Gargoyle Gecko Handling and Temperament
Gargoyle Gecko Handling
Allow the animal at least 1-2 weeks to acclimate to its new surrounds and do NOT handle it during this period. These animal are very sensitive and need plenty of time to adjust before they are handled.
Gargoyle Gecko Temperament
The personality of your new baby Gargoyle gecko is not dependent upon the morph or sex, as each gecko is completely individual and will behave as much. After they’ve had time to settle in, you can begin handling them for short periods of time within their enclosure. This will make baby gargoyle geckos feel safer and give them the chance to walk away if they are too stressed by it. As long as you take it slowly, you will have a happy and healthy companion.
Gargoyle Gecko Gecko Care by your friends at CB Reptile!
Gargoyle gecko care is key. CB has provided a quick care guide that we will also include in your box with your new baby or adult Gargoyle gecko for sale.
Gargoyle Gecko Enclosure
Always keep in mind that these geckos are an arboreal species, meaning they need more vertical space than horizontal. Hatchlings and juveniles of these species should be housed in either a 10 gallon tank with a screen lid, or a 12x12x18 front opening enclosure. Young adults and adults should be housed in either a 20 gallon tall, or an 18x18x24 front opening enclosure. Whichever set up you decide on, be sure to use varying types/textures of décor (i.e. vines, branches, sticks, hides) to provide ample climbing/hiding space and enrichment for the gecko.
Gargoyle Gecko Care Sheet – Temperature
One of the many wonderful things about these geckos is that they do not require any special type of lighting such as UBV. It is up to you whether you to use it or not, as the gecko will not suffer if you do not. If you are choosing to use live plants in the enclosure, a UVB light will be necessary.
They require temperatures ranging from 72-78, usually room temperature. If the enclosure is not staying within that range at night, you can add a low wattage nighttime heat bulb (25-40wt). They can handle drops into the mid-60s at night, but staying above 70 is best. Temperatures over 80 will cause the animal to become stressed and possibly even death.
Gargoyle Gecko Care – Humidity
These species require moderate to high humidity levels throughout the day. Be sure to use a good quality hygrometer or thermometer/hygrometer combo to get accurate readings of the enclosures parameters. There should be several hours per day where the humidity stays around 80-100%. These high humidity periods will allow the gecko to hydrate and ensure proper shedding. These species eat their shed skin, so do not be alarmed if you don’t see it in the enclosure. Humidity can drop as low as 40%, but should be kept as close to 50-60% as possible. Heavily misting the enclosure 2-3x per day should keep the levels correct.
Gargoyle Gecko Substrate
With many substrate options available on the reptile market, it is crucial that you pay close attention to what you use. It is best to avoid any type of substrate that could be ingested and cause harm to the animal, such as impacted bowels. Avoid things like sand, wood chips, and pebbles. Our recommendation is to keep it simple. Using paper towels to line the bottom of the Gargoyle gecko habitat or Gargoyle gecko enclosure allow for a quick/easy clean up. Also, this will help to retain humidity.
If you want a more naturalistic enclosure, considering g, we recommend using Zoo Med Eco Earth coconut fiber. This gargoyle gecko substrate will hold enough moisture to maintain proper humidity while resisting mold/mildew and odors. You can easily spot clean this substrate and only needs to be fully cleaned out every 4-5 weeks. To ensure there is less risk of ingestions, you can cover the substrate with a layer of leaf litter and moss.
Gargoyle Gecko Water
These species will almost never drink from a bowl of standing water. They naturally drink the water droplets that form on the glass and décor during misting. You can offer a small water bowl next to the food bowl, just be sure to change it out daily. Do NOT use a large water dish or bowl. These geckos are EXTREMELY poor swimmers and will drown if they cannot get out of water.
Gargoyle Gecko Care – Gargoyle Gecko Diet
We offer and recommend Pangea food products. We feed Fruit w/Insect mix and Banana/Papaya mix, but any of their flavors will be appropriate. Another brand option is Repashy, but steer clear of most others. Hatchlings should be fed the powder/water mix at least every other day, if not every day. Juveniles can be fed every other day or every two days without issue. Young adults and adults can be fed 2-3x per week. Feeding calcium dusted crickets 1-2x per week is highly recommended, but not 100% necessary. It stimulates the natural hunting instinct of the gecko and allow for some enrichment and added protein to their diet.