Re: [Gecko] Help with my fat tail

[Jim Chapman]

Hello Lisa, I do not keep Hemitheconyx caudicinctus but out of curiosity I checked my copy of The Leopard Gecko Manual because I knew they were covered therein.  I would strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a copy of this inexpensive but valuable reference.   The authors recommend a substrate for established African fat-tailed geckos is "a fine grade orchid bark or a sandy soil mix."  Until you get yours sorted out I would use something like paper towels.  This makes it easy to keep clean and also to better monitor eating/pooping.  The authors do mention the need for humidity.  They suggest misting every one to two days for sick or young geckos and twice weekly for healthy adults.    This book also has some very good info on feeding sick animals a mixture of  "banana baby food ,Nekton-Tonic and water" using an eye dropper.  Since most fat-taileds are imported it is important to check for internal parasites.  The authors discuss treatments for these.  They also tell how to make a dry/humid shelter.    Hope this helps a little but I really encourage you to get this or some other reference.  It should be available locally or on the web.   Jim Chapman/Ogden UT ----- Original Message ----- From: Lisa woertz To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2001 7:23 PM Subject: [Gecko] Help with my fat tail Hello all, great list. I just acqired a fat tail in pretty bad shape. Starving, thin and just a general mess. I had a few questions about my fat tail gecko. I have done some research on my particular gecko. As I am new to geckos in general. So, my question is what kind of substrate should I use? I have read thru most of the messages on this forum. And have heard conflicting responses. Just thought maybe one of the kind people on this list would be able to point me in the right direction. Right now..I have the tank set up with lizard litter. I'm wondering if I should be using something different. Such as maybe calci sand or cedar chips (maybe not called cedar chips) But noticed them at out local reptile store. Also, is moss a good idea. I know fat tails require alot of humidity. Thanks in advance for all your responses.