Sad, sad news.

[damzookeeper]

I had a very busy day yesterday because I had a doc appointment and a confermation to attend in the evening after work. So at lunch I decided I would feed all the beardies their last meal because I new I wouldn't get back to the herp room before 9pm. When I went in the herp room it was a little over 100 degrees and I opened a window but not having much time I didn't think to remove my crestie from the room. I gave the cage a quick spray and left to go back to work. Like I suspected the next time I got into the room was a little after 9pm to I started by feeding all my baby geckos and found my new hatchling That was due to shed had died. It was born with a disfigured back bone at the base of the tail making the tail go off crocked. I really wanted this little girl to live! she was so cute. :( Then I went to feed my crestie and I found him on the bottom of his cage dead as well. This was not a defect, this was most likely my own fault. I left the poor thing in the herp room and it was 100.8 degrees in there at noon. I am so mad at myself right now I could scream! I wasn't going to even put him in the herp room but a friend of mine said the babies like it warmer and since the rest of the house was around 70-73 I decided to put him in there because it was staying at a constant 85. But then with the weather we got Sunday and Monday and somehow the door to the herp room ended up getting closed and it is always left open. And the temperature climaxed. I am so mad at myself. If I would have taken a few seconds to remove him at noon. He was still in the trees when I sprayed him. I didn't get a good look but I assumed he was fine. I just don't know what happened other than the heat. He seamed quite healthy and happy, I had just had him out on Sunday and was taking pictures of him, he was very active.
Sorry this is so long, just had to vent and get this all out, and let everyone know that I am mad at myself right now so don't mind me if I sound grumpy. :mad:

[nicola_boulton]

ahhh, thats sad. Im really sorry. :( dont worry about it now, these things happen 2 every1!!!

[ballpython5000]

sometimes our mistakes cause pain to others. that is really sad just try to use the experience as a lesson. just know what has happened and try not to do it again. it wasn't all your fault it was an accident. if it repeats itself then its your fault. try not to feel bad, sorry that happened to you.

[beth wallbank]

sorry.....accidents do happen to the best of people.....chin up

[marisa]

Oh that sucks big time!!! :(

I hope you feel better about it soon though.

Marisa

[damzookeeper]

Thanks for the replies guys. I hope I feel better soon too, but knowing it was my own damn fault makes me so made! I am constantly fighting back the tears when I enter that room or talk about it right now.

R.I.P. Mr. Magoo.
Funny how attached we get in such short time. :(
http://www.reptilerascals.com/2003-04-25magoofinger.JPG

http://www.reptilerascals.com/2003-04-25mrmagooclose.JPG
Good bye my heart.

[Youkai]

Don't beat yourself up too badly. Cresteds are different from many other comony kept herps in one way...
If you go with cresties again (and I hope you do!) I have a suggestion. With crested geckos, cooler is usually better. They are tolerant of cool temperatures for short periods of time, but not warmer temps.
That's not normally the way most people think when it comes to their reptiles. Too cool = problems for the most part.

[damzookeeper]

Originally posted by Youkai
Don't beat yourself up too badly. Cresteds are different from many other comony kept herps in one way...
If you go with cresties again (and I hope you do!) I have a suggestion. With crested geckos, cooler is usually better. They are tolerant of cool temperatures for short periods of time, but not warmer temps.
That's not normally the way most people think when it comes to their reptiles. Too cool = problems for the most part.

Thanks, Brian, is it? I definately want to try it again, but not till the basement is ready! After talking to a friend of mine, I am feeling a bit better. I know accidents happen but it just made me mad that it was my accident. This was my first deadly screw up in my 3 years with herps and my first 2 losses. I've learned my lesson, not to be so careless next time!
Thanks again, for making me feel a little bit better.

[Youkai]

I'm glad I could help!
Unfortunately, it's usually through mistakes like this that we hit a hard learning curve, but at least you'll be better for it. I made a bad mistake once that cost me three cave gecko hatchlings. Faulty heat pad. It wasn't supposed to get over 80 (plant heater) so I didn't have it on a controller of any kind. Well, it did get way, way over 80 once....and well, you know the story. :(

And it's Jen, since you're wondering. ;)

[damzookeeper]

Bah, thanks "Jen", sorry about the name thing. lol. Too many nicknames to put real names to. :) Sorry about the caves.
I think my parents want to make me feel better. lol They came over today during lunch and saw I was depressed and my mother was asking if there were any cresteds around here. I told her there aren't and I'm not getting any more till I 'know' it will be cool enough for them. But it was sweet of her, anyway. :)

[RachelS.]

Freak accidents happen, Deb... I'm really sorry to hear that :(. I know exactly how it feels to lose a pet... My condolences.

[damzookeeper]

Originally posted by beth wallbank
sorry.....accidents do happen to the best of people.....chin up

Thanks Beth, seems like you are always there for me. ;)