Combine them

[GeckoAZ]

Question: I have multiple batches of hatchlings and I have kept them separated by hatch date so there are two sharing a drawer (Iris 15qt). I am begining to run out of space and am wondering if it is safe to combine hatchlings, at least up to 5 in a drawer?

Appreciate your thoughts on this dilemma.

 

[trizzypballr]

You must make sure they are the same size, you must also closely monitor them to make sure that none of them are being bullied on and are all growing the same. As they get bigger you must also have to worry about if they're males or not. It is much easier to keep them seperated 15 qt containers are pretty large for hatchlings, have you looked into 6 qt racks? I house all my geckos in 6 qt racks until they reach around 25-30 grams, then I move them over to the 15 qt racks

 

[GeckoAZ]

Brandon: thanks for the reply. I am trying to use what I have as I am a small breeder I use two drawers for my breeding pair and trio and the other 5 I planned on using for the hatchlings. I am in the process of making some dividers for the 15qt drawers to help keep them separate, plan to complete this weekend. Thanks again! David

 

[boutiquegecko]

We keep our hatchlings in 5qrt size wich doesn't really take up much space. We've kept them separate as well as just the clutchmates together-but you need to keep a close eye on them. I'd say by 2/3 weeks if any of our clutchmates are together they get separated just to be safe. Ex: keep an eye on weights in case one is hording food, keep an eye on bullying/tail nipping or loss etc.

 

[trizzypballr]

racks are actully pretty easy to make yourself if you like working with wood. I make my racks myself, Saves alot of money that way, reletively in expensive to do it yourself, just a thought for ya

 

[acpart]

I keep my hatchlings in front-opening 20 gallon tanks which I divide into 3 sections with plexiglass. I start with clutchmates housed together and "mix and match" as they change size. I can also keep 2-3 hatchlings in the large faunariums (17"x12").

Aliza

 

[GeckoAZ]

Thanks for all the helpful ideas. I made separators for the drawers so that each hatchling has its own side and seems to be working well.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Here's the hatchling rack that I built a few months ago. Very easy to build and cost half of what you'd pay to puchase a pre-made rack of the same size. It measures 4' x 4' and holds 48 6 quart tubs.

http://www.geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=4926&highlight=felicia

 

[GeckoAZ]

Felicia: Thank you for the rack plans....looks like a great solution. David