Cleaning Out Your Lygodactylus Williamsi

Red Devil · #1 02-04-2010, 07:22 AM

Hi I am away to give my Williamsi tank a good clean out for the first time. I was wondering does anyone have a good method catching their Gecko's without causing too much stress?
I also think my female may be gravid and don't want to do anything that may harm her. Also if she lays her eggs would you just do your best to spot clean the tank or would you still strip everything out and just avoid the area where eggs are laid.
Finally how do you post a new thread with decent size photos?
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Supreme Gecko · #2 02-04-2010, 09:01 AM

I've found the easiest, least stressful way (for me and the animals) to catch your gecko is to use a large deli cup. Locate the animal over an flat area of the enclosure without other obstructions, slowly position the cup over the animal, place the cup on top of the animal (head first works for me) and then gently slide the lid past the animal and onto the cup.
This is the method we use to catch day geckos for our reptile shows.

Red Devil · #3 02-04-2010, 09:04 AM

Good idea cheers. I will give that a go. Thanks again.

WingedWolfPsion · #4 02-04-2010, 10:19 AM

I did just reach in and grab the female I had to move, but she was particularly bold, and didn't try very hard to escape. The deli cup is likely much less of a shock to them--however, I think at the point where you are chasing them around too much, if you can't get them in the cup, picking them up probably gets it over with faster. Thankfully, they seem much less inclined to bolt for the cage opening than other geckos. These guys spend less time on flat surfaces than other geckos...I actually think they act more like anolis lizards.

Red Devil · #5 02-04-2010, 10:29 AM

When I first got these I moved them over into there new tank and caught them by hand. They were up my sleeve and everywhere, it was a nightmare. My male has sneaked out once whilst I was misting but did return back himself. Must admit I would worry that I would lose them if I tried to catch by hand as they are so quick.

WingedWolfPsion · #6 02-04-2010, 10:31 AM

I have to admit, I'm just laughing, picturing you with geckos everywhere....

Red Devil · #7 02-04-2010, 10:32 AM

The wife wasn't amused. She was freaking out incase they ended up on the loose. Don't think she would sleep if they escaped.

WingedWolfPsion · #8 02-04-2010, 10:42 AM

I think the one I picked up was just plain surprised that I was actually grabbing her--she'd gotten used to my moving a few things around inside the cage, and had ticked me off on her mental list as a non-threat. These guys really surprise me with their intelligence. I've heard of folks feeding them by hand, and having them go so far as to jump onto their keeper's hand to grab a fly, then jump back into their cage.

Red Devil · #9 02-04-2010, 10:47 AM

That is impressive. My two are non stop all day but freak as soon as I open up the tank. Would you recommend getting another female? I have read it is good too have 2 females and I have read they can be aggressive towards one another. I am finding a lot of care sheets say the opposite.

WingedWolfPsion · #10 02-04-2010, 11:15 AM

I'm a newbie with this species, but just based on what I've seen so far, I think a pair will be extremely happy with one another. Three might be a crowd unless you have a larger cage. The subordinate female will have to be crafty to get food and basking time. My dominant female was obviously unusually aggressive, but it still points out the potential for a problem.