[GiantDayGecko.com]

I wanted to hear some opinions from Phelsuma keepers as to whether or not they feel that continually enlarged endolymphatic (calcium) sacs are considered healthy or unhealthy.

[terradas]

I can't weigh in too heavily here because I've only had my grandis for 2 years and I haven't begun breeding her. I can tell you that I think the exaggerated sacs can detract from the beauty of these animals.

Now before I start a flame war discussing aesthetics vs. proper health I'm not saying I would withold calcium to make my animal look better. I just think the combination of dusting insects, using MRP and providing extra calcium to breeders may result in "too much of a good thing."

Again, I can't really weigh in on how this affects the animals overall health, but assuming there is no negative side effect to all this calcium I think some people may over-provide leading to these exaggerated endolymphatic sacs.

[daggekko]

I can tell you that I think the exaggerated sacs can detract from the beauty of these animals.

I agree completely with this. I do not know enough about the topic to give a good answer but in my feelings towards the endolymphatic sacs is it is probably better for them to have at least small sized endolymphatic sacs on a regular basis instead of giagantic ones. This could be one of those captive situations though where wild populations don't have such large sized endolymphatic sacs and that feeding/supplementing on a regular schedule gives the opportunity for them to get larger than normal(normal as in wild animals)

I'm not saying I would withold calcium to make my animal look better.

Agreed again. While I think the huge endolymphatic sacs don't look good, I do like seeing them anyhow as it makes me believe I am providing more than enough calcium to my females as they are laying eggs regularly now.

I hope other members have more to say and more information they have collected.

[jadrig]

Well, I believe that when adult females start to breed/cycle, they become much more efficient with their calcium storage. After I separate a breeding female from the male for a season or two. Their sacs get extemely exaggerated. It is important to limit the calcium intake after they are prevented from breeding...they can become an obstruction.

[GiantDayGecko.com]

Thanks for the replies. What percent of your collection has enlarged calcium sacs?

[daggekko]

I only have 2 female geckos as of now and my pasteuri female has normal looking sacs and the laticauda female has barely visible sacs. Taking this time to realize I need to increase calcium!