Pictus Gecko - Paroedura pictus
BEcaBDue to the overwhelming amount of knowledge and care sheets available on the internet today we are going to focus more in depth on our own preferred methods of housing. While this may be more suited for an advanced hobbyist it can easily be replicated within the confines of a standard 10 gallon aquarium.
Supplies Needed -
We use rack systems to house all of our geckos. If you intend on housing more than a few geckos these are by far the most economical and space saving options available. We custom build all of our racks in house. Not everyone is able to do this but fortunately there are a lot of commercial racks available on the market today.
We house our adult Pictus Geckos individually in 15qt tubs. Hatchlings are housed in 6qt tubs as pairs until roughly 2 months of age. At this time they are then seperated into their own 6qt tub.
Each Iris tub is marked and then drilled for ventilation along the outer rim.
Paper towels are our substrate of choice. The bottom of the tub is lined with 1-2 layers of paper towels.
For a hide box we use a Styrofoam meat tray. The tray is positioned at the rear of the tub over the heat source.
A Ziploc or similar container is used for a moist hide. An entrance is cut on one side of the container and a layer of moist paper towels is placed inside. This is then placed at the front of the enclosure away from the heat source. This keeps the container from drying out faster than desired. This also servers as an alternative water dish. Your gecko will drink from the condensation that builds up on the interior of the container. They will also drink from the moist paper towels as well.
The food and water dish are placed at the front of the enclosure for easy access.
We house our adult Pictus Geckos individually in 15qt tubs. Hatchlings are housed in 6qt tubs as pairs until roughly 2 months of age. At this time they are then seperated into their own 6qt tub.
Each Iris tub is marked and then drilled for ventilation along the outer rim.
Paper towels are our substrate of choice. The bottom of the tub is lined with 1-2 layers of paper towels.
For a hide box we use a Styrofoam meat tray. The tray is positioned at the rear of the tub over the heat source.
A Ziploc or similar container is used for a moist hide. An entrance is cut on one side of the container and a layer of moist paper towels is placed inside. This is then placed at the front of the enclosure away from the heat source. This keeps the container from drying out faster than desired. This also servers as an alternative water dish. Your gecko will drink from the condensation that builds up on the interior of the container. They will also drink from the moist paper towels as well.
The food and water dish are placed at the front of the enclosure for easy access.
Heat Source Required!
Pictus geckos require a heat source for proper digestion, growth, and development. We recommend using belly heat. This can be provided in the form of an under tank heat pad. Our rack systems are routed and equipped with a heat cable that supplies our units with heat. The desired temperature range for the heated area is 87-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's Feeding Time!
We offer our geckos a broad diet. We know that we wouldn't be happy eating the same meal everyday and we wouldn't want our pets to suffer from the same boring food options day after day. Food items offered should be no larger than the space between the eyes of your gecko. Here is a quick breakdown of what we offer as food items:
Pictus geckos are very entertaining to watch eat. They are voracious predators that are quick to come out of hiding when feeding time arrives. Their tails are very animated when stalking and ambushing prey.
- Dubia Roaches (Appropriately sized)
- Crickets
- Mealworms (Occasionaly offered)
Pictus geckos are very entertaining to watch eat. They are voracious predators that are quick to come out of hiding when feeding time arrives. Their tails are very animated when stalking and ambushing prey.
Calcium & Vitamins -
We supplement our geckos with Repashy Calcium Plus. In addition to this females that are in the process of egg laying are offered an additional supply of Osteo-Form SA within their enclosure. These little guys burn through a lot of calcium during egg production. We find it mandatory to ensure them full time access to calcium.