[Albeon]

One of the Tokays I just bought died today. Pretty unclear as to why, she seemed fine, especially since she started eating again a few days ago. It's been less than a week since we got her, so the warranty is still good, however I now need another Tokay to complete the breeding pair. I'm a bit wary of going to another pet store since I hear that store-bought reptiles usually have parasites and aren't in the best of health....which I'm thinking is the reason this Tokay died. Can anyone give recommendations as to where/how to get HEALTHY geckos?

[hofud]

Hi,

Its hard to give good advice however when i buy geckos i select the more colorful bigger and more active animals. If it runs fast and looks good i'd choose that one. Of course she can have parasites so if have a new animal quarantine her at least about 3 or 4 weeks before you put her into his tank.

[Albeon]

Well, I got a new one. She seems very healthy, lively and aggressive. Only problem is that at some point or other while in the cardboard carrier, she dropped her tail. Is there any sort of special attention I should give it to prevent infection? And how long does it take to grow back? Any info would be greatly appreciated

[Sinosauropteryx]

Wow. You are having a lot of bad luck with tokays recently, aren't you? Where are you getting them from (I.e. which stores are you going to)? I am not certain whether dropping their tails is a predictable or normal occurance with tokays, or if the tail will grow back, but the first thing I would do is put some antibacterial ointment like Polysporin onto the stub wound where the tail fell off.

[Albeon]

Yes, it is normal...well, not normal, but a defense mechanism that a lot of lizard species have. Anoles drop their tails too, and they do grow back eventually. The thing I don't know is how long it will take for it to grow back. It's different for all species. As for the pet store I'm getting them in, it's called Dave's Pet City. It's a fairly reputable chain of pet stores in my area.

[cliff_f]

There is no need to do anything to a geckos tail when it falls off. They will grow back without any help at all. It just takes a few months for it to fully grow back.

As for getting healthy tokays.... buy from a breeder, you spend a little more but it is worth it in the long run.

[Sinosauropteryx]

Originally Posted by Albeon

Yes, it is normal...well, not normal, but a defense mechanism that a lot of lizard species have. Anoles drop their tails too, and they do grow back eventually.

For the record I meant Tokays specifically. I was well aware that many lizards like anoles, skinks and most kinds of geckos could drop their tail or lose it once they were caught by something. Now I know Tokay geckos can do it too. Thanks.

Originally Posted by cliff_f

There is no need to do anything to a geckos tail when it falls off. They will grow back without any help at all. It just takes a few months for it to fully grow back.

Maybe nothing you need to do, but it always helps if you can prevent the wound from becoming infected. Geckos probably get infections in the wild too, but they just endure it to avoid attracting attention. Or because, as you say, it may not seem that much to worry about.

[cliff_f]

Originally Posted by Sinosauropteryx

Maybe nothing you need to do, but it always helps if you can prevent the wound from becoming infected. Geckos probably get infections in the wild too, but they just endure it to avoid attracting attention. Or because, as you say, it may not seem that much to worry about.

I have had many many geckos tails fall off for one reason or another. I have never done anything special to it and I have never once had any problems with them growing back or getting infected. It is really not a wound when the tails fall off, geckos tails are made to do that. A big cut on the side is something to worry about, a tail falling off is perfectly natural and will grow back with no problems.

[Riverside Reptiles]

Putting any type of ointment on it can actually be detrimental as particulates and substrate and such will then stick to the ointment and can cause more issues. Not to mention stress related issues from being moved to a new home, losing its tail, and being handled to apply the ointment. Best to just leave it alone and keep an eye on things.

[Granny11232]

What can you do when a gecko becomes egg bound ? She has become very thin and is not eating. I have gotten her a supplement called caloric suplememt and appetite and have been feeding her 3 times a day. It is very costly to take her to a vet. What can I do