How to Care for Mourning Geckos: A Complete Guide to Keeping These Fascinating Creatures as Pets?

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As mentioned, mourning geckos are native to Madagascar and the Comoros, where they live in a variety of habitats ranging from rainforests to arid scrublands. They are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and shrubs, and are primarily nocturnal.

In the wild, mourning geckos feed on insects and other small invertebrates, and have been known to eat nectar and fruit. They are social animals and are often found in groups, sometimes with as many as 20 individuals.

Physical Characteristics

Mourning geckos are small, usually measuring between 2.5-4 inches in length. They have a distinctive light brown or grayish coloration with dark bands or spots running down their backs. Their eyes are large, and they have smooth skin without scales.

One of the most unique features of mourning geckos is their ability to reproduce asexually. Females are capable of laying eggs without the need for a male, and these eggs will hatch into genetically identical offspring. This makes mourning geckos an interesting choice for those looking to breed their own pets.

Caring for Mourning Geckos

Enclosure Setup

When it comes to setting up an enclosure for mourning geckos, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, mourning geckos are arboreal and need plenty of vertical space to climb and explore. A tall terrarium with branches and foliage is ideal.

In terms of substrate, mourning geckos do well on coconut fiber or sphagnum moss. It’s important to avoid using sand or gravel, as these can cause impaction if ingested. A shallow water dish should also be provided for drinking and soaking.

Temperature and Lighting

Mourning geckos are tropical animals and require a temperature range of 75-85°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. A heat mat or ceramic heat emitter can be used to provide a warm spot in the enclosure, but it’s important to avoid direct heat sources like heat lamps.

UVB lighting is not necessary for mourning geckos, as they are primarily nocturnal and do not require UVB to synthesize vitamin D3.

Humidity and Watering

Mourning geckos require a relatively high humidity level of 60-80%, which can be achieved through misting the enclosure with water. It’s important to avoid keeping the enclosure too wet, as this can lead to respiratory issues.

A shallow water dish should be provided for drinking and soaking, and the water should be changed at least once a week.

Nutrition and Feeding

In the wild, mourning geckos feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. It’s important to dust the insects with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure proper nutrition.

Mourning geckos have also been known to eat nectar and fruit, and can be offered small amounts of mashed fruit like banana or mango as a treat.

Handling and Bonding

Mourning geckos are not typically handled, as they are delicate and can easily be injured if not handled properly. However, they can become used to their owners over time and may tolerate brief handling for cleaning or maintenance purposes.

It’s important to avoid grabbing or squeezing mourning geckos, as this can cause them to drop their tails. Mourning geckos are capable of regenerating their tails, but it’s best to avoid stressing them unnecessarily.

Common Health Concerns

Mourning geckos are generally hardy animals, but there are a few health concerns to be aware of. Respiratory infections can occur if the enclosure is too wet or if the gecko is exposed to drafts or cold temperatures. Signs of a respiratory infection include lethargy, open-mouth breathing, and wheezing.

Another common health concern is shedding issues. If the enclosure is too dry, the gecko may have difficulty shedding its skin, which can lead to retained shed and other skin issues.

Breeding and Reproduction

Mating and Egg Laying

As mentioned, mourning geckos are capable of reproducing asexually. However, they do sometimes mate and lay fertilized eggs. Mating behavior includes males chasing females and biting them on the neck, and females laying eggs in a secluded location.

If you’re interested in breeding mourning geckos, it’s important to provide them with a suitable environment and proper nutrition. The eggs will hatch in approximately 60 days, and the hatchlings will be fully formed and able to fend for themselves.

Incubation and Hatching

Mourning gecko eggs can be incubated in a small container filled with moist vermiculite or perlite. The container should be kept at a temperature of 80-85°F, and the eggs should be checked regularly for signs of mold or other issues.

The hatchlings will emerge from the eggs fully formed and able to eat live insects immediately.

Feeding and Care for Hatchlings

Hatchling mourning geckos can be fed a diet of small live insects like fruit flies or pinhead crickets. It’s important to dust the insects with a calcium supplement and to provide a small water dish for drinking and soaking.

The hatchlings should be housed separately from adult geckos, as they can be cannibalistic.

Conclusion

Mourning geckos are fascinating and unique pets that are relatively easy to care for. By providing them with a suitable environment, proper nutrition, and attentive care, you can enjoy the company of these interesting reptiles for years to come. Remember to always do your research and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or well-being.

ThePetFaq Team
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