Leachie Geckos (Rhacodactylus leachianus)

New caladonian giant gecko - Rhacodactylus leachianus

About

Leachianus geckos, native to New Caladonia, reach 8-17” in length being one of the largest known gecko species. Their skin is soft like velvet and earth toned to allow them to blend into their surroundings. They prefer living in tree hollows/holes high in the tree tops of tropical rainforests. Since these geckos are nocturnal you’ll only see them out and about during the nighttime. They live for roughly 15-20 years on average so be sure you’re ready for that commitment before adopting.

Enclosure

Hatchling Leachie geckos can be kept in a 5 gallon terrarium or similarly sized critter carrier. As they age they can be moved up to a 12-20 gallon (juevenille) then a 30 gallon terrarium by adulthood (12 mo.). Since leachies spend most of their time in tree hollows in the wild, cork rounds make great hides for these geckos. Filling their enclosure with these and greenery (live or fake) is a great way to keep these geckos happy. The more shelter and hiding spaces you provide, the safer the gecko will feel in their enclosure.

Bioactive enclosures can be extremely beneficial for these geckos as clean up is simplified. This can be created with layers of rocks/drainage layer, soil substrate, leaf litter, and live plants. Isopods and springtails will add the bioactive by eating your pets poop and keeping the soil healthy. Substrates like paper towels and nonstick contact paper make great disposable options for a quick clean up. However, substrates like coco coir, peat moss, organic potting soil, or a high-grade mulch look much more natural and can be used with a clean up crew (isopods and springtails). When a gecko poops on the glass, spray it down the wall into the soil with your mister- the isopods will do the rest!

Environment

Leachie geckos are native to tropical islands with medium-high humidity and medium-low temperatures. This means they thrive in humidities of 60-75% and temperatures no higher than 80 degrees. Temperature drops down to 70 are okay at night, but try to keep daytime temperatures between 75-78 degrees. The humidity can be maintained by misting the enclosure 1-2x per day with allowing drops down below 55% between mistings. Avoid misting the surfaces the gecko sits on as they are prone to respiratory infections and standing water can cause bacterial growth. The enclosure will need to be cleaned out at least once per week (unless using paper substrate, then you will need to spot clean daily.).

Diet

Hatchling geckos should be started out eating crickets and a gecko fruit mix. Their diet as juveniles and adults should be 80% fruit and 20% insects, whether fresh or as a mix. They can eat bananas, mangos, peaches, pears, and some other fruits three times a week supplemented by crickets, roaches, or worms once or twice per week. Adult geckos can also have baby mice. Their meals need to be supplemented with calcium + vitamin D once or twice a week (preferably on insect feeding days). The premade gecko diet mixes often already have the proper amount of vitamins and other nutrition so does not need to be supplemented.

Common Health Problems

Leachianus geckos are prone to respiratory infections, calcium deficiency (Metabolic Bone Disease), parasites, and egg binding. They often get respiratory infections due to unclean living conditions. With such a humid environment in such a small enclosure, it’s absolutely vital to keep it clean to prevent bacteria growth.

Metabolic Bone Disease is characterized by bowed or swollen legs caused by the softening of the bone tissue. It’s most often caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin d3 in these geckos. It can be prevented by sticking to a vitamin supplementing schedule. As long a proper diet is fed, it should be avoided.

Parasites are a problem you should only have to deal with when you first receive your gecko and can be found by a trip to the vet. They can be spotted if your gecko has a lack of appetite or is eating but not gaining (or losing too much) weight.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your gecko, seek exotic vet assistance as soon as possible.