Tail waiving

[Kristy]

Hey Leo experts...
Some brought up the subject of tail waiving on another forum and no one had a definate answer to what it means exactly. I thought maybe it was a sign of dominance or a way of saying get out of my eay or leave me alone. Not sure, however one of my girls does this if she happens to see my other female out of her tank or if she is out and happens to see her. I am sure you all know what I am talking about, when they raise their chubby little tails and waive them back and forth (seems rather difficult with how fat those tails get lol) any way if someone could please tell me exactly what this means I would be greatful. Thanks
Kristy

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Tail waving is a defensive threat.

 

[Kristy]

Okay thanks Marcia.. So should I tell this girl who asked the question to seperate her two females? She says they are fine together even though it sounds like there are some potential problems. I don't know, I just prefer having my leos seperate, they do so much better that way.
Kristy

 

[brandy101010]

Like this...lol

I don't keep any geckos together except for breeding and I only keep the male with the female for one day at a time. I was keeping clutchmates together untill I notice a size difference but I have enough tubs now for everyone so I don't even do that anymore.

 

[Kristy]

Yup...lol Thats a good pic. Exactly what I was talking about. she is now thinking about seperating them. She doesn't want any problems or major vet bills.
Kristy

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Many times this tail waving is just a way to tell the other gecko to 'beware'. It CAN lead to fights, but not necessarily always.

 

[Arconna]

I've had my oldest female do that to me a few times while cleaning out her cage...but she's all by herself. So, it's not just gecko exclusive

 

[brandy101010]

The above fat tail did it because she does not like her picture taken :main_laugh:

 

[leopardgecko95]

Tail waving is a defensive threat.[/QUOTE/]

My leos do that before they take a chunk out of a mealie

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Then your leos are weird LOL. I've only seen the tail wave (slow like a snake) to mean "back off"...never in responce to food. Are you sure you're not seeing the tail wag of excitement? It's really, really quick and leos will do it as babies when they are excited about food and adult males will do it in excitement about gettin some (and to identify other males).

 

[Jeanne]

Then your leos are weird LOL. I've only seen the tail wave (slow like a snake) to mean "back off"...never in responce to food. Are you sure you're not seeing the tail wag of excitement? It's really, really quick and leos will do it as babies when they are excited about food and adult males will do it in excitement about gettin some (and to identify other males).

I have seen my geckos "Wave" their tail before pouncing on Mealworms or Crickets. Thats their "Attack" mode as well

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The snake-like tail waving is a little different than the tail shaking they do when they are ready to strike at a food item.

 

[Jeanne]

The snake-like tail waving is a little different than the tail shaking they do when they are ready to strike at a food item.

Thats true, now that you mention it, when they go for food, it is more the tip of the tail that shakes like a rattle snakes rattle, right

 

[GeckoStud]

Yes, the food wave does remind me of a rattler's rattle. Fast and excited.

The "defensive threat" that marcia mentioned is just gecko for BACK OFF. If the other gecko (or person ) complies, confrontations are usually avoided. I find mine sometimes chirp too if they get irritated, kinda like they get to fat to hiss LOL.

I have a female that absolutely does not tolerate other females in the same tank as her. As soon as a female came near her it was tail waving for a little bit then would chase said female into a hide or BITE her. Needless to say this particular girl is by herself now.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Yep....just like a rattler tail Jeanne! The defensive wave is unmistakable it's so slow and deliberate.

 

[Dottie]

Is the defensive wave a female thing? I've only seen my adult female doing it. It's so freaky watching her slowly stroll around the cage with her tail up slowly waving back and forth. She does it more when she's gravid.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Nope, not a female thing. I've seen males do it just as often as females. Really, it all depends on the attitude of the gecko. I have some that never tail wave, and others that are little freaks and tail wave about everything.

 

[leopardgecko95]

My females have not done it since they were a year old or so
Now one is just turned a year and a half and oen is 2 years