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Care sheet
Geckos and water
A story of cycles
Among New Caledonian fruit geckos,
Hydration does not depend solely on the number displayed by a hygrometer.
In the wild, these geckos hydrate themselves by licking: the water droplets,
the moisture deposited on the vegetation or wet surfaces of their environment.
Regular spraying therefore plays an important role in hydration.
natural behaviors and molting.
HUMIDITY DOES NOT MEAN HYDRATION
THE MOISTURE/DRYING CYCLE
A constantly humid terrarium does not necessarily guarantee good hydration.
Conversely, a well-ventilated environment, with consistent spraying, natural drying phases and surfaces allowing licking, often remains closer to the natural functioning of Caledonian species.
In nature, humidity increases after rain or dew, then gradually decreases.
After spraying
As hours
Before spraying
The objective:
alternating peaks of humidity,
a humid period allowing for hydration,
then a gradual drying phase.
High humidity
(80–100%), with water droplets forming on plants and enclosure décor, allows geckos to drink by licking moisture from surfaces.
The surfaces gradually dry, the humidity drops and the air is renewed.
Moderate humidity
(50 to 70% on average),
the substrate retains the necessary moisture.
These natural variations are beneficial for New Caledonian species.
HOW TO SPRAY?
WHAT TYPE OF WATER SHOULD I USE?
THE WATER BOWL
The goal is not to soak the terrarium, but to moisten the vegetation and certain surfaces with fine droplets.
Spraying is usually done at the end of the day, the period of natural activity for geckos.
A light morning misting can be beneficial to mimic dew.
Good quality drinking water is suitable in most cases.
Demineralized water is not essential for geckos.
but may be useful for automatic misting systems or in areas where the water is very hard.
A bowl of clean water should
always be available.
Some geckos use it regularly, others much less so. The water must be changed regularly.
Moisten, then allow to dry gradually.
The choice depends mainly on the preservation of the equipment and the aesthetics of the terrarium.
An additional water source
always accessible.
SIGNS OF GOOD HYDRATION
Eyes wide open
and not pushed in
Soft skin
and smooth
Complete molts
and regular
Appetite and activity
normal
Repeated incomplete molts, decreased activity, or a dehydrated appearance may indicate a problem with hydration or maintenance.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
The hydration of a fruit gecko is not simply a matter of a percentage of humidity.
A well-ventilated environment, with natural cycles of humidity and drying as well as many surfaces allowing the licking of droplets, is closer to the functioning of New Caledonian forests.
Observe, understand and reproduce natural cycles
are essential to the well-being of your gecko.
