I'm fascinated by geckos! Since acquiring my first leopard geckos, I've fallen in love with these fascinating and rewarding animals, causing my collection to expand rapidly.
I currently keep a total of over 40 geckos, representing the following species;
- Diplodactylus granariensis granariensis (western stone gecko)
- Diplodactylus tessellatus (tessellated gecko)
- Eublepharis macularius (leopard geckos)
- Goniurosaurus luii (Chinese cave gecko)
- Hemidactylus imbricatus formerly Teratolepsis fasciata (viper gecko)
- Lepidodactylus lugubris (mourning gecko)
- Rhacodactylus auriculatus (gargoyle gecko)
- Rhacodactylus chahoua (mossy prehensile-tailed gecko)
- Rhacodactylus ciliatus (crested gecko)
- Rhacodactylus sarasinorum (slender prehensile-tailed gecko)
- Strophurus williamsi (eastern spiny-tailed gecko)
- Uroplatus guentheri (Gunther's leaf-tailed gecko)
Although geckos can be among the easiest reptiles to keep, each species has its own distinct requirements in terms of husbandry. These requirements should always be researched thoroughly before an animal is purchased, to ensure that optimum care can be provided right from the start. As the health and well-being of a gecko can be severely affected if it is kept in incorrect conditions, I would strongly recommend that any vivaria is set up at least one week before a new occupant is introduced, so that temperature and humidity levels can be monitored closely and adjusted as necessary to ensure that optimum conditions are attained.
Further basic information on care requirements can be found by following the link from each species. Other keepers use different husbandry techniques equally effectively, so it is clear that a variety of approaches can be used when keeping geckos. The care sheets are therefore not designed to provide a comprehensive guide to gecko care; they merely detail the methods that I have found to be successful in keeping the species concerned.
The only species that I am currently breeding is the mourning gecko (L. lugubris); this is therefore the only species for which I have provided information on breeding.
General information that may prove useful to keepers who are new to gecko husbandry can be found on my further information page. This includes;
- What to look for when purchasing a gecko
- Quarantine
- Settling into a new home
- Cleaning enclosures
- Rescuing animals
- Useful links
I have also included a general overview on information relating to gecko behaviour and general information that may prove useful. This includes;
New keepers may be unsure as to the best way to care for feeder insects to maximise their nutritional content and increase their longevity. Occasionally questions are also asked regarding the preparation of CGD too. I have therefore included a feeding section covering:
Additionally, I have a page providing basic information on some of the more common health problems that affect geckos. I must emphasis though that, if a health problem is suspected, then veterinary advice should be sought immediately so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment prescribed. However, general information is provided on the following areas:
