Flying Gecko Care Sheet

The term “Flying Gecko Care” is associated with a design project created by the aviation and design firm Flying Gecko, which specializes in innovative and unconventional aircraft designs. They often focus on experimental designs and concepts for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, blending technology and creative design.

If you’re referring to a specific model or project by Flying Gecko, could you provide more details or context?

Species Summary

Appearance: The flying gecko has a distinctive appearance with a broad, wing-like flap of skin that extends from its ribs. This flap, called a “patagium,” helps it glide between trees. Its coloration typically blends with the environment, helping it stay camouflaged.
Habitat: Flying geckos are typically found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They prefer the canopy layer where they can use their gliding ability to move between trees.

Behavior: Flying geckos are nocturnal and are known for their gliding flight, which they use to travel between trees in search of food and to escape predators.
Reproduction: Flying geckos lay eggs that are usually deposited in hidden places like the underside of leaves or in tree crevices.

Appearance & Colors

The flying gecko has a distinctive patagium, a wing-like membrane of skin stretched between its ribs. This flap can be extended to create a broad, flattened surface that aids in gliding. The body is slender and elongated, with a small head and large, bulging eyes. Its legs are adapted for climbing, with prehensile toes that help it grasp tree bark and branches.

In terms of color, flying geckos typically display shades of brown, gray, and green, which help them blend into their surroundings. Their skin often features a mottled or patterned appearance, allowing them to camouflage against tree bark and leaves. The underside of the patagium and belly is usually lighter, helping them blend into the sky when viewed from below.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a flying gecko (Draco volans) in the wild is typically around 4 to 6 years. In captivity, where they are protected from predators and have a stable food supply, they may live slightly longer, sometimes up to 7 years or more.

Average Size

Flying geckos typically reach an average size of about 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 centimeters) in total length, including their tail. Their body length is usually around 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters), with the remainder being the tail. The patagium, when fully extended, can add to their overall span during gliding.

Flying Gecko Care

A spacious vertical terrarium or vivarium is ideal, as flying geckos are arboreal and need room to climb and glide. A minimum size for a pair would be 18x18x36 inches (45x45x90 cm), but larger is better. Use a substrate like coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mix of soil and leaf litter that retains humidity and is easy to clean. Include plenty of vertical branches, vines, and plants for climbing and gliding, as well as hiding spots.

Provide a thermal gradient with a heat source like a basking lamp or heat pad. Keep humidity levels between 60-80% with regular misting or a humidity system.

Provide UVB lighting to support their health, using a UVB bulb with a 5.0 or 10.0 UVB rating. Offer a varied diet of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies, and dust them with a calcium and vitamin supplement regularly. Fresh water should be provided daily, and they may also drink from droplets on plants, so regular misting is beneficial.

Enclosure Size

For flying geckos, a spacious vertical enclosure is important to accommodate their climbing and gliding behaviors. A minimum size for a pair would be 18x18x36 inches (45x45x90 cm), but larger enclosures are preferable. The vertical height is especially crucial because it allows them to climb and glide effectively. Larger enclosures not only provide more space but also help maintain a more stable environment for temperature and humidity.

Habitat Setup

Use substrates like coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mix of soil and leaf litter, which retain humidity and are easy to clean. Avoid sand or gravel, which can be harmful if ingested.

Include various branches, vines, and climbing plants to mimic their natural habitat. Ensure these are securely attached and provide different heights for climbing. Both live and artificial plants can create hiding spots and help maintain humidity.

Maintain a daytime temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) with a slight drop at night. Use a heat lamp or pad to provide a thermal gradient. Keep humidity between 60-80% by misting the enclosure regularly or using a humidity system, and ensure good ventilation to prevent mold.

Provide a UVB light source with a 5.0 or 10.0 UVB rating to support vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism. Mimic natural light cycles with a 12-hour day and night period.

Offer fresh water daily in a shallow dish and mist the enclosure to provide additional water sources. Flying geckos may drink from droplets on plants.

Temperature & Lighting

Maintain a daytime temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C). This can be achieved using a heat lamp or heat pad, creating a thermal gradient within the enclosure. A slight drop in temperature at night is beneficial, mimicking their natural environment.

Provide UVB lighting to support their health. A UVB bulb with a 5.0 or 10.0 UVB rating is suitable. This helps with vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism. Aim for a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle to simulate day and night conditions.

Humidity

Misting: Regularly mist the enclosure to keep humidity levels up. A handheld spray bottle or an automatic misting system can be used to add moisture to the air and substrate.
Humidity System: Consider using a humidity system or fogger if you need more precise control over the humidity levels.
Substrate: Use moisture-retentive substrates like coconut fiber or sphagnum moss, which help maintain humidity and create a suitable environment for the geckos.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold growth and ensure that humidity levels are consistent. Good airflow helps balance humidity and prevents excess moisture buildup.
Monitoring: Use a hygrometer to regularly check the humidity levels in the enclosure, making adjustments as needed to keep it within the ideal range.

For Flying Gecko Care, provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish. Additionally, they may drink from droplets on plants, so regular misting of the enclosure helps offer extra water sources. Misting not only aids in hydration but also helps maintain humidity levels.

Regular misting also helps keep the geckos hydrated and supports their overall health.

Food & Diet

Insects: Offer a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies. These provide essential protein and nutrients.
Supplementation: Dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement before feeding. This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and supports healthy bone growth.
Feeding Frequency: Feed adults about 2-3 times a week, while juveniles may need to be fed more frequently, around 3-4 times a week. Adjust feeding frequency based on the gecko’s age, size, and appetite.
Variety: Include different types of insects to provide a balanced diet. This also prevents dietary boredom and ensures a range of nutrients.
Water: Mist the enclosure regularly to offer additional hydration sources, as flying geckos might drink from droplets on plants.

Possible Health Issues

Nutritional Deficiencies: Improper diet or lack of supplements can lead to deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D3, or other essential nutrients. This can cause metabolic bone disease, which leads to weak or deformed bones.
Respiratory Infections: Poor ventilation or improper humidity can cause respiratory infections. Symptoms include labored breathing, mucus discharge, or wheezing.
Parasitic Infections: Internal and external parasites, such as mites or worms, can affect health. Signs include weight loss, lethargy, or visible parasites on the skin.
Skin Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections can occur, often due to high humidity or unsanitary conditions. Look for signs like discolored or swollen skin, or sores.
Dehydration: Inadequate humidity or lack of water can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include lethargy, wrinkled skin, or reduced appetite.
Stress: Overcrowding, handling, or environmental changes can stress flying geckos. Stress may manifest as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or aggression.

Behavior & Temperament

Arboreal Nature: They are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time climbing and gliding between trees. Their environment should include plenty of vertical space and climbing structures to accommodate this natural behavior.
Nocturnal Activity: Flying geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They often hide during the day and become more active in the evening.
Social Behavior: Flying geckos can be kept in pairs or small groups, but it’s important to monitor them for signs of aggression or territorial disputes. They generally tolerate other geckos well if the enclosure is large enough to reduce stress and territorial behavior.
Temperament: They are generally calm and not aggressive. However, they can become stressed if their environment is not properly maintained or if they are handled too much. Handling should be minimal and gentle to avoid stressing the geckos.

Handling Tips

Minimize Handling: Limit handling to avoid stressing the geckos. Frequent handling can be stressful and should be kept to a minimum.
Gentle Approach: Always approach flying geckos calmly and gently. Sudden movements can startle them. Use slow, deliberate motions when interacting with them.
Support Their Body: When picking up a flying gecko, support their entire body, including their tail. Avoid grabbing them by their tail or legs, as this can cause injury.
Use Both Hands: Use both hands to lift and support the gecko. One hand should support their midsection, while the other can support their underside.

Conclusion

Flying Gecko Care are fascinating and relatively low-maintenance reptiles when their specific needs are met. Providing a suitable vertical enclosure with climbing structures, maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels, and ensuring a varied diet with proper supplements are crucial for their well-being.

Regular observation and minimal handling help to keep them stress-free and healthy. By creating a habitat that mimics their natural environment and addressing their basic needs, you can enjoy a rewarding experience with these unique and charming creatures.