Tokay is always hiding in cave on ground

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LizardWizard

New member
I have a what I believe a sub adult tokay. My tokay is always hidding in its rock cave on the ground. It rarely comes out to eat. Ever since I changed the tank from paper towel to moss. I currently have it in a 10gal tank, i plan on upgrading soon to a 20gal. I have a 24hr 75 watt bulb for it. I keep it humid. I have no temp or hydrometer. The temps should be around 80-90 degree F in the hot side of the tank. I have no climbing decor currently. Just the cave and some sticks. With food and water bowl.
 
Aimless

Aimless

Super Moderator
A cave on the ground is a very unsuitable hide for a tokay. They need reasonably dense cover and vertically oriented places to hide. If his tank has an open floor plan and no foliage, he will be very stressed and problems eating will be related to this.

How big/old is your Tokay? Can you provide a photo?
 
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LizardWizard

New member
image.jpg

I'm working on getting decor. Any cheaper alternatives than vines from the pet store? I was not informed on the age when I purchased it. I believe a sub adult.
 
Marauderhex

Marauderhex

New member
You can get inexpensive fake plants at most dollar stores. I recommend the plastic ones over the silk as they won't mold over repeated mistings like the silk ones will. Other cheap hide options are slate rock, PVC pipe, bamboo (which Ethan aka Riverside Reptiles) sells, ceramic tile, and a host of other things from nature or your local home improvement store.
 
Riverside Reptiles

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
Also, a ten or even twenty gallon tank really isn't large enough. And, at the very least these should be converted into vertical enclosures. You need an enclosure that is much taller. You have to keep in mind that tokays are arboreal animals and as such, they don't want to be anywhere near the ground if they can help it. The only reason that yours is currently staying on the ground is because it's the only place for it to hide. Also, leaving a light on 24 hours a day is not an acceptable way to heat the enclosure and a thermometer and thermostat are a MUST for proper keeping.
 
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LizardWizard

New member
I cleaned and placed some large climbing branch but I have no plants yet. Also I've placed a hydro/temp meter in it. Temp is 80-85 F on the warm side. I have a 24 hr infrared bulb so I can leave it on all day with out disturbing the lizard. I hope to get plants and upgrade the tank soon.
 
billewicz

billewicz

New member
Please go to Home Depot and purchase a couple of cheap slate floor tiles ($5) and lean them up against the back and side of the tank. Or, a foot long piece of 2" PVC pipe from Home Depot to lean up vertically in the back corner of the tank. (There are several good suggestions archived in this forum.)

Your Tokay needs to have a VERTICAL hiding place. Tokay live 24/7/365 on the sides of tree trunks and walls, etc. FORCING your Tokay to hide on the ground is VERY stressful and will kill him in short order.

Even a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll will work for a couple of days. The cardboard will not last much longer than a day or two under the misting they normally require but if money is tight until payday, this can work.

Michael's Tokay Hoard
 
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LizardWizard

New member
I have bought plants and fixed up the tank, now my tokay is out more even in the day. I see him hiding on the tank wall behind the plants. Thanks to the person who suggested dollar store plants. That's exactly what I needed.
 
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