geko

Question
We have a tiny gecko we found in the yard. It is maybe an inch and a half
long. We have had it for almost a year and it has been happy and healthy
eating baby grasshoppers. Last week he shed, but didn't get any of his four
feet. I just last night took the skin off from his four feet, but he has been
lifeless all day and likes to lay on his back. Is he a goner, or will he recover
and bounce back? Is there anything I can do. I have been misting the cage.

Answer
Hi Saundra, How unfortunate for both you and the little guy. It sounds like he may have succumbed to shock. If he is still alive I would gently right him but otherwise leave him quiet and undisturbed. I have had this scenario reported before by owners of arboreal geckos. The geckos become extremely stressed  when a bad shed leaves them unable to climb and the handling that is needed to fix it can push them over the edge. The outcome may well have been the same if you had not tried to remove the skin so don't blame yourself. Young animals are particularly fragile in this way and you had the best of intentions. I would have done the same and would also have recommended to you that you attempt to remove the skin.