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scared gecko.


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Posted by mikecoscia on November 12, 2002 at 10:06:06:

In Reply to: Female wagging tail? What does this mean? posted by Gecko2525 on November 12, 2002 at 08:28:07:

The tail wagging is usually a sign of them being scared. They wiggle it like that so it looks like a worm, or some type of insect. A predator seeing the new movement will then hopefully go for the tail and not the head. If the predator goes for the head the gecko is most likely a goner, if it goes for the tail it breaks off and the gecko runs of for dear life. That’s why a lot of cresteds in the wild are tailless, they have used this defense mechanism to save their butts.

The same thing can happen in captivity. Tracy’s gecko Glyn got spooked while we were cleaning his cage, and he dropped his tail without us even touching him. So you have to be real careful, if you see their tail wiggling like that back off for a second, and let the gecko realize its not in danger. Then carefully pick it up again. If you kept handling them or grabbed them in a certain way were they feel more threatened, its possible they could drop their tail. Also some individuals are just more flighty then others and will drop their tails more readily. Anyway just keep an eye out for it; cause after all cresties can not grow their tails back.
-Mike




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