Here’s some great information of the care of these amazing little creatures!
Mourning geckos are small, easy-to-care-for lizards that make great pets for those who are new to reptile ownership or for those who are looking for a low-maintenance pet. Here is a guide to proper husbandry for mourning geckos:
Habitat: Mourning geckos do best in a terrarium with a screen top. They also do best with 2 or more. A 20-gallon terrarium is suitable for a pair of geckos, but larger is always better. A substrate of coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or paper towels can be used. Provide hiding places such as cork bark or hollow logs, and live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding.
Lighting and Temperature: Mourning geckos do not need special lighting. Room temperature, around 70-80°F, is suitable for them. A basking spot of 85-90°F can be provided using an overhead heat lamp.
Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity of 60-80% by misting the terrarium daily or as needed. A shallow dish of water can also be provided for drinking and soaking.
Food: Mourning geckos are insectivores and feed primarily on flightless fruit flies and other small insects. They also can be fed a crested gecko diet that has bugs. Offer gut-loaded (recently fed) insects 2-3 times per week. Dust the insects with a calcium supplement every other feeding to ensure proper bone growth.
Handling: Mourning geckos are delicate and can be easily injured, so handle with care. WE DO NOT SUGGEST HANDLING AT ALL! They are extremely fast little creatures.
If you must, Pick them up gently and support their entire body. They may nip if they feel threatened, but this is not usually a problem with regular handling.
With proper husbandry and care, mourning geckos can live for 5-8 years in captivity. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pet gecko is happy, healthy, and thriving.
Neat fact: Mourning geckos and dart frogs are considered some of the only reptiles that can co-habitat!
