[GypsyKundie]

I asked questions a few days ago and the response was mostly "read the threads on the forum", so, being the loser I am, I read every single one! woo!

But still certain things were not answered or clarified. Also, a lot of the posts were from over a year ago so the info might be updated. So, I'm gunna try again with updated questions...

1) How old is/was the oldest cat gecko in captivity?

2) What are the negative effects of over handling? Does it make a difference if they are raised from babies and are used to handing?

3) Are there any other common problems (other than hard water, calcium build up, and parasites) that people have with them, and how intense/expensive are the treatments?

4) I read that they, especially WC, can have parasites at a safe level. If the level becomes unsafe, what are the symptoms and treatments?

4) Are there any moral dilemmas with taking them from the wild (does it negatively effect their eco-system, are they endangered, etc.)? I have read that they are only protected in Indonesia, but also that they are few and far between elsewhere, and i don't know what there role in their ecosystem is at all, other than obvious bug control.

5) Will any vets be able to treat them (have you ever had to take them to a vet? what was your experience?)? What animal is their closest relative that is domestic that vets can compare them to?

6) Has there been any conclusive evidence about egg temp determining sex?

7) Can you please link me to Marcus's updated care sheet - the links I've found are expired and the care sheet I found of his was from 2005.

thanks for any help you can give!

[Riverside Reptiles]

Good to see that you've done your homework. There will be a pop quiz on Monday!
I'm going to try to answer your questions as best I can from my personal experiences. Other people's experiences may be varied. Like I said in your previous post, there's no "recipe" for keeping/breeding these guys.

1) I don't know the answer to this.

2) The negative effects of over handling would be stress which can lead to a variety of problems including death. Captive bred animals are probably more tolerant than wild caught. But these are not animals that want to handled on a regular basis. If you want something that is more tolerant, try a crested gecko.

3) The majority of problems that arise with any geckos can be applicable here as well (like all of the stuff that you mentioned for leos in your last post). Most problems with these, as well as other herps, tend to arise from human error and improper husbandry.

4) a trip to the local herp vet can usually confirm problematic loads of parasites. Treatment for internal parasites generally includes use of anti parasitic medication.

4) (you have #4 twice) - Moral dilemmas depend on your particular morals. There's certainly no benefit (other than low prices) for you to purchase wild caught animals.

5) You're not likely to find a vet that has a lot of experience with Cat Geckos in particular unless you're lucky. Your best bet is to find one that has general herp experience. Being in CA, you have a lot more herp related veterinary options than many other places.

6) Not that I'm aware of

7) I don't think Marcus has updated his caresheet since '05. Whatever caresheet that we have posted here on GU is his most recent as far as I know.

Originally Posted by GypsyKundie

I asked questions a few days ago and the response was mostly "read the threads on the forum", so, being the loser I am, I read every single one! woo!

But still certain things were not answered or clarified. Also, a lot of the posts were from over a year ago so the info might be updated. So, I'm gunna try again with updated questions...

1) How old is/was the oldest cat gecko in captivity?

2) What are the negative effects of over handling? Does it make a difference if they are raised from babies and are used to handing?

3) Are there any other common problems (other than hard water, calcium build up, and parasites) that people have with them, and how intense/expensive are the treatments?

4) I read that they, especially WC, can have parasites at a safe level. If the level becomes unsafe, what are the symptoms and treatments?

4) Are there any moral dilemmas with taking them from the wild (does it negatively effect their eco-system, are they endangered, etc.)? I have read that they are only protected in Indonesia, but also that they are few and far between elsewhere, and i don't know what there role in their ecosystem is at all, other than obvious bug control.

5) Will any vets be able to treat them (have you ever had to take them to a vet? what was your experience?)? What animal is their closest relative that is domestic that vets can compare them to?

6) Has there been any conclusive evidence about egg temp determining sex?

7) Can you please link me to Marcus's updated care sheet - the links I've found are expired and the care sheet I found of his was from 2005.

thanks for any help you can give!