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OUR MISSION:
Is simple: to offer you beautiful, high quality geckos.
We're picky about our geckos and have carefully selected breeders that we feel are of the highest caliber in color, pattern, and structure. Our breeding groups are arranged to combine and accent the best features of each gecko so that we may proudly offer you their stellar offspring.
443.813.4540 (preferred)
R. ciliatus, also known as Crested Geckos, are named for the elongated scales, or "crests" found along the rim of their eyes and the lateral edges of their dorsal region.
R. auriculatus, also known as Gargoyle Geckos, are named for the bony knobs on their skull above the ear opening.
R. chahoua, also known as Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Geckos or Chahoua, are named for their prehensile tail and lichen-like coloration. Chahoua have two distinct locales: Pine Isle and Mainland.
R. leachianus, also known as Giant Geckos or Leachianus, are named for their impressive size. Giant Geckos have many different locales.
Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, Chahoua, and Leachianus are all semi-arboreal as well as omnivorous (meaning they feed on both insect and plant matter). Under proper care, they have the potential to be very long lived - up to or over 15 years!
There are some key differences in temperament between these geckos worth noting early in this care sheet. Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, and Chahoua are generally calm and tolerate brief handling well. Leachianus can become tame, though they have a tendency towards aggression and can deliver a painful bite if not used to handling, if startled, or if feeling threatened. Unlike the aforementioned three geckos, though, leachianus are very vocal and will warn their handler with huffs, clicks, and whistles.
Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, and Chahoua can be kept singularly or in small groups. If kept in a group, there should only be one male in the enclosure. Tanks that are taller rather than longer suit their semi-arboreal lifestyle best. The minimum size for an adult gecko is 20 gallons (16" x 12" x 24"). A leachianus adult is best kept in enclosures that are at least 30 gallons (approx. 18" x 18" x 24") and should be kept singularly or in compatible pairs. Enclosures can be made of glass, plastic, or screen. If the enclosure is glass or plastic, a screened lid or side is required for adequate ventilation. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 10 gallons per additional gecko.
How the enclosure is set up is highly personal and will depend on many factors (size, location, time willing to dedicate, etc.). Some hobbyists choose to have a live planted vivarium whereas others choose a much more simplistic arrangement.
Vivariums can be a beautiful way to display your geckos but additional care must be given to the entire setup to ensure the environment is thriving and healthy for your gecko. A substrate mix of potting soil and peat moss is recommended. A layer 2" to 5" deep on top of a drainage layer will support live plants. Scindapsus, Sanseveria, Chlorophytum, Asplenium, Ficus, and Bromeliads are several good choices. Plants with small leaves, thin stems, and any level of toxicity should be avoided. Remember that a good light source (be it natural or artificial) is necessary for keeping plants healthy within a vivarium. Vines and/or branches as well as hides should be included as well. Some hobbyists choose to remove all visible waste while others stir the substrate with the aim of keeping it biologically active. Vivariums should have a rich, earthy smell. Take care that the vivarium does not become too humid or mold and mildew could quickly grow.
A simplistic setup, though decidedly more sterile to look at, can be much easier to maintain. Paper towels or newspaper can be used as a substrate and simply replaced when it becomes soiled. Silk plants can be used to add some green to your setup and the leaves can be easily wiped down during cleaning. Fake vines and branches will give your geckos some objects to climb. Hollow logs, curled bark, and coconut shells make good hides. Curled or straight pieces of cork bark should be supplied to chahoua and leachianus geckos as it helps them feel secure.
Rhacodactylus geckos are best kept between 70 and 78°F during the day and 65 to 70°F at night. A heat source is only needed if your home tends to stay on the chilly side. If you do supply your gecko with additional heating, be sure to aim for a temperature gradient within their enclosure not to exceed the temperature range recommended above.
Being that they are nocturnal, these geckos do to not need any more than ambient room lighting. If you choose to light your geckos, keep an eye on the temperature within the enclosure and position the light so that your geckos can avoid it if they choose. Bulbs should never be placed within the enclosure. Incandescent lighting gives off some heat, so stick with low wattage bulbs, keep a thermometer in the enclosure, and make sure that any basking surface is a good 10" away from the light source. Fluorescent UV-B does not give off any significant amount of heat and can be used to show off the coloration of your gecko. It is also thought that UV-B lighting will help these geckos synthesize their own Vitamin D3 (a critical component of calcium absorption). UV-B lighting is not necessary, though, due to the inclusion of Vitamin D3 in their recommended diet (which is described below).
As mentioned earlier, Rhacodactylus geckos are omnivorous and generally relish both fruit and insect matter in their diet. There are several different feeding regimes than can be followed, but we are going to outline (and highly recommend) the method we have been using with success.
All of our geckos (from hatchlings to breeding adults) are fed the powdered Repashy Superfoods Crested Gecko Diet (CGD). This Meal Replacement Powder was developed after years of research and is specially formulated to meet the dietary requirements of Rhacodactylus geckos. This diet can be purchased online or in some pet stores. The CGD is very simple to use: one part powder is mixed with two parts water and served in a small dish. We provide fresh CGD to our geckos three to four times a week.
In addition to the CGD, we offer Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) at least once a week. Feeder insects (such as Dubia roaches or crickets) should be no longer than the width between your gecko's eyes. Dust insects with calcium powder sans Vitamin D3.
A note on baby food: We still see a great many care sheets suggesting that Crested and Gargoyle geckos can be maintained on a baby food diet. Baby food is far too high in sugar and does NOT meet the nutritional requirements of Rhacodactylus geckos. Due to the ease of use and ensured proper nutrition, we HIGHLY recommend using the powdered Crested Gecko Diet.
Some hobbyists supply their geckos with bowls of fresh water while others just spray their gecko tanks daily. If you choose to offer a water bowl, make sure the water level is appropriate for the size of your gecko. Water shouldn't be deep enough that your gecko could be completely submerged, especially with hatchlings. Aim for 50% humidity, with a spike after each misting. If you notice pieces of shed skin remaining on your gecko, increase the humidity within the tank.
If you have any questions whatsoever concerning the current or future care of your gecko, please do not hesitate to contact us.
R. auriculatus, also known as Gargoyle Geckos, are named for the bony knobs on their skull above the ear opening.
R. chahoua, also known as Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Geckos or Chahoua, are named for their prehensile tail and lichen-like coloration. Chahoua have two distinct locales: Pine Isle and Mainland.
R. leachianus, also known as Giant Geckos or Leachianus, are named for their impressive size. Giant Geckos have many different locales.
Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, Chahoua, and Leachianus are all semi-arboreal as well as omnivorous (meaning they feed on both insect and plant matter). Under proper care, they have the potential to be very long lived - up to or over 15 years!
There are some key differences in temperament between these geckos worth noting early in this care sheet. Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, and Chahoua are generally calm and tolerate brief handling well. Leachianus can become tame, though they have a tendency towards aggression and can deliver a painful bite if not used to handling, if startled, or if feeling threatened. Unlike the aforementioned three geckos, though, leachianus are very vocal and will warn their handler with huffs, clicks, and whistles.
Crested geckos, Gargoyle geckos, and Chahoua can be kept singularly or in small groups. If kept in a group, there should only be one male in the enclosure. Tanks that are taller rather than longer suit their semi-arboreal lifestyle best. The minimum size for an adult gecko is 20 gallons (16" x 12" x 24"). A leachianus adult is best kept in enclosures that are at least 30 gallons (approx. 18" x 18" x 24") and should be kept singularly or in compatible pairs. Enclosures can be made of glass, plastic, or screen. If the enclosure is glass or plastic, a screened lid or side is required for adequate ventilation. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 10 gallons per additional gecko.
How the enclosure is set up is highly personal and will depend on many factors (size, location, time willing to dedicate, etc.). Some hobbyists choose to have a live planted vivarium whereas others choose a much more simplistic arrangement.
- The basic requirements for any type of a setup are:
- Fresh water
- Substrate
- Foliage and objects to climb
- Hides
Vivariums can be a beautiful way to display your geckos but additional care must be given to the entire setup to ensure the environment is thriving and healthy for your gecko. A substrate mix of potting soil and peat moss is recommended. A layer 2" to 5" deep on top of a drainage layer will support live plants. Scindapsus, Sanseveria, Chlorophytum, Asplenium, Ficus, and Bromeliads are several good choices. Plants with small leaves, thin stems, and any level of toxicity should be avoided. Remember that a good light source (be it natural or artificial) is necessary for keeping plants healthy within a vivarium. Vines and/or branches as well as hides should be included as well. Some hobbyists choose to remove all visible waste while others stir the substrate with the aim of keeping it biologically active. Vivariums should have a rich, earthy smell. Take care that the vivarium does not become too humid or mold and mildew could quickly grow.
A simplistic setup, though decidedly more sterile to look at, can be much easier to maintain. Paper towels or newspaper can be used as a substrate and simply replaced when it becomes soiled. Silk plants can be used to add some green to your setup and the leaves can be easily wiped down during cleaning. Fake vines and branches will give your geckos some objects to climb. Hollow logs, curled bark, and coconut shells make good hides. Curled or straight pieces of cork bark should be supplied to chahoua and leachianus geckos as it helps them feel secure.
Rhacodactylus geckos are best kept between 70 and 78°F during the day and 65 to 70°F at night. A heat source is only needed if your home tends to stay on the chilly side. If you do supply your gecko with additional heating, be sure to aim for a temperature gradient within their enclosure not to exceed the temperature range recommended above.
Being that they are nocturnal, these geckos do to not need any more than ambient room lighting. If you choose to light your geckos, keep an eye on the temperature within the enclosure and position the light so that your geckos can avoid it if they choose. Bulbs should never be placed within the enclosure. Incandescent lighting gives off some heat, so stick with low wattage bulbs, keep a thermometer in the enclosure, and make sure that any basking surface is a good 10" away from the light source. Fluorescent UV-B does not give off any significant amount of heat and can be used to show off the coloration of your gecko. It is also thought that UV-B lighting will help these geckos synthesize their own Vitamin D3 (a critical component of calcium absorption). UV-B lighting is not necessary, though, due to the inclusion of Vitamin D3 in their recommended diet (which is described below).
As mentioned earlier, Rhacodactylus geckos are omnivorous and generally relish both fruit and insect matter in their diet. There are several different feeding regimes than can be followed, but we are going to outline (and highly recommend) the method we have been using with success.
All of our geckos (from hatchlings to breeding adults) are fed the powdered Repashy Superfoods Crested Gecko Diet (CGD). This Meal Replacement Powder was developed after years of research and is specially formulated to meet the dietary requirements of Rhacodactylus geckos. This diet can be purchased online or in some pet stores. The CGD is very simple to use: one part powder is mixed with two parts water and served in a small dish. We provide fresh CGD to our geckos three to four times a week.
In addition to the CGD, we offer Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) at least once a week. Feeder insects (such as Dubia roaches or crickets) should be no longer than the width between your gecko's eyes. Dust insects with calcium powder sans Vitamin D3.
A note on baby food: We still see a great many care sheets suggesting that Crested and Gargoyle geckos can be maintained on a baby food diet. Baby food is far too high in sugar and does NOT meet the nutritional requirements of Rhacodactylus geckos. Due to the ease of use and ensured proper nutrition, we HIGHLY recommend using the powdered Crested Gecko Diet.
Some hobbyists supply their geckos with bowls of fresh water while others just spray their gecko tanks daily. If you choose to offer a water bowl, make sure the water level is appropriate for the size of your gecko. Water shouldn't be deep enough that your gecko could be completely submerged, especially with hatchlings. Aim for 50% humidity, with a spike after each misting. If you notice pieces of shed skin remaining on your gecko, increase the humidity within the tank.
If you have any questions whatsoever concerning the current or future care of your gecko, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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