our breeding pair of pine island chahoua geckos

Hey fellow gecko enthusiasts! You've seen my stunning Pine Island Chahoua geckos, and I wanted to share a bit more about what makes these particular rhacodactylus so captivating and how I care for my breeding pair. If you're considering one of these beauties or just curious, read on! Pine Island Chahouas, often called Mossy Prehensile-tailed Geckos, are truly unique. What sets the Pine Island locale apart is often their striking coloration and pattern – think beautiful greens, browns, and sometimes even hints of yellow or orange, perfectly camouflaged against moss and bark. They hail from New Caledonia and are known for their calm demeanor and fascinating prehensile tails, which they use like a fifth limb to navigate their arboreal habitat. Their velvety skin and large, expressive eyes are just adorable! Caring for a breeding pair requires a bit of dedication. First, let's talk enclosure. For adults, I recommend a vertical terrarium, at least 18x18x24 inches, but bigger is always better for a pair, especially to provide enough space and hiding spots to reduce stress. A bioactive setup with live plants like Pothos, Ficus pumila, and various mosses not only looks incredible but also helps maintain humidity and offers natural climbing opportunities. Lots of branches, cork bark, and artificial vines are essential for them to grip and explore. Humidity is crucial – I aim for 70-80% nightly, dropping to 50-60% during the day. A good misting system or hand mister twice daily usually does the trick. Temperature-wise, they thrive in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 72-78°F or 22-26°C), avoiding anything above 80°F. A small LED light on a timer provides a natural day/night cycle, but no special heating lamp is typically needed unless your room is very cool. Diet is straightforward. My Chahouas primarily eat a high-quality crested gecko diet (CGD) mixed with water, offered 2-3 times a week. I occasionally dust feeder insects like dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae with calcium and vitamin supplements – maybe once every week or two. Variety is key to ensure they get all their nutrients. Always provide fresh, clean water in a small dish. For breeding, ensuring your pair is healthy, mature, and well-fed is paramount. My male and female get along well, which is important. Once eggs are laid, I carefully excavate them and place them in an incubator on a moist substrate like vermiculite or perlite, maintaining specific humidity and temperature. Watching the tiny hatchlings emerge after a few months is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping these amazing geckos! It's a journey, but seeing these little ones thrive makes every effort worthwhile. If you're thinking about adding a Pine Island Chahoua to your family, be prepared for a truly enchanting reptilian companion!