Flying geckos (Ptychozoon kuhli) are fascinating reptiles known for their unique appearance and remarkable gliding abilities. Native to Southeast Asia, these arboreal lizards make captivating pets for reptile enthusiasts. This guide will provide essential information on how to flying gecko care properly care for your flying gecko, ensuring a healthy and happy life for your exotic pet.

Housing and Habitat

Enclosure Size and Type

Flying geckos are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. An enclosure with ample vertical space is crucial. A minimum of a 20-gallon tall tank is recommended for a single adult gecko, but larger is always better. A glass terrarium with a mesh lid for ventilation is ideal.

Substrate

Choose a substrate that retains humidity well but also allows for good drainage. Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mix of organic soil and leaf litter are excellent options. Avoid substrates like sand or gravel, which can cause impaction if ingested.

Climbing Structures and Hides

Provide plenty of branches, vines, and plants (both live and artificial) to mimic their natural habitat. These geckos enjoy climbing and will make use of every inch of vertical space. Additionally, include several hides at different heights in the enclosure to give your gecko a sense of security.

Temperature and Lighting

Flying geckos thrive in temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) during the day, with a slight drop to 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) at night. Use a heat source such as a ceramic heat emitter or an under-tank heater to maintain these temperatures. UVB lighting is not strictly necessary but can be beneficial in promoting overall health. Provide a light cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours off.

Humidity

Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for flying geckos. Aim for a humidity level between 60% and 80%. Regular misting, a humidifier, or an automatic misting system can help achieve this. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer to ensure consistency.

Feeding and Nutrition

Diet

Flying geckos are insectivores, primarily feeding on a variety of live insects. Offer a diet of appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and the occasional treat of waxworms or mealworms. Dust insects with a calcium supplement at every feeding and a multivitamin supplement once a week to ensure proper nutrition.

Feeding Schedule

Juvenile geckos should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. Provide enough insects for your gecko to eat within 15-20 minutes and remove any uneaten prey to prevent stress.

Health and Wellness

Handling

Flying geckos are delicate and can become stressed with excessive handling. It's best to limit handling to necessary instances such as enclosure maintenance. If handling is required, do so gently and for short periods.

Common Health Issues

Watch for signs of health issues such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in skin condition. Common problems include metabolic bone disease (due to calcium deficiency), respiratory infections (due to poor husbandry), and parasites. Regular veterinary check-ups with a reptile-experienced vet are advisable.

Shedding

Flying geckos shed their skin periodically. Ensure the enclosure maintains adequate humidity to aid in the shedding process. If you notice incomplete sheds, particularly around the toes, increase humidity and gently assist with a damp cotton swab if necessary.

Conclusion

Caring for a flying gecko requires attention to detail and a commitment to creating a suitable habitat. By providing a well-maintained environment, a balanced diet, and proper care, you can ensure your flying gecko remains healthy and content. These remarkable reptiles, with their unique gliding abilities and captivating behavior, can bring endless fascination and joy to their keepers.