Mourning Gecko Care Sheet

Enclosure:

Mourning geckos, despite their small size, require a spacious enclosure to encourage natural behaviors. Being arboreal, they prefer taller terrariums rather than wider ones. It is essential to house them in groups of at least 2, as they are naturally social. 

The recommended minimum enclosure size is 12”L x 12”W x 18”H, suitable for up to 4 geckos. Larger enclosures are preferable, with an increase of approximately 5 gallons per additional 2 geckos.

Lighting & UVB:

Mourning geckos are crepuscular, active around sunset and sunrise. While they can survive without UVB lighting, providing it is beneficial, especially for vitamin D production crucial for egg production. For a 12” x 12” x 18” enclosure, a recommended setup includes a 26w Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 compact coil bulb in a reflective hood. 

Achieving the right UVB strength requires careful consideration of distance. Using a Solarmeter 6.5 is advised to achieve a UVI of 1.02.0 in the basking area.

Heating:

Mourning geckos are coldblooded, necessitating access to different temperature zones for thermoregulation. Simulate sunlight with a halogen or incandescent heat lamp.

• • • Basking area temperature: 8085°F (2629°C)
    • Cool zone temperature: 7075°F (2124°C)
    • Nighttime temperature: 6572°F (1822°C)

Consistent temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or at or below 72°F (22°C) can be detrimental. Adjustments can be made using a plugin lamp dimmer or by switching to a higher or lower wattage bulb based on the observed temperatures.

The basking area should be furnished with vines, branches, or foliage directly under the heat lamp. As mourning geckos inhabit tall enclosures, ensure temperature variations at different levels. Use an infrared thermometer for general temperature assessment and a digital probe thermometer for passive tracking of basking temperatures.

Creating a suitable habitat with proper heating and lighting is crucial for the wellbeing and natural behaviors of mourning geckos. Regular monitoring and adjustments will help maintain an optimal environment for these fascinating creatures.

Humidity:

• • Mourning Gecko Environment:

Mourning geckos thrive in a highhumidity environment, ideally maintained between 6080%. Regular monitoring using a digital probe hygrometer with the probe positioned in the middle of the enclosure is crucial. 

While humidity variations are natural between warm and cool areas, nighttime humidity levels typically rise, and daytime levels fall.

• • Humidity Management:

To raise humidity and provide an additional water source, mist the enclosure every morning and evening using a pumpstyle pressure sprayer. It is advisable to use tap or spring water for misting, as distilled or reverseosmosis water may lack essential minerals necessary for the geckos’ health.

Substrate:

Although mourning geckos are arboreal and spend minimal time on the ground, substrate helps stabilize humidity and provides cushioning. Suitable substrates include:

• • • DIY tropical mix: 60% organic topsoil, 40% coconut fiber
    • Lugarti Natural Reptile Bedding
    • Zoo Med Reptisoil
    • The Bio Dude Terra Fauna

Adding a layer of leaf litter enhances substrate effectiveness. Daily removal of feces and urates is necessary, with a complete substrate replacement every 13 months based on requirements.

Décor:

• • Environmental Enrichment:

Decorations are crucial for environmental enrichment, promoting exercise, stimulating natural instincts, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Items such as branches, vines, live or artificial foliage, spanish moss, cork hollows, and arboreal hideouts contribute to a visually appealing and engaging enclosure. 

Arranging these elements encourages climbing and exploration while providing safe resting places.