Quote Originally Posted by Beardo View Post
Congratson the new addition, but I wanted to point out a few changes you might want to make.....although cocofibre is great for many of the frogs we keep, it sucks for "sticky-toed" geckos. You won't find ANY rhacodactylus keepers that use anything other than paper towels or something similar for their geckos. Also, keeping proper humidity levels in a glass tank is going to be nearly impossible and could cause shedding problems (which that one already seems to be having on the toes, you'll want to get that skin off ASAP. Just put the gecko into a deli cup with some paper towels soaked in lukewarm water).
I'm not really sure I completely agree with a couple of points here, but I can respect safety first for the benefit of the animal. Don't take this post the wrong way (believe me, I sound incredibly hypocrytical in always pushing for non-particulates) but it is possible to house any Adult gecko in the Rhacodactylus genus on a coir based substrate so long as certain precautions are met. Example: feeding CGD as a base diet from dishes, and offering insects in a bowl just as one might do for frogs. Though I do always advocate the use of paper towel and non particulate substrate for babies, juveniles, and new keepers... I just felt the use "Any keepers" was a little extreme. Again, don't get me wrong, I've always raised hatchlings on paper towel and egg flats - but it is very possible to keep this species in naturalistic vivaria with no issues = )

I've always used Coir based bioactive substrate for Rhacodactylus geckos; particularly adults from breeding colonies in naturalistic vivaria and have been since 2001. You'll find that Phillipe de Vosjoli (one of the authors of "Rhacodactylus The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care" and "Crested Geckos" from the experts at advanced vivarium systems recommends the use of this kind of substrate when setting up naturalistic display.

Again - I too am all for safety first. But it is an option for adult geckos when fed responsibly, and I know of number of keepers who maintain them this way.

I also think that humidity for this species is significantly over-rated. I've kept breeding groups in screen enclosures year-round with absolutely no issues (actually, never had a gecko develop FTS while using screen), using only a 2oz souffle cup for water and misting once heavely in the evening. A lot of keepers feel obligated to keep them constantly moist because they are from a tropical habitat, but the key is cycling between mistings to allow substrate to dry out. Keeping things overly steamy can actually be counter-productive with shedding and can allow bacteria and mold to flourish. Depending on the individual gecko and your home - a single heavy misting at night is usually adequate, though a light misting or two during the day won't hurt.

Myke66, Reptile Carpet isn't an ideal option for these guys for few reasons: 1) The strands can easily snag the claws of the geckos as they walk upon it, 2) If hunting for food, their teeth can get caught in the carpet (yes, its happened), and 3) Carpet doesn't really retain moisture very well. Its not a bad substrate choice for some species, but I'm not a big fan for Rhacs.

I would consider paper towel for the time being, particularly because the gecko is so young. It's just so much easier to maintain a sterile, safe, and effetive environment. I know it doesn't look pretty, but once your gecko is an adult you can consider some particulate substrate options so long as you are responsible during feeding time = )

Why is it that paper towel will not work for you?