Stress from being Shipped

[CallDr]

It seems there is a lot of questions about stress from shipping.

The reason for this thread is because I think it's a major topic.

For example: Getting a new Gecko from breeder shipped overnight. This is "stressful" on the animal. Let's face the facts, put in a box and that box handled many times before it reaches your door. The last one I got the UPS guy set the box on it's side! when the arrows show what is up.

We need a guideline on what to do after you open the box and place the new gecko in it's new "place/home/cage or holding bin".

Now I have only done this twice but here is what I would do next time.

If I was getting a new Gecko from a breeder I would do some things different,

1. I would block off at least 3 sides with black paper.
2. I would put it in a single housing.... not with another.
3. I would have the basics, 2 hides, water and dish of mealworms... nothing else.
4. No over head lights.
5. Wait. Give it enough time to become completely accustomed to every inch of the new house, for at least the first day ( maybe 2) , no extra attention, staring at it, or constant checking.
6. Make sure you "housing" is set up ready to go. Right temps.
7. If it sees you and runs and hides as you approach the cage. Thats OK. I would just walk past the cage and not stop to look. Let the animal get used to or adjust to Human movement.
8. Remove at least one hide ( I would do both) when you attempt to feed and then change water,clean poop while it can see you doing this.
9. Do everything slow with no loud or fast movements.
10. Have the cage where it can view human activity from a distance.


Thats all I would do based on just 2 times.


What is your method or system?

 

[Chewbecca]

When I get a new gecko, I have the enclosure ready with hide(s) (usually I get juvies/babies, so I have a shoebox sized enclosure ready with a hide, water, food dish, and calcium dish), and once the gecko arrives, I gently open the box, put the deli cup in the enclosure, open it, let the gecko out, put the lid on the enclosure, put the enclosure on the rack, and I leave them alone.

It's really as simple as that.:main_yes:

 

[KyleR]

I think you probably implied it, but I would add - "No handling them for a week - minimum"

Adults that are used to being handled are probably somewhat exempt, but for juvies and babies that aren't... I would say hands off for awhile.

Kyle

 

[Mel&Keith]

A few more tips to remember:

- Open the box (preferably not in extreme sunlight)
- Look at geckos without removing them from the deli cups to make sure nothing is immediately wrong
- Leave them in the deli cups for AT LEAST 20 minutes to adjust to room temperature before placing them in their new homes or handling them. If the weather is not moderate (around 65-75F) then they need longer to adjust, 30 minutes +.
- Email the seller after you open the box to let them know they arrived alive so we can stop worrying!

 

[CallDr]

Good point Mel on when to remove from the deli cup.

I think since you mentioned it, I might set the cup in the cage on or close to the warm side and maybe let it settle in maybe even longer than you suggested. Lets face the facts again..... the long travel time ( at least to the gecko ) and the drive in the truck before it reaches your home.

I'm thinking if we get "jet lag" then what that would be for the animal? It would seem that 3 things are needed. One is getting rid of what we call "sea legs" ,the other is getting to that warm state they are used to and adjusting to the light in the room.

My "gut" instinct would be to watch the Gecko for at least 30 min. After that time if it's trying to get out of the deli dish...... wait another 30 to see if it settles down. ( which I think would be a good sign) Then if all things are as they are after, make the call and open the dish so it can crawl out or handle it into the cage.

Yes...... always call or email that all is ok with the seller and arrived well!

 

[CallDr]

I think you probably implied it, but I would add - "No handling them for a week - minimum"

Adults that are used to being handled are probably somewhat exempt, but for juvies and babies that aren't... I would say hands off for awhile.

Kyle

Agreed Kyle!. I think we have to be the care taker, going in the cage. They need "time" to adjust to that too. I think a week is an excellent place to start!

 

[CallDr]

When I get a new gecko, I have the enclosure ready with hide(s) (usually I get juvies/babies, so I have a shoebox sized enclosure ready with a hide, water, food dish, and calcium dish), and once the gecko arrives, I gently open the box, put the deli cup in the enclosure, open it, let the gecko out, put the lid on the enclosure, put the enclosure on the rack, and I leave them alone.

It's really as simple as that.:main_yes:

It's simple going from one Bin environment to another. I think most have a open tank or cage. Thats a 180 and not a simple change.