Leachianus Gecko, also known as the New Caledonian Giant Gecko, is one of the largest gecko species in the world. They are native to the southern part of New Caledonia, an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Leachianus geckos are known for their gentle temperament and beautiful coloration, which makes them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts. In this care sheet, we will provide you with all the information you need to keep your Leachianus Gecko healthy and happy.
Contents
1. Overview of Leachianus Gecko
Leachianus Gecko is native to the islands of New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific Ocean. It can grow up to 14 inches in length and weigh over 200 grams. There are two subspecies of Leachianus Gecko: Leachianus henkeli and Leachianus gecko. They have different colorations and patterns, but their care requirements are similar.
2. Reasons to Keep Leachianus Gecko as a Pet
Leachianus Gecko is an ideal pet for those who want a unique and easy-to-care-for reptile. Here are some reasons why you should consider keeping a Leachianus Gecko as a pet:
- Docile temperament: Leachianus Gecko is known for its calm and gentle nature. It rarely bites or shows aggression towards its owner.
- Unique appearance: Leachianus Gecko has a distinctive look with its large size, rough skin, and bright colors.
- Low maintenance: Leachianus Gecko requires minimal care compared to other reptiles. It is a good choice for beginners who want to learn about reptile keeping.
Leachianus Gecko Housing and Habitat
Leachianus Gecko requires a spacious and secure enclosure to thrive. The enclosure should be large enough to allow your gecko to move around comfortably and have plenty of room to climb and explore. The minimum recommended size for an adult Leachianus Gecko is 24x18x24 inches, but a larger enclosure is always better.
Glass or PVC enclosures are suitable for Leachianus Gecko. Glass enclosures are easy to clean, and they provide a good view of your gecko. PVC enclosures are lightweight and sturdy, and they retain heat and humidity well.
Substrate
The substrate for Leachianus Gecko should be a mixture of coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. The substrate should be at least 2 inches deep to allow for burrowing. Avoid using sand or gravel as they can cause impaction if ingested.
Temperature and Humidity
Leachianus Gecko requires a warm and humid environment to stay healthy. The temperature in the enclosure should be between 78-82°F during the day and 72-76°F at night. A basking spot with a heat lamp should be provided, which should be between 88-92°F.
Humidity in the enclosure should be between 70-80%. You can maintain humidity by misting the enclosure with water or using a humidifier.
Lighting
Leachianus Gecko requires a UVB light to absorb calcium and stay healthy. A 5.0 or 10.0 UVB bulb should be provided, which should be turned on for 10-12 hours a day.
A basking light should also be provided to maintain the temperature in the enclosure. The basking light should be turned off at night to provide a natural day-night cycle.
Hiding Spots and Decorations
Leachianus Gecko is a nocturnal species, which means it requires hiding spots to feel secure during the day. You can provide hiding spots by using cork bark, rocks, or artificial plants.
Decorations such as branches, vines, and rocks can also be added to the enclosure to provide climbing opportunities and enrich your gecko’s environment. Avoid using decorations with sharp edges or small openings that can trap your gecko.
Leachianus Gecko Feeding and Watering
Diet and Nutrition
Leachianus Gecko is an omnivore, which means they require a balanced diet of insects and fruits. Their diet should consist of insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Fruits such as bananas, papayas, and mangoes can also be offered as a treat.
Feeding Schedule
Adult Leachianus Gecko should be fed every other day, while juvenile geckos should be fed daily. Insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement at every feeding and a multivitamin supplement twice a month.
Watering Schedule
Leachianus Gecko requires fresh water available at all times. A shallow water dish should be provided, and the water should be changed daily. Misting the enclosure with water also helps maintain humidity and provides water droplets for your gecko to drink.
Supplementation
Leachianus Gecko requires supplementation to prevent calcium and vitamin deficiencies. Calcium powder should be dusted on all insects before feeding, while a multivitamin supplement should be added to the diet twice a month. Over-supplementation can cause health issues, so it’s essential to follow the recommended dosages.
Leachianus Gecko Health and Hygiene
Health and Hygiene
Leachianus Gecko is a hardy species, but they can suffer from health issues if their care requirements are not met. It’s essential to monitor your gecko’s health and provide proper hygiene to prevent illnesses.
Common Health Issues
Some of the common health issues in Leachianus Gecko include respiratory infections, mouth rot, and parasitic infections. These health issues can be caused by poor husbandry, stress, and poor hygiene.
Signs of Illness
Signs of illness in Leachianus Gecko include lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and abnormal feces. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent health issues in Leachianus Gecko, it’s essential to provide proper husbandry and hygiene practices. Clean the enclosure regularly, and ensure that the substrate is changed regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
If your gecko is diagnosed with a health issue, it’s essential to follow the veterinarian’s treatment plan. Treatment may include medication, changes in diet or husbandry, or even surgery.
Hygiene Practices
Hygiene practices are essential to prevent illness in Leachianus Gecko. The enclosure should be cleaned regularly, and the substrate should be changed regularly to prevent bacterial growth. All food and water dishes should be cleaned daily.
Wash your hands before and after handling your gecko, and avoid handling them if you’re sick. Quarantine any new geckos for at least a month to prevent the spread of disease.
Maintaining proper hygiene practices is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of your Leachianus Gecko.
Leachianus Gecko Handling and Taming
Handling and Taming
Leachianus Gecko can be skittish and may take some time to get used to handling. Proper handling techniques and taming tips can help your gecko become more comfortable with being handled and can help you bond with your pet.
Handling Techniques
When handling your Leachianus Gecko, it’s essential to approach them slowly and calmly. Avoid sudden movements, as this can startle them. Use a gentle touch when picking up your gecko, and support their entire body.
It’s also important to never grab your gecko’s tail as they can drop it as a defense mechanism, and the tail won’t regrow.
Taming Tips
To help your Leachianus Gecko become more comfortable with handling, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase handling time. Start by sitting next to the enclosure and talking to your gecko, then slowly move your hand inside the enclosure.
Offering food by hand can also help your gecko associate your presence with positive experiences.
Bonding with Your Leachianus Gecko
Bonding with your Leachianus Gecko can help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Spend time interacting with your gecko, talking to them, and offering them treats.
Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, as this can startle your gecko. Offer a comfortable and secure environment, such as a hiding spot or a comfortable basking area.
Leachianus Gecko may take some time to get used to handling, but with patience and proper techniques, you can help them become more comfortable and bond with your pet.
In conclusion,
caring for a Leachianus gecko requires careful attention to their unique needs and preferences. From selecting a healthy gecko to providing a properly sized and outfitted enclosure, to feeding and hydrating, handling and socializing, and watching out for common health concerns, there is a lot to consider when taking on the responsibility of caring for one of these fascinating creatures. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and working closely with a qualified reptile veterinarian, you can ensure that your Leachianus gecko remains happy and healthy for years to come.
