Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone suggest any websites, books or their own personal opinions on Dwarf Cape Geckos and their care? I was intending to have Mourning Geckos but these seem alittler easier to find, so I'm considering them.

I've also found a very helpful site on Mourning Geckos, Here, if anyone has had a look or will at it, how applicable do you think the care info there would be towards DCGs? What little I've found suggests they are diurnal so would need some sort of naturalistic lighting, but other than that I'm not sure.

I also need to ask... could they even be considered a good "beginners" Gecko? I've had some wild caught geckos before, when I was about nine (nine years ago), which species I'm not sure of. They were climbers, small and one had laid a pair of eggs when I found it, I think they may have been Mourning Geckos. I ended up releasing the few that I had caught after not very long though. I've had snakes, fish, and just about everything else in the average pet store, so I'm used to taking care of animals (and keeping them alive, which is what matters of course).

A bit long winded I know, would just like to be prepared.

I am currently setting up an enclosure for Lygodactylus picturatus (Yellow-headed Dwarf Gecko). The information I have been able to obtain so far suggests that care of these two species is similar. IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE PLEASE POST!!

That being said, I don't think the info on Mourning Geckos is the way to go. Dwarf geckos are diurnal, so care requirements should be more along the lines of Phelsuma, especially regarding UV lighting. Here is a website with good basic info:

Link

I am going with a substrate of 50/50 sand and peat moss, once a day misting, daytime temps 77 to 90 with a basking spot, nighttime 65 to 72. I plan on using a 5.0 UV bulb. I have corresponded with a member of the GGA who says she kept capensis the same way she keeps Phelsuma and they did very well.

Maybe do a search for Phelsuma care sheets and see what temp/humidity ranges are necessary. I also might recommend this book:

Link

Good luck and please post or email if you find any useful info.

Chris

>>That being said, I don't think the info on Mourning Geckos is the way to go. Dwarf geckos are diurnal, so care requirements should be more along the lines of Phelsuma, especially regarding UV lighting.
>>

Thanks. The first site you linked to says they are nocturnal, though. Anyone know for sure which they are?

>>I am going with a substrate of 50/50 sand and peat moss, once a day misting, daytime temps 77 to 90 with a basking spot, nighttime 65 to 72. I plan on using a 5.0 UV bulb. I have corresponded with a member of the GGA who says she kept capensis the same way she keeps Phelsuma and they did very well.
>>

I was thinking of a terrarium/vivarium (a difference?) set up, using very well cleaned orchid bark as the substrate. It would be lighter than any amount of sand, and I think less of a harbor for possible pest insects than peatmoss. Plus lots of climbing surfaces and hiding places. 90 degrees sounds kind of hot to me - am I right or wrong in that?

What about the ratio of animals to enclosure size?

>>Maybe do a search for Phelsuma care sheets and see what temp/humidity ranges are necessary. I also might recommend this book:
>>
>>Link
>>
>>Good luck and please post or email if you find any useful info.

Thanks, and I will.

-----
Bidh an t-ubhal as fheàrr air a’mheangan as àirde.
(The best apple will be on the highest branch)

I found this site the other day...
Leaping Lizards

yes, Lygodactylus needs to be kept like Phelsumas. They need a tall vivarium, even if they are young, UV lighting and you must make sure they get enough calcium. They also need to be warmer and drier then most Phelsuma's. They are not as delicate as Phelsumas, but their requirements are just a important. I can't comment on the care of Lygodactylus capensis, but if you use the care for L. pituratus as a guide you shouldnt go far wrong.

Claire