How do you keep your goldie from running away?

dallasxiao · #1 03-24-2009, 01:33 PM

I was wondering how everyone kept their golden from running like mad when you open the cage? I saved a gecko from a crack house (no lie) about 4 or 5 months ago, and haven't actually been doing any research until lately (was going on the previous owner's - the one before the crazy people - instructions. And I've seen videos of people with open cages videoing their geckos just sitting there.

Personally, every time I open the top to change out food/clean/etc, Jeff tries like hell to GET OUT. How do you handle this/prevent it?

Also, I've read that heat rocks are a horrible idea. I have one in his cage, and he never lies on it, but I think it helps keep the temp in his cage up at night, so I never really thought about it. Is he going to get heat rock...can't remember the word I saw earlier, tempered? I wouldn't think so, since he only ever even touches it when he's crawling over it or stalking prey.

jpg · #2 03-24-2009, 01:58 PM

Take the heat rock out immediatly . Heat rocks cause cause serious burns to your animal . To help you out further you should list your tank size and set up including funiture and hides etc...

dallasxiao · #3 03-24-2009, 10:33 PM

Well, it's not good, let me tell you that. Up until the last day or so, I didn't know I was doing it wrong. Please don't ream me:

10gal tank, reptile light (reflective inside, etc), hidey thing, lots of vines

D:

But I'm getting a 48"x24"x24" cage for him Thursday, and as soon as I get it set up (I'm kind of thinking vivarium, but I'm not sure that's practical for something so big/me).

I was just of the understanding that he was so small that this was good enough for him. Of course, now I see the issues. Luckily, I have a sixth sense and have been keeping the temps and humidity correct almost the entire time (~80-85F days/75F night (hot side), 70-80% humidity, several daily mistings).

I also think the new cage has double sliding clear doors on top, so that might eliminate the problem (they apparently used it for reptiles in specific). I feel absolutely horrible about him having been in such a small cage for so long. I honestly didn't know better, as horrible of an excuse as that is. But as soon as I found out I hit up Craigslist for better cages. I think the new one shall suit him well when I get it going for him.

jpg · #4 03-25-2009, 07:32 AM

Your doing your homework

thats good . The new tank will be great for him , he will be happy as a pig in poop . I wouldnt go as far as a vivarium for the lil guy but more or less the way you have him now but with more hides , rocks , branchs, and cork bark plus a couple friends in a tank that large ! Nice looking gecko you have . I think it may be a female from the pics but very unsure sine I cant see the vent area .

Good luck with your new friend !

dallasxiao · #5 03-25-2009, 04:08 PM

Jeff's more than likely a female, but I don't think I'll be getting another gecko anytime soon (I dunno though, this big tank is going to make it challenging not to), so I don't want to disillusion myself here. I'm pretty used to calling him/her Jeffrey.

I got the substrate today. Organic Choice Miracle Gro. I read online and used my head, and don't see why this wouldn't work, since it's just peat moss and top soil. Plus the organic part means it doesn't have chemicals in it.

I was thinking that since I'm using soil, I might as well plant a real plant or two. I've read up a little, but I was wondering what plants other people put with their goldens? I was thinking a vine or two and maybe just a leafy plant of some kind. Something to off-put the ugly plastic crap until I'm confident enough in my skills to actually use all real plants.

Thanks for the replies jpg