Let's assume that if you did not pay more than $50 each for them, (typically $25) than they are imports. Captive bred in pet shops are not unheard of, but pretty rare. If they were, typically the sales person would have made a big deal out of that fact and they would have been closer $100 each.
I usually pull the male out and leave her in with the eggs and the hatchlings but I have done both. You just need to remember to pull the juvies out by 4 months to be safe regardless of who you pull if you leave the hatchlings in.
As long as the enclosure has at least two good vertical hides when you re-introduce the pair, you should be fine. Although someone noted in a recent tread that their male killed their female, there was no specifics as to the situation, and I have my doubts about what really happened at this point. I say that based on the fact that of the 150 or so Tokay pairs I have at any given time, I've never had a male kill a female when introduced. And I've put girls into guys enclosures and guys into girls with no ill harm. I tend to put the male into the females' enclosure just to move toward egg laying quicker since she is already established.
What you cannot do is put same sex adult offspring in with their parents. Males together is always a no-no, but sometimes moms see their adult daughters as competition if there is a male around or calling.
You can start working with your hatchlings fairly young. Just not in the presents of the parents. Tokay are extremely protective of their eggs and their offspring. By the way, its a good idea not to move the hide with the eggs in it if at all possible. the less re-arranging of cage furniture, the better.
Working from the side, behind or from under your Tokay is less threatening than from the predatory position of above. I like to work in room where there is no escape or hiding places if they run away, or jump. Now there is no pressure to 'capture' it if it gets loose. Most Tokay can be gently stroked across the hips until it calms down enough to where you can scoop you fingers under it. It will sit on your hand a while and then it might move on. Just no fast grabs.
All Tokay have personalities and so some will take to handling better than others. Just know that if you pair that animal later, the easy handling will be reduced or go away altogether because they will flip into protecting their nest.
As for gloves, I like the thin, synthetic "tech's/mechanics" gloves you can get at Home Depot or Lowes. The are light enough to have good touch, but have enough material to protect from a nip or the occasional latch-on. If your Tokay latches on, Just slip the glove and the Tokay off and place them both back in the enclosure so you do not have to wait it out the 30 minutes or so.
(I do not suggest this type of glove for a full grown male however. If he is in a mood, a heavier leather glove or better is needed for the really big boys.)
Good luck and enjoy!!!!!!
Michael's Tokay Hoard @
www.billewicz.com
