help with new P. Grandis

[kruler]

I recently (about 5 days ago) picked up an adult male Grandis from someone who does not normally keep Phelsuma, but other types of geckos. He appears healthy but I have my suspicions that he may be wild caught because of the amount of scarring and 3 missing toes that he has. He also has what looks to be scarring on his bottom lip from maybe rubbing his snout on a screen enclosure.

He spends most of his time hiding between the leaves of a Sansiveria but will sometimes come out to bask. Hes in a large, well planted enclosure with a female. I have not been able to get him to eat any crickets, unless he has eaten some while I was not around. I have not seen him eat baby food but either him or the female has eaten some.

What bothers me is that any time he moves, he does so in a very twitchy fashion almost looking like a robot or a chameleon. There is no fluidity to his movement. This is all the time, not just when the female is around. I have not witnessed any aggression between the pair nor are there any signs on the animals.

If you have any suggestions, ideas or advice, I would love to hear them.

Mike

 

[Dyesub Dave]

It sounds like RICKETS to me. It's usually a sign of Metabolic Bone Disease which indicates not enough UVB in the lighting / Calcium with Vitamin D3 in the diet.

I'm sure if you do a search under nutrition on the forum you'll find some info regarding these issues.

I recently got two juvie Grandis and they're eating like PIGS!! Perhaps somebody with more experience with these geckos will chime in soon to add some suggestions.

Good Luck!!

Dyesub Dave. :biggrin:

 

[LLDG]

Your boy doesn't seem to be doing well.

I would suggest separating him from the female. He really needed to be quarantined and acclimated before being put in with the female. If he is sick (and he may be) she could pick it up if its is parasite related.

Get a fecal sample to a veterinarian. Follow any instructions they may have if they find anything. This step should not be considered an optional step.

The MBD suggestion may be possible going back to its previous owner. Putting him on a solid nutritional program that includes calcium and vitamin D3 is very important. Recheck your nutritional program with someone good with Phelsuma or check it with a good Phelsuma book.

Proper lighting: are you using UVB lights and if so, are they new? Older ones may not be putting of the needed UVB. While you are at this, check that temperature and humidity are within Phelsuma comfort points.

I guess what I am saying is: get him check by a veterinarian, check your own husbandry so this guy can get better quicker, and keep him separate from the ladies until he is healthy.