the way it does on the internet so we are trying a new approach. Anyway I'm here now looking to sell and if anyone has any questions or comments then let it rip. Thanks:yahoo: ]]> 6thDayCreations http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/6thdaycreations/735-new-geckosunlimited.html Away from home http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/leos4life/656-away-home.html Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:49:57 GMT Man staying so far away from home for a week sucks. Especially when you have two special someones waiting for you back home. Two you may ask...yes... Man staying so far away from home for a week sucks. Especially when you have two special someones waiting for you back home. Two you may ask...yes two one my beautiful fiance and my leo Ringo. Lucky me Kayla (my fiance), shares the love for Ringo like I do.
With the 4th of July weekend coming up I'll get a 4 day weekend! So excited to go home and be greeted my Leo and fiance as she usually has him on her shirt when I walk in. Ugh...well off to look at some more forum posts and pass by this slow moving time! ]]> Leos4life http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/leos4life/656-away-home.html Steady hot temperature incubation http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/605-steady-hot-temperature-incubation.html Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:09:17 GMT With more than one keeper in the co-op, I am attempting another incubation method. The day/night temperature variation will be used by Melody,... With more than one keeper in the co-op, I am attempting another incubation method.

The day/night temperature variation will be used by Melody, Brad and Harold.

I will incubate eggs at a steady, incubator maintained 87º F - 88º F day and night temperature.

Below is the first cepediana offspring. One week old. #A37, oviposition 3/27/2007, hatchdate 5/7/2007 days incubating 42 days, Incubated at +-87º day and NO night temperature change.

A second hatched, with help. It had difficulty shedding its egg shed from its body (it took care of its own feet) so I helped remove it, taking great care not to stress it to death (a possibility with new hatchlings, especially delicate species like cepediana).

#A38 oviposition 4/13/2007 hatched 5/21/2007 days incubating 39 days

#A40, #A41 #A42 survived only days after hatching - development & shed problems.

Regretfully, two other eggs did not survive the hot incubation processes. One must have died very early in incubation as their was much more yoke than embryo. The second had fully formed but failed to hatch. Looking very closely, it had no visual genetic deformities. The eggs were opened when they missed the forty day incubation period expected for 87/88 degrees by 7 days.

All these eggs were incubating at 87F/88F degrees. I was hoping that the one degree lower incubation temperature would reduce egg mortality. So far that has not been the case.

As advised by Magnus, the drop in night time temperature may help protect the eggs from the higher day time temperature. Job Boone has reported success using the day/night variation with may gecko species.

The co-op risked much in attempting steady temperatures due to our need for more males. We are recommending practice of the day/night variation.

We are hoping to further reduce mortality by experimenting with wind flow and humidity levels along with the day/night temperature changes, and maybe changes in the steady single temperature incubation.

I have two remaining eggs incubating at 88 degrees F.

Two female cepediana show signs of being gravid but I cannot be sure. I have increased feeding females to every other day to hopefully increase their reproduction viability.
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]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/605-steady-hot-temperature-incubation.html 2007 progress report http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/604-2007-progress-report.html Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:47:04 GMT Pre-summer.
Melody's male is successfully producing eggs with his females.

Harold's female laid dud eggs. She was young and it may be females need to be older to breed.

I have multiple eggs and are due to start hatching in June.

Several people have inquired about joining the co-op. At this point, the co-op is closed which means that only current keepers are participating, agree to maintain complete records, return/replace loaned animals, trade bloodlines only within the co-op, no outside sales of any cepediana.

The co-op hopes to get each participating member two males and four females each before considering new keepers. Having a stable number of breeding cepediana is important. Maintaining bloodline information due to a very small initial animals is also important.
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]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/604-2007-progress-report.html P cepediana co-op 2007 http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/603-p-cepediana-co-op-2007.html Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:33:40 GMT The co-op identified another US keeper with breeding aged P. cepediana females. The keeper, Melody, had female cepediana purchased from me a few... The co-op identified another US keeper with breeding aged P. cepediana females. The keeper, Melody, had female cepediana purchased from me a few years ago and had one wild caught female P. cepediana. She was loaned a male P. cepediana from the 2005 offspring.

Harold picked up a female P. cepediana from the program last fall. This year he was loaned on of the mature P. cepediana males from the c-op.

Brad, the other original co-op keeper, now has a male (which replaces the male that died), and two females from my stock.

Both Melody and Harold report breeding success. I can report that less than three weeks after introducing a female to a male, the female laid a single egg. She had been separated from the male once I could see that she was gravid so again, the egg can incubate hot day/cool night in the selected area of the gecko room.

Melody and Harold are going to following the same breeding, egg laying and incubation procedures that worked so well for me. This will provide proof that the technique is good and can be repeated with the same results.

As part of the co-op agreement, Melody and Harold will need to return the loaned male or replace him with an offspring. ]]> LLDG http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/blogs/lldg/603-p-cepediana-co-op-2007.html