Gecko behavior question

[Ryanurso1]

Our leo has been acting strange since the moment we've had her. By this I mean she( we think), has been darting out of her hides the moment we approach the tank, starring at us with her head tilted strangely for up to an hour at a time, and even recently bobbed her head and shook her tail when we greeted her with a very soft verbal hello through the screen top. What does this behavior mean? We are attempting to handle her soon but are concerned she is aggressive more than curious. Any help would be appreciated.

p.s. this is during all hours of the day/night and not necessarily during or after feeding times. The temps are perfectly placed on both the warm and cool side with the calcium dish, plenty of hides and proper substrate in the tank.

Please help!! :main_huh:

 

[geckogirl3]

she might be an enigma

 

[Ryanurso1]

it appears as though you've nailed it. but what exactly is an enigma as opposed to a regular morph behavior-wise? The markings are identical to what a google search showed for enigma. Thanks in advance.

 

[5HiddenLizards]

Could be enigma. Do you have a picture of her? And from what I've heard, enigmas are very personable.



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[geckogirl3]

here is sume stuff
http://www.freewebs.com/grinninggecko/enigmasyndromestudy.htm

 

[Ryanurso1]

what made you guys instantly say enigma?! i'm very interested.. she doesnt have the light colored eyes but does have the same sort of traits. her tail is white with black spots all over it and a light orange body with no defined spots or stripes but rather blotches of spots. we bought her at petco so i'd be shocked that they'd sell a valuable leo for 19.99 lol. from what i read they go between $800-3000.

 

[geckogirl3]

from my link
O : Generally healthy with no evidence of neurological defect. Status comparable to healthy non enigma morphs.
1 : Short periods of ‘Star Gazing’ and / or ‘Circling’ as part of ‘startle’ reflex such as when exposed to bright light. Generally behaves normally and is able to feed and function normally.
2: Prolonged periods of ‘Star Gazing’ and /or ‘ Circling ’ in the absence of external stimuli. Still able to feed independently.
3 : ‘ Star Gazing ’ and / or ‘ Circling ’ behaviour plus an inability to capture prey. Requiring assistance with feeding. e.g. forceps feeding.
4 : Severe ‘ Star Gazing ’ and / or ‘ Circling ’. Totally dependent on owner for feeding, shedding etc.
5 : Extreme episodes of ‘Star Gazing ’ and / or ‘ Circling ’ . Circling chaotic and frenzied resulting in neck extension and muscle spasm that causes the animal to flip onto its back. Totally dependent and demonstrating the most severe manifestation of Enigma Syndrome.
6 : Animal deceased either naturally or euthanized.

 

[Ryanurso1]

she appears to be a score of 2 on the TESS scale. should we try to handle her? we placed our hand in the tank and had her approach it cautiously several times climbing all the way up once. we also made the mistake of trying to pick her up inside her rock hide and got a quick hiss and strike so we retracted. we've heard 50% saying handle her and 50% saying no. we gave her several weeks to get used to her environment and eats very healthy without assistance. any help would be great, we are stumped.

 

[5HiddenLizards]

My only assumption was her behavior. I've read thru other posts & it seemed like that could be it. I am no expert in syndromes or morphs, just my hypothesis based on what I've read. My leos do stare at stuff, but I've always been able to figure out what was drawing their attention.



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[5HiddenLizards]

I think she'll be fine with handling as long as you do it slowly & on her terms. Every leo is different. She just has to get used to you.


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[Ryanurso1]

i'm about to upload a picture so hopefully that will allow you guys to give me a more definitive answer. incoming now.

 

[Ryanurso1]

 

[Ryanurso1]

i couldn't get a picture of the eyes, but what do you think based on the colors

 

[5HiddenLizards]

I'm not good with morphs, so I can't tell you based on color. Maybe someone else can help with morphing her.



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