Question about licking

[Normphobic]

I noticed my gecko licking himself last week. I've never seen him do this before, aside from his eyes of course! I was just wondering if this is normal behavior, or if I should be worried about any health problems. I saw him doing it again tonight. Do males usually clean their hemipenal bulge?

 

[niccoliherp]

I have noticed the males that I have (all of them) doing that. It is just normal cleaning behavior. I'm not sure what purpose it serves though. Many of mine will also lick during shedding, which I believe helps to loosen the skin. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[Tasha]

The only time I've seen mine lick is his eyes/face if i mist the cage.

 

[jabberwock486]

they will lick that region a lot. almost always after mating i notice the male licking the cloaca, the female too.

i am sure they keep it clean just like other animals. i would not say there is a problem unless he constantly licks.

i have noticed this with my tokays and my skink.