golden gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Golden Gecko
Scientific Name: Gekko ulikovskii
Native To: The warm rainforests of Vietnam.
Size Range: Males grow to around 7", while females stay smaller at around 5" to 6".These geckos
do not like to be handled. They are somewhat hyper and can stress easily. They can and will bite
when bothered.
Captive Enclosure:
A single gecko can be housed in a 10-gallon aquarium. Provide hiding spots, climbing branches and
vines within the tank. A secured screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure
must include a basking area with several climbing branches, a suitable hiding area, and a "cool"
area to allow for thermoregulation. Cork bark is an excellent item to use with all geckos. The
bark can be "layered" to allow the gecko many hiding and foraging areas. Artificial and natural
plants also help to create a natural look. When two or more geckos are housed together, it is
imperative that daily observations are made to avoid aggressive behavior. If aggression is noted,
one or more reptiles may have to be permanently removed from the enclosure.
Temperature:
Range between 78-85 degrees F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature
range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of
the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using
spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day /
night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in
contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is
maintained.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove
to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less
than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation,
therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting
cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the
proper amount of light is received.
Water:
These geckos need a warm and humid environment. The cage needs to be misted at least twice a day
and the geckos themselves should be misted. A large water dish is also helpful with humidity,
even though very few geckos will drink directly from the dish.
Food:
A varied diet of crickets, mealworms, waxworms and super worms works best for these geckos.
Make sure to gut load the insects and dust calcium/vitamin powder once a week. Make sure no
uneaten crickets remain in the cage, as crickets tend to bite at the limbs of the geckos and may
injure them.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
