[GenAureliano]

Recently have run into trouble with my hatchlings. Everything seem to be going fine for the first month or two. Babies are eating normally, then suddenly begin to lose tail weight after a brief slow-down in eating, but not an all out stop and die. Not stuck in shed. I do not have water bowls, but spray every few days. I keep them in containers that keep humidity very high and daily spraying results in swampy substrate so that is why it is not daily spraying. Anyone have any ideas? Temps are alright. Cages are a little bigger than a pint size deli cup? Could the cage be too small. I was having trouble with babies finding their food in larger cages and shedding. These smaller tupperware cages seemed to be working great at first, but now I am not so sure.

[Afelinus]

Yes,that sounds very small for them .I let them roam freely for the first few weeks in the 10 gallon open ends I get from you guys .I will also keep them in the 2 and 3 gallons viv's you have at EBV .You're always welcome to come by and check it out here Jake.

[GenAureliano]

Thanks Marcus, that is what I was starting to think. I decided to experiment with a smaller sized cage and it seemed to work great at first, but I too am thinking that it is too small especially after the first few meals.

I do need to arrange some time to come see your set-up. I'll e-mail you soon to arrange that. I also have some sperm retention data that I want to pass on to you. I am just waiting for a female I believe to be gravid to lay.

[Afelinus]

No prob .I am done importing for the next two months,then start up again in late February,so time is pretty open right now .Any information you provide will be both appreciated and proper credit will be given when it is released .

[sarahjane85]

I do the same, although not as long. Upon hatching they are put into a pint sized deli container with Button fern fronds, given heavy misting every day and fed after three days of rest. I then feed 3 - 1/4" crickets -- I've actually observed them "hunting" among the fronds -- if all crickets are eaten, I follow through with regular misting/feeding, if not, I remove crickets and wait another day or two until the gecko is ready to feed.

After one week of consistent eating, they are moved into a 2 gallon and given a small vial cap of water -- I've observed both hatchlings and jv's drink from the cap -- and thereafter, misted/fed 3X/week.

Sarah.

[chuckpowell]

Perhaps your keeping them to wet and they are developing lung problems. I keep mine on damp peat with oak leaves and cork bark so they have dry hides above the soil if they need it. I only mist weekly and they do just fine. I'm down in San Jose so my climate should be slightly warmer than yours and dryer.

Best,

Chuck

[Brian]

Can I throw out a theory. I had the exact same thing happen in Crested Geckos. The substrate was being ingested since it was wet and would stick to the skin when it was shed and be eaten. I'd go for a while, but then they'd stop eating and die. Once I cut out that type of substrate all problems went away.

[GenAureliano]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I have more eggs cooking, so I will try out some of these suggestions when they hatch. I will keep you posted.