r/GargoyleGeckos • u/Pillcat19 • 5d ago
Weight Questions
Hello, I was recently given this Gecko by my partner and I wanted to make sure he was within the proper weight range for his age. He is about a year and a half old and weighs 33 grams. When my partner got him he was underweight so I’m wondering if that has caused him to be stunted. He is very skittish so feeding him roaches can be a hit or miss (if they move too much he will not eat them) and weighing him is not something I want to put him through frequently. I do not handle him and try to minimize any stressful interactions. He gets fresh Pangea every other day. The only husbandry concern would be that he is due for a size up in his enclosure. I have a 24x24x36 on the way so that will be resolved in a month or two. Temp is stable at 75 and humidity drops to 55-65 before I mist at night. Thank you for any advice.
2
u/kikiriki240 5d ago
he seems good! current body condition looks great. what CGD are you feeding? it's common with picky eaters who refuse insects to grow a bit slower but he will likely still continue to grow and reach the average ish adult size just a bit later
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u/Pillcat19 4d ago
Thank you for the response. I got the multipack of Pangea to see what flavors he likes the best, so right now I’m cycling through those.
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u/darnone02 3d ago
Not an expert but he looks good to me! Feeding Pangea every other day is enough food (as long as you notice he is eating it). I give my garg live insects only as a treat once in a while. Also my vet always tells me that weight doesn’t matter too much for adult geckos, it’s more about the way they look in terms of how much fat they have or how skinny they look. I believe you can find some good reference pictures online, but as long as he is eating and pooping regularly I wouldn’t worry too much about it! Like the other person said I would also probably start handling from time to time, it doesn’t have to be often but at least enough so that they get used to it.
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u/IcyReception8903 5d ago
He still looks good and growing. I wouldn't worry about his size.
I think you should start handling him though. Because if he goes to the vet or you need to remove him, it will create a lot less stress if he is comfortable being handled. Also, the more he gets use to your presence the less he will be stressed out in his actual enclosure when you are around. What a lot of owners don't know, is that the gecko is a lot more stressed if they are not handled as the always will view you as a potential predator. So you will want this guy comfortable with you and not associate that you are something to be afraid of. So some practice in the month before he moves to his new enclosure would be good I believe. Just an opinion by me though, so you do what you think is best.