Chahoua Gecko Enclosure

There isn’t a widely recognized gecko species known as the Chahoua Gecko Care. The name may refer to a local or newly discovered species that hasn’t been extensively documented yet. Alternatively, there might be a spelling variation or it could be a common name used in a specific region.

If you have additional details about its habitat, appearance, or the region it’s found in, I can help provide more accurate information or assist you in identifying the gecko you’re referring to.

Species Summary

This gecko typically grows to 10 to 12 inches in length, including its prehensile tail, and can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity. Its appearance is marked by mottled green, brown, and gray coloration, resembling moss or lichen, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

Chahoua Geckos are omnivorous, consuming insects, fruits, and nectar in the wild. In captivity, their diet consists of commercially available gecko food, supplemented with live insects and fruit. They are generally docile and can become tame with regular handling, though they may be shy when introduced to new environments.

They require a vertically oriented terrarium with plenty of climbing opportunities and a temperature range of 75-80°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. Humidity should be maintained between 60-80%. Females lay 2 eggs per clutch, with several clutches per year, and incubation lasts 60-90 days. While not endangered, habitat loss in New Caledonia could threaten their populations. The Chahoua Gecko is a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts, offering a unique appearance and manageable care requirements.

Appearance & Colors

The gecko’s skin has a rough, textured appearance, enhancing its mossy look. Some individuals may display more vivid patterns, with contrasting colors or distinctive markings, while others may have a more subdued, uniform appearance.

One of the most notable features of the Chahoua Gecko is its large, expressive eyes, which are well-adapted for nocturnal activity. These eyes are often golden to orange in color, with vertical pupils that expand in low light.

The gecko’s tail is prehensile, meaning it can grasp and hold onto branches, aiding in climbing and stability. The tail often shares the same mottled coloration as the body, contributing to the overall camouflage.

Average Chahoua Gecko Size

The average size of a Chahoua Gecko, including its prehensile tail, ranges from 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) when fully grown. This makes it one of the larger species of New Caledonian geckos. Males and females are generally similar in size, though males may be slightly more robust.

Lifespan

This includes a suitable diet, appropriate environmental conditions, and regular health monitoring. In the wild, their lifespan may vary depending on factors such as predation, habitat conditions, and food availability.

Chahoua Gecko Care

The Chahoua Gecko’s diet should consist primarily of a commercially available gecko diet formulated for New Caledonian species, supplemented with live insects like crickets and dubia roaches. Occasionally offering mashed fruits like bananas or mangoes provides variety. They may be shy initially, so providing plenty of hiding spots helps them feel secure.

Regularly observe their behavior and physical condition, and maintain proper humidity to aid in shedding. Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy or weight loss, and ensure they receive enough calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease. If breeding, the female will lay 2 eggs per clutch, and the eggs should be incubated at 72-80°F (22-27°C) with 80% humidity for 60-90 days.

Providing fresh water daily and regular veterinary care are also essential for maintaining your Chahoua Gecko’s health. With proper care, they can thrive in captivity, offering a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts.

Enclosure Size

For a Chahoua Gecko, a vertically oriented terrarium is recommended due to their arboreal nature. However, larger enclosures are always preferable, especially if housing a pair or for providing more space for enrichment and natural behaviors. A larger enclosure also makes it easier to maintain proper temperature and humidity gradients, which are crucial for the gecko’s health.

What To Put In Their Habitat

For a Chahoua Gecko Care habitat, include a variety of elements to mimic their natural environment and support their well-being. Provide branches and vines for climbing, as these geckos are arboreal and need vertical space to explore. Offer multiple hiding spots at different levels, such as pieces of cork bark or hollow logs, to help them feel secure.

Live or artificial plants can add to the habitat’s visual appeal and provide additional hiding places while helping maintain humidity. Use a moisture-retaining substrate like coconut fiber or sphagnum moss to keep humidity levels between 60-80%, and include a shallow water dish for drinking, which should be kept clean and filled with fresh water daily.

Temperature & Lighting

For a Chahoua Gecko Care, maintain a daytime temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C) using a heat mat, ceramic heat emitter, or low-wattage bulb to create a temperature gradient in the enclosure. Ensure the temperature does not exceed 85°F (29°C) to prevent stress. At night, a slight drop to around 70°F (21°C) is beneficial.

While UVB lighting is not necessary, a low-wattage UVB bulb can support the gecko’s overall health by aiding calcium metabolism and preventing metabolic bone disease. A 2.0 or 5.0 UVB bulb is usually sufficient. Maintain a natural light cycle with 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness. Place the UVB bulb at an appropriate distance from the basking area, following the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the gecko receives the right amount of UVB.

Humidity

Misting: Mist the enclosure daily to keep the humidity levels up. This also helps with shedding and provides the gecko with access to drinking water through surface condensation.
Water Dish: Provide a shallow water dish, which should be cleaned and filled with fresh water daily. The dish helps with hydration and adds to the overall humidity.
Substrate: Use a moisture-retaining substrate, such as coconut fiber or sphagnum moss, which helps maintain humidity levels and can be spot-cleaned regularly.
Monitoring: Use a hygrometer to regularly check the humidity levels in the enclosure. This ensures that the environment stays within the ideal range and allows you to make adjustments as needed.

Water

Water Dish: Always provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure. The dish allows the gecko to drink whenever it needs to stay hydrated.
Misting: Regular misting of the enclosure also contributes to hydration and helps maintain the necessary humidity levels. It can aid in providing additional moisture for drinking and assist with shedding.
Water Quality: Make sure the water in the dish is free from contaminants. If you use tap water, consider using a de-chlorinator or allowing the water to sit out for 24 hours to let the chlorine dissipate.

Food & Diet

Supplement their diet with live insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and small mealworms. Ensure the insects are gut-loaded with nutritious food before feeding and dust them with a calcium supplement and occasionally with vitamin D3 to support bone health.

Occasionally offer mashed or pureed fruits, such as bananas, peaches, or mangoes, mixed with their staple diet for variety. Feed your gecko every other day or 2-3 times a week, adjusting frequency based on the gecko’s age and size. Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish and mist the enclosure regularly to contribute to hydration.

Potential Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by insufficient calcium or vitamin D3, MBD can lead to weak bones, deformities, and difficulty moving. Symptoms include soft or deformed bones, tremors, and difficulty climbing.
Respiratory Infections: Poor ventilation, high humidity, or temperature fluctuations can lead to respiratory infections. Maintain appropriate temperature, and humidity, and provide good ventilation to prevent these issues.
Skin Problems: Inadequate humidity can cause shedding issues, such as a retained shed or stuck skin. This can lead to skin infections or constriction around the toes and tail. Regular misting and maintaining proper humidity levels help prevent shedding problems.
Parasites: Internal and external parasites, such as mites or worms, can affect geckos. Symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, or visible mites on the skin. Regular health check-ups and maintaining a clean enclosure can help prevent infestations.
Dehydration: Insufficient access to water or low humidity can lead to dehydration. Ensure fresh water is always available and maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Obesity: Overfeeding or an imbalanced diet can lead to obesity, which may cause health issues. Monitor your gecko’s weight and adjust feeding accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.

Behavior & Temperament

They appreciate having multiple hiding spots within their habitat for security and stress reduction. While they are usually friendly and can become accustomed to handling, it’s important to approach them calmly and handle them gently to minimize stress.

Chahoua Gecko Care are often enthusiastic feeders, particularly with live insects, and may be more visible and active during feeding times. Their calm nature and engaging behaviors make them rewarding pets when provided with proper care and a suitable environment.

Handling Them

Chahoua Gecko Care are fascinating and relatively manageable reptiles that make excellent pets for enthusiasts who can provide the right care. Their unique appearance, combined with their docile temperament and intriguing behaviors, makes them a rewarding species to keep.

By maintaining appropriate temperature, and humidity, and providing a varied diet, along with creating a stimulating environment with plenty of climbing structures and hiding spots, you can ensure a healthy and happy life for your gecko. Regular observation and attention to their needs will help prevent potential health issues and enhance the bond between you and your pet.

Closing Thoughts

Chahoua Gecko Care is captivating and relatively easy to care for, making them great pets for those who can meet their specific needs. Their unique appearance and gentle nature provide a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts.

By ensuring proper temperature, humidity, and a varied diet, along with a well-enriched habitat, you can support their health and well-being. Regular observation and attentive care will help prevent potential issues and foster a strong bond with your gecko.