Hunchback Hatchling

[Phoenix1115]

I hatched out the most beautiful baby this morning, but it looks like she has a hunchback and a short tail. She can still walk alright and doesn't appear to be in pain in anyway. Has anybody had experience with something like this? What should I expect for her as she grows up?

 

[Phoenix1115]

 

[Phoenix1115]

 

[Ryder5406]

It looks like a genetic defect and most like these get put down to save future problems. Sounds harsh but when breeding any kind of animal you may have to make decisions like this. Take it to a rep vet to confirm. Maybe not though you never know.

 

[acpart]

The decision about whether to put down a gecko that has deformities is as murky as the determination as to whether this gecko's deformity is genetic or not. At one extreme, some people advocate culling any gecko that doesn't exhibit genetic perfection (e.g. geckos with 2 different albino strain genes) and at the other extreme are people who want to keep every gecko alive, no matter how damaged. It's a personal decision. In general, it does make sense to put down a gecko that is obviously in pain or has a deformity that will not allow it to live a relatively normal life. Examples of this are leopard geckos born with no eyelids or with abdominal hernias that can't be repaired.

I prefer to keep geckos that can live relatively normally alive. If you feel that way, you could see if this gecko is able to eat and thrive. If you hatch others with this deformity from the same pairing, you should consider not breeding the parents anymore. It will also be important to do your best to make sure that no one breeds this gecko since it can't really be determined whether it's a genetic problem or not.

Aliza