Hey guys,

So a couple of years ago I bought a male crestie from a local pet shop who shortly developed what I now believe was MBD (I hadn't done any research and assumed the pet shop had given me proper care info, don't worry that will never happen again!). The case wasn't terribly severe and he recovered quickly, however his spine is now a bit curved and his tail kind of arks up a little. Other than that he still acts pretty normal and can climb, jump, eat, etc. My question is; Do you think I could possibly introduce a new female crested gecko to his enclosure and do you think it would be possible/healthy for him to breed? If he doesn't want to breed will the female just live peacefully with him, or could she pick on him? I'm still not sure if I want to buy another crested, but I was just wondering if I could. Thanks.

If he's been fine for a couple of years and hasn't had any progression of problems AND you are sure that is what it was (nothing genetic) then I don't see why not.

Oh, and the female shouldn't pick on him. When you say the spine is slightly curved, is it S'ish or is it just the tail tuck at the back?

Oh, and the female shouldn't pick on him. When you say the spine is slightly curved, is it S'ish or is it just the tail tuck at the back?

No it isn't curved like an S, it's kinda of curved up like a small arch, I guess. I can try to post a pic of him today.

If he's been fine for a couple of years and hasn't had any progression of problems AND you are sure that is what it was (nothing genetic) then I don't see why not.

He hasn't changed at all since he got over his illness and I'm almost positive it isn't genetic since he looked and acted totally normal when we first acquired him. Thanks for your help Sara.

No it isn't curved like an S, it's kinda of curved up like a small arch, I guess. I can try to post a pic of him today.

Yeah, if you can post a pic, that would help alot! I have a female that has some funkyness to her spine, I got her like that several years ago, and she's actually been a great breeder and none of her babies have ever had a problem. The person I got her from had said it was the result of a calcium crash. Now, this was about 5 years ago, something like that, I didn't breed her for 3 years because I wanted full good recovery, and then she started dropping eggs anyway, figure may as well, and she's never had a problem. I do keep an eye on her mouth, but she always has great reserves..

He hasn't changed at all since he got over his illness and I'm almost positive it isn't genetic since he looked and acted totally normal when we first acquired him. Thanks for your help Sara.

No problem at all!!:cheers:

OK here's some pics. He was a little grumpy because I had just woken him up! lol

http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt186/BallPythons9/IMG_1587.jpg
http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt186/BallPythons9/IMG_1586.jpg

Okay I see, it kinda humps up before the tail dip, and looks like it probably has floppy tail.. Doesn't look like anything that would interfere with breeding at all, or his ability to defend himself from her if he had to, which is almost never.

I'd say try it, see what happens. If they breed hold onto the babies for awhile and make sure that they look good and hold calcium levels well, and if so then you're probably good to go.

Okay thanks, I really appreciate your help!

I have found from my breedings that parents that have bad floppy tail problems....their offspring seam to get it more often then non floppy tail parents, i dont think its genetic but if the geckos produce poor eggs or week offspring i would stop breeding him. I have acouple like this and just pets now.... I would say do it, just see how they look.

I have found from my breedings that parents that have bad floppy tail problems....their offspring seam to get it more often then non floppy tail parents, i dont think its genetic but if the geckos produce poor eggs or week offspring i would stop breeding him. I have acouple like this and just pets now.... I would say do it, just see how they look.

OK thanks.

Okay I see, it kinda humps up before the tail dip, and looks like it probably has floppy tail.. Doesn't look like anything that would interfere with breeding at all, .....

I'd say try it, see what happens.

Completely agree. You should be fine.
As far as a genetic thing, I don't think there has been anything proven one way or the other on this.

Completely agree. You should be fine.
As far as a genetic thing, I don't think there has been anything proven one way or the other on this.

So you think it's ok to breed an unhealthy gecko??? Yes it not genetic but why breed this into a heathy gecko. I bet if I posted a pic of this guy on a gecko forum all the other breeders would say don't breed it too. Physical condition of breeders is a big factor in offspring, ethics of breeding too.... If your willing to breed weak reptiles.....what's that say about the rest of your projects..... This can also be a deal breaker when selling your reptiles. I know most people will not want an offspring from a deformed parent.

OK let's not get into too big of an argument, I've decided not to breed him anyway and focus on other more important projects.

So you think it's ok to breed an unhealthy gecko??? Yes it not genetic but why breed this into a heathy gecko. I bet if I posted a pic of this guy on a gecko forum all the other breeders would say don't breed it too. Physical condition of breeders is a big factor in offspring, ethics of breeding too.... If your willing to breed weak reptiles.....what's that say about the rest of your projects..... This can also be a deal breaker when selling your reptiles. I know most people will not want an offspring from a deformed parent.

From what was written, it's not an unhealthy gecko. And has been kept for how long with no issues? If it had been a problem with anything genetic I wouldn't say to try it, but it doesn't have anything that would be a genetic factor. If it was not given the supplementaion needed before he got it, or was improperly kept before he got it and got floppy tail, that's a husbandry issue, not genetic issue.

Here nor there, he's decided against it, so doesn't really matter as far as this animal goes.