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White-spotted Gecko As with most arboreal (tree dwelling) geckos,
it is best not to handle these geckos frequently. Not only are they fast,
their skin is sensitive and can be damaged easily. Children should only
handle these geckos in the company of an adult. These geckos are excellent
display reptiles for terrariums. Length is up to 10". Have the new terrarium
completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally,
make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its
new home before any attempt to handle it.
Feeding: White-spotted geckos do well on a diet consisting of a variety
of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms.
These geckos will also accept fruit baby food, and prepared foods. Soft
foods should be removed from the habitat 4-6 hours after it is offered
to prevent spoilage. Adult white-spotted geckos should be fed 3-4 times
per week, some juveniles can be fed twice daily during their growing period.
A shallow water bowl should be provided and changed daily. Daily misting
of the habitat will help maintain the humidity level.
Housing: 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 desired,
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.
Ideal daytime temperature for white-spotted geckos should range between
75 and 85 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used on one
end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 85-95 degrees.
Nighttime temperature should remain between 70 and 75 degrees. The humidity
for white-spotted geckos should be maintained at 75 percent or higher.
Most geckos require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Although
nocturnal (mainly active at night) geckos don't require ultraviolet lighting,
if it is part of the habitat design, it is recommended for 12 hours per
day. The use of a timer will assist in maintaining an accurate schedule
of light periods. Bed-A-Beast is an ideal substrate for white-spotted
gecko terrariums. Substrate should be kept moist but changed regularly
to avoid bacterial growth.
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