my hatchling is limping with it's front legs. i keep it in a small plastic box with just a water dish and a small hiding spot. the baby is 9 days old and i've started feeding it the on it's 6th day ( the day it started limping). i feed it mealworms and waxworms dusted with vitamins and calcium (the first worms were dusted with reptivie with d3) and i've put it every day since under 10.0 uv for about 30 mins a day. does anyone have any clue about the problem? i was thinking maybe mbd, but i don't know if that is possible for a 6 day old hatchling.
baby limping
- Thread starter tibi
- Start date
DrCarrotTail
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,590
- Location
- Ridgewood, NJ
I would stop with the light and the waxworms. The light is unnecessary and probably stressing the poor little guy out and the waxworms are unhealthy for a growing baby. IMO waxworms should only be given as a treat to adult geckos (1-2 every few months) or to breeding females that need to keep their weight up.
It is possible for a 6 day old hatchling to have MBD if the mother was deficient in calcium or other nutrients. Make sure the baby has access to pure calcium (nothing mixed in) in its box at all times. Also babies need quite a bit of humidity their first week or so. It's possible he didn't shed correctly if his bin has been too dry.
It is possible for a 6 day old hatchling to have MBD if the mother was deficient in calcium or other nutrients. Make sure the baby has access to pure calcium (nothing mixed in) in its box at all times. Also babies need quite a bit of humidity their first week or so. It's possible he didn't shed correctly if his bin has been too dry.
DrCarrotTail
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,590
- Location
- Ridgewood, NJ
If it is MBD I would think he could to some degree but it takes quite a while for calcium to be digested, metabolized and absorbed into the bones to strengthen them. It usually requires more treatment than feeding extra calcium and you may need a vet to help give calcium in a more efficient way, like liquid or shots. That is, of course, if that turns out to be the issue. MBD is usually fairly obvious as their legs seem rubbery and unable to support their weight. They may also have issues eating as their jawbone is weak. Your gecko could have something else wrong. If you're really worried about him I would probably take a trip to the vet before trying to treat him for something he may not have yourself.
gaining strenght and eating good. i think she'll be fine
DrCarrotTail
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,590
- Location
- Ridgewood, NJ
Glad to hear it!
Visit our friends
