Mourning Gecko

An 18x18x24" enclosure is suitable for a small colony of 3 to 5 mourning geckos. These tiny animals (typically 3 to 4 inches as adults) are perfectly suited to lush, fully planted vivariums. Bioactive setups are ideal for this species - live plants regulate humidity naturally, isopods and springtails serve as a biological clean-up crew, and the rich environment provides the complex, stimulating habitat mourning geckos thrive in.

Mourning geckos are extraordinary escape artists. Their tiny size and sticky toe pads allow them to escape through gaps that seem impossibly small - any gap wider than a few millimeters is a potential exit. Inspect every seal, seam, and ventilation gap before introducing the geckos. Stainless steel mesh lids with secure magnets or latches are preferable to screen lids that can warp over time.

Maintain daytime temperatures of 72 to 80 degrees F and nighttime drops to 65 to 72 degrees F. Humidity should stay at 70 to 80%, maintained through regular misting or an automatic fogger combined with the natural transpiration of live plants. They originate from Pacific island environments and are adapted to warm, humid conditions.

Low-output UVB lighting (T5 HO 5 to 6%) on a 12-hour cycle benefits the colony by supporting calcium metabolism and natural circadian rhythm. Live plants also require adequate lighting - a grow light or full-spectrum LED works well for the plants alongside the UVB.

Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) is the primary dietary staple, offered every 2 to 3 days in a small raised dish. Remove and replace after 48 hours to prevent fermentation. Pangea and Repashy both make small-gecko-appropriate formulas that mourning geckos eat readily.

Supplement with tiny live feeder insects 1 to 2 times per week: melanogaster fruit flies (the small species), pinhead crickets, and bean beetles are all appropriate for adults. Prey should be no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes - for such small geckos, this means very small insects. Gut-load all insects before offering and dust with calcium w/D3 2 to 3 times per week and a multivitamin once weekly.

A small dish of pure calcium powder should always be available in the enclosure. Mourning geckos are egg-laying animals that produce eggs regularly, and calcium demands for egg production are significant. Self-supplementation from a calcium dish is an important safety net.

Dechlorinated or reverse-osmosis water in a very shallow dish should always be available, and misting provides droplets on leaves and glass that the geckos also drink from.

Dense vertical plantings are the most important enrichment for mourning gecko colonies. Live plants including pothos, bromeliads, ficus pumila, and Peperomia species create the layered, complex habitat these geckos need to feel secure and display natural behavior. They use the leaves as sleeping spots, the stems as climbing routes, and the dense canopy as cover from perceived threats.

Cork bark rounds, artificial vines, and driftwood pieces add additional climbing and hiding structures. The more three-dimensional and complex the enclosure, the more natural behavior the geckos display.

Mourning geckos are a display animal. Their appeal is watching them interact with each other and their environment - foraging, vocalizing (a series of small chirps and squeaks), defending territories, and reproducing. They are not well-suited to regular hands-on handling. They are fast, tiny, and fragile, and frequent handling causes stress. Enjoy them through the glass.

Because they are parthenogenetic (all-female, self-reproducing), colonies will naturally grow if conditions are good. Keep this in mind when selecting colony size. Eggs laid in the enclosure will hatch, and nymphs will establish themselves in the colony. Population management may eventually be necessary.

Calcium deficiency is the most common nutritional concern, particularly for egg-laying females. Ensure calcium supplementation is consistent and a calcium dish is always available. An under-supplemented female mourning gecko laying regular clutches will show signs of MBD relatively quickly: weakness, difficulty climbing, and eventually skeletal deformities.

Stuck shed, particularly on the toes and around the eye caps, occurs when humidity is insufficient. Consistent high humidity (70 to 80%) and misting prevent most shedding problems. If stuck shed is observed, gently introduce the gecko to a small, shallow pool of lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften it.

Monitor colony reproductive rate in optimal conditions, mourning gecko populations can grow quickly. Overcrowding causes stress, increased aggression, and resource competition. Maintain an appropriate colony size for the enclosure space.

Escape prevention is critical not only for the geckos' welfare but also for your household. A mourning gecko loose in a home is nearly impossible to recover. Inspect enclosure seals regularly, especially after cleaning or rearranging the enclosure.