HELP: Phelsuma keeps biting himself!

[Freddy&Maris]

I already changed his substate and plants etc twice since this had begun last year in summer. I have also changed his food a week ago. Im not ready to give up on him, especially since he is so lively. Im thinking about buying a temporalily terrarium of 70cm high and 40 cm in with hopes of 'starting over'. If there is something wrong with his enclosure this should help. What do you guys think? Its pretty expensive but I love him.

 

[Nika]

I think a new home for Freddy is a good idea. No matter how much it costs, our pets are priceless for us. I fully understand you. About food... You need time and patience. Allergic reaction has a strong destructive effect for animals and reptile. To see results, time is necessary. I have two pets with an allergy and I know it.
Everything will be fine. Just need to find the cause of this problem.

 

[Nika]

Mariska hi,

There is another possible reason, I will try to translate it

1 - Reaction to food. One of the first signs of improper feeding is itching in a tail area.
2 - Fungal infection = Strong itch in a tail area.
3 - Stress, neurosis.

4. Similar situation occurred with a lizard, therefore it may be applicable to geckos too. Some kind of infection or inflammation, which was related to rectum. It is hard to see or determine, but it may be the reason for biting the tail.

Here's the solution that the person who ran into this problem used. It is unknown if Freddy has the same problem, but I still will write, maybe somebody will learn from it in the future.

Place the gecko 3-4 times a week inside a lukewarm clean water bath for approximately 5 minutes, so his rectum and tail would be completely submerged in the water (and cleaned therefore). The person added into the water a few grains of Potassium permanganate in order to disinfect the water, the rectum and the wound. But the dosage should be really weak (pale pink water). Probably there are other options, but in any case the dosage should be measured very carefully. The main issue it should be really small and harmless.

After 2 weeks reduce the baths to 1 time a week. Continue for a month, and proceed according to the results. These are not antibiotics, which work fast, so you will need patience. Reptiles are very hard to treat, because the dosage and drugs are unknown. So if the reptile does not require an emergency help, better let it cure naturally with some little help, and their immune system will do the rest.

Besides, despite the fact that Pehlsumas need high humidity, during cure period the humidity in the terrarium should be reduced to 40-50%. This will prevent any fungal infection from developing, if it exists inside the terrarium. This will also help to reduce inflammation to rectum and open wound. BUT, you have to monitor the pet closely - if it is about to shed its skin, you need to increase the humidity fast back to 80-90% to allow easy shedding. After the shedding is finished, reduce the humidity back. Do not soak the terrarium during the treatment, just pour some lukewarm water directly on Freddy few times a day.

Given that the problem continues more than a year, I wouldn't expect fast results either. Just be patient and get him back to health.

From that person saying, during all his experience (more than 20 years), this problem occurred only with one male. Nobody can tell what's wrong with Freddy, so what left is to try and seek for solutions.

If you're going to try it, don't be afraid to put Freddy into the bath. I did it with mine, and she behaved very calmly. Submerge slowly and calmly, no fast movements - let him get used to the new condition. Put your finger under the gecko's head, so it will feel that the head is safe, it makes them more calm. In general, Phelsumas accept water very well according to my experience. They do not react well to hands many times, but they are calm in water. With my finger under her head she sits calmly, if I take my finger out, she stresses and tries to escape.