Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Cleef · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:30 pm Post subject:

I just got a stanley knife and forced the blade down on the end of the bamboo where I wanted it to split, and then used the blade to gently prise a split in the bamboo. It just splits straight down to the first knuckle quite easily, I then just sawed across where the 2 splits ended to keep the removable section in tact. I found it quite fun working with the bamboo, much easier than trying to get a big gnarled branch in the position you want it Razz

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Steve P

Jase · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject:

Those Phelsuma klemmeri are stunning, never come across them before! Consider me enlightened.

Jase
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A lil bit of Madagascar

Central Scotland Reptiles · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:15 pm Post subject:

Been a week or so since i logged on, otherwise i would have commented sooner!!

That is a nice set up you have there Cleef.

From my own experiences larger phelsuma seem to prefer smaller enclosures. Maybe the feel more secure, i don't know!!!

Again speaking from my own experiences, once a female finds a suitable laying site, you can be ( almost ) guaranteed she will continue to lay her eggs in the same spot.

I have some eggs from my Gold Dust Day Geckos currently incubating, i also have 1 female which is heavily gravid.
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Fraser Gilchrist
Central Scotland Reptiles - "Finding Beauty in the Beasts"

Cleef · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks Fraser Smile

I'm virtually 100% I will be going for laticauda. They have always been a favourite to look at, are pretty hardy and I should be able to get my hands on some easy enough. I have heard people say they are quite shy though, do you find this? It does not bother me too much, as I'm sure I'll see enough of them.

Out of interest what size enclosures do you keep your larger Phelsuma species in? Some people wouldn't use anything except a pretty massive enclosure, others say that smaller is just as good. Either way both types of keeper seem to be successful and you can't argue too much with that. To me though just looking at the size of the large Phelsuma species, I would be inclined to go with something a bit bigger than what I have.
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Steve P

Central Scotland Reptiles · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject:

I would agree, Gold Dusts are a little more shy and flighty than some of my other day geckos. Saying this however they do seem to recognise me and can be hand fed if your movements are slow and deliberate. When i have visitors round my day geckos all seem to go into hiding!!!!

Historically i used to keep my larger day geckos in medium sized Exo Terra vivariums, I forget the exact size though. I like you thought i would do them a favour and upgrade them to the largest Exo Terra vivarium. The following season i had only limited success with regards to breeding. I didn't feel they were happy in this enclosure even when not breeding. I decided to move them back into there old, smaller enclosures and find them far more 'happy' breeding rates have also increased. Strange but true!!!!!
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Fraser Gilchrist
Central Scotland Reptiles - "Finding Beauty in the Beasts"

Cleef · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:27 pm Post subject:

Very interesting Smile

I think I have the medium sized exo terra that you talk about (45cm cubed)

As for laticauda being a bit flighty, they would probably get used to me in time. I have deliberately placed the basking spot nearer the front of the viv too, so that should help
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Steve P

Central Scotland Reptiles · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:49 pm Post subject:

Placing the basking area at the front of the vivarium may indeed 'force' them to break from cover. This may however be counter productive, the geckos may have to make a choice, expose themselves to you and bask or stay hidden and not bask.

Regarding your setup, i would suggest a little more cover / foliage. Day Geckos in the wild are near the bottom of the food chain, just above insects, and evolution dictates that they should remain hidden. This links in with my previous point about the basking lamp.

Failure to give enough cover will i think, at least until them become used to you, just stress them out. Just my thoughts and opinion based on my own experiences.
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Fraser Gilchrist
Central Scotland Reptiles - "Finding Beauty in the Beasts"

Cleef · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 12:41 am Post subject:

Thanks for the tips. I got the suggestion from reading a different forum, but I'll see how it goes. If the gecko is forced to make a run for it every time I go near I'll change position of the basking site.

As for the foliage I'll have a mess around with some taller plants near the front too
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Steve P

Central Scotland Reptiles · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:59 am Post subject:

I am a huge fan of Devils Ivy aka Pothos. You can get the hanging basket type from most garden centres. I then arrange the runners around the back and sides of the vivarium and around any branches and bamboo. You can get a fair sized plant for under £10.00. Another advantage is that it grows fast and you can take cuttings easily to start new plants.

Make sure you wash the leaves first and you may even wish to re pot them to avoid any harmful chemicals.
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Fraser Gilchrist
Central Scotland Reptiles - "Finding Beauty in the Beasts"

Cleef · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 12:26 pm Post subject:

I have 2 pothos at the bottom of the enclosure, one near the back and one near the front, they just need to get going a bit more. I like the hanging basket idea though, an easy way of providing more cover up top
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Steve P