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Cresty tail shaking

Posted By:

tooomanycolors

I recently have noticed my cresty girls shaking their money makers(tail) for no apparent reason, well to me at least. Background I have had Koopa and Pocket Friend in the tank for the last 10 months or so, since they were both essentially hatchlings. I recently added Toad(ette) to the mix, all 3 geckos are in the 20-21g range so it shouldnt be a size mismatch thing. I googled the question and got mixed answers...stress, feeding, breeding, etc. My plan tomorrow is to get a 10gallon tank and set it up for my boy and get him away from the girls. I was planning to do this before the tail thing, since no one in there is old enough to procreate and this will eliminate that possibility. So what do you think is causing the tail shaking, also last night Toad(ette) started it and made a chirping noise to go along with it, havent heard Koopa make the noise yet though. Thanks


Points:	100
Topics:	General Health
Tags:	Crested, Shaking, Tail
Species:	Lizards > Geckos > Correlophus ciliatus
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Member Comment

10/15/2009 12:02:53 AM

Sylvias

I Think it may have to do with mating. I had a female do that once in the presence of my male and he chirped back at her, but when he went it to make his move she squeaked and took off running. I have not and do not plan on breeding cresties soon, I was just seeing what would happen with the interaction, so I don't know if this is normal behavior, if pursuit is part of the courtship or if she is giving mixed signals lol

Accepted Answer

10/15/2009 6:02:39 AM

TVR

Shaking tails is a defense for Cresteds. They are hoping the "predator" will go after the tail instead of the body and they will drop it.

Member Comment

10/15/2009 7:35:18 AM

Sparkle

Hm, I've never noticed any of mine do the tail-shake thing, but they do chirp when they're "getting busy" or as foreplay. I think the male chirps to say some lame pickup line like "Hey baby, what's your sign?" and the female chips back, "You're an idiot, but you're cute, so let's get it on." Something along those lines. LOL

Member Comment

10/15/2009 1:23:48 PM

JohnJohn

LOL. Sparkle knows gecko language. That's pretty good!

I don't know about Cresties, but my Leos shake their tails all the time, swishing them around like a cat. They do this when feeding and when it's time to mate.

It would probably be a good idea to separate out your male.

Assisted Answer

10/15/2009 1:40:43 PM

Sparkle

I'd agree. Best to get him away from that jailbait until the girls get to the age of legal consent. ;) Still, shame on her for shakin' her booty at him...the tease. LOL

Author Comment

10/15/2009 2:00:08 PM

tooomanycolors

hahahahhahahaahahahahaha, thanks sparkle....and both girls are little tramps hahahahaha

Member Comment

10/15/2009 5:56:33 PM

TVR

Like Sparkle said, its best to seperate them for now.
Leos do the tail rattling when getting ready to breed but the cresteds usually do not. Male makes jumpy movements and noises then pounces on the female. The female usually bites at him and waves her tail trying to get him off of her, the same way they do with predators. I usually seperate them if that happens. THe bigger or proven breeder females will most of the time just sit there and take it once the male has her and the younger or first time breeders are the ones doing the tail waving.

Author Comment

10/15/2009 9:23:18 PM

tooomanycolors

Ok plan is as soon as I get the check Im waiting for, Ill go get a nice 10 gallon for my boy and the girls will have to learn to get along, I also want to get another girl....any help? (pssst sparkle thats to you ;))

Author Comment

10/17/2009 6:17:48 PM

tooomanycolors

Hey so I got a new tank for my boy....ill get some pictures up tomorrow

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