Is my baby garg sick??

[gecko75dd]

I have a roughly 4 month old gargoyle gecko and I am trying to be a responsible owner but ever since I got him he doesn't like to eat very often, I leave CGD in the cage overnight, and he doesn't touch it. Its getting a little worse, I use to be able to spoon feed him and now he doesn't even like that. I have to admit my cage is less than sutable for a garg, its a tall screen cage, and I taped up the sides with packing tape , but my hygrometer takes a nose dive after like 30 minites and I can't keep the humidity up. I've been looking around for a glass cage, the other thing is I heard they might not eat well if the cage is too big. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Derek

0.1 leopard
1.0 AFT
0.0.1 crested
0.0.1 gargoyle

 

[cassicat4]

What size of enclosure are you using?

Yes, some gargs do not do well with too large enclosures as they can stress quite easily. It's best when they're young to keep them in smaller enclosures. That being said, they can also stress quite easily from moving them to new enclosures, so it's best to have an enclosure that's slightly bigger than what's required so you have less transitions to subject your garg to as he grows.

As well, some do not fare well in too open enclosures as they don't feel secure. Covering part of it with a blanket may help.

I've also found that some gargs take quite awhile to settle in and start eating normally. A month is not uncommon for these guys.

Could you give a rundown and possibly pics of your setup? Temps? Humidity? What are you using for foliage/vines/hides/etc? Substrate? How long have you had him?

 

[brooksylc]

Another suggestion is to use a Sterlite/Rubbermaid type tub with holes drilled into the sides for some air flow. But this way you can drill some holes, test the humidity and drill more if you need more air flow. This is a cheap, but instant solution for now.
Also make sure to fill the enclosure with foliage and branches, to provide cover which lessens stress and stress can often be the reason they arent eating. Also keep in mind that their tummies are really little and it might not look like they are eating when they are just eating really small amounts.

 

[gecko75dd]

Thanks

My enclosure is quite large, 16x16x30. I've got eco earth in the bottom with a nice hide. I have a large bendable vine, a small bendable vine, I've got lots of fake plants all over, I've got 2 kinds of moss, the moss covers the floor of the cage. I came home tonight and the humidity was still at 39. I think it was like 50 when I left. If I don't heat the cage, it stays around 70 in the daytime. night time it drops to like 63 i think. If I keep heat on, daytime is like 78 and nightime is about the same. I will put pictures up a little later, just got home from work. Just to let you know, the garg has plenty of energy. I pick him up and he runs up my arm and likes it on my shoulder. He shows no real signs of sickness, other than he doesn't eat. I have had him since late september, and at times, he would eat. So I dont know what to do. thank you for your help,

Derek

 

[gecko75dd]

here are some pics of enclosure etc...

I tried to upload more photos but these are the only 2 I could get to work.

 

[cassicat4]

Where are you measuring the humidity (i.e. where in the enclosure do you have the probe)? If you have it anywhere near the sides, the airflow through the mesh will throw off your readings.

I would try covering 3 sides of the enclosure with a blanket or towel. Leave one side open for light and ventilation, but cover the rest. It will help him feel more secure, which is one of the reasons I'm guessing he's not eating consistently.

How do you know he isn't eating? Have you been weighing him?

For what you have for a setup, it's very likely most of the poop falls in with the substrate. Unless you carefully comb over it daily or even weekly, it could very easily go unnoticed.

This is one of the reasons paper towel is strongly recommended for new gecko acquisitions - it will allow you to monitor their eating/pooping much easier so you can recognize the first sign of a problem early on. It will also eliminate other potential reasons for not eating - for example, impaction.

If you could, you may want to consider downgrading your garg for now to either a glass enclosure or sterilite/rubbermaid tub with paper towel substrate. Your gecko doesn't sound to be settled or established in his home, and a smaller non-screen enclosure will also help with the humidity.

 

[gecko75dd]

he's eating

I used some T-Rex rapashy that I used to feed him before I got a large bag of a different kind and he ate that like crazy. I think he doesn't like the new kind I bought. I put a blanket over the cage last night and humidity was way higher and held very well. I found a sleeping mat that I can cut into 3 pieces and attach them to the sides and back for insulation. Thanks for all your help Cassie. I think we are ok at this point.

 

[cassicat4]

I'm very glad to hear it. And you're very welcome.

 

[katnip]

I have a young garg and right now it only eats out of a very shallow cup or off of a small plate. the breeder also told me to do this as he knows that young gargs don't like to eat out of the regular deep cup that most of their feeding dishes look like. also it's really easy to monitor if they ate any when it's that shallow because you can see any disturbance in the food. let us know how your garg is doing.

 

[sarahberry]

Looking at your picture, I see lots of poops on the vine, which means he's eating. I'd also suggest more plants, gargs really like to hide in them and your enclosure seems pretty barren. I'm glad to hear the humidity issue is getting under control with the blanket.

A nice thin layer of the food on the shallowest drinking cap will show if he's eaten.