Leachie geckos are natural omnivores. When in the wild, they hunt small mammals, insects and lizards while also feasting on fruits, flowers, tree sap and nectar; some even know to consume fruit from ficus trees!
These fish require a high tank filled with moss and cork bark to make them feel secure and at home, although they may initially appear aggressive; with time they become used to handling.
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Feeding
Leachies lizards tend to be solitary and territorial creatures that may become aggressive towards other lizards, often using hisses and chirps in an effort to scare away other threats if ignored. A healthy appetite is an indicator that your Leachie may tolerate handling without stress.
They feed on both fruit and insects in the wild. When kept captive, feed your bird a variety of protein feeders and dried fruit as a diet supplement. In addition, ensure their water dish cannot tip over easily and that new chlorine-free water misted into their enclosure daily.
Leachies are heavy arboreal species, so ensure any branches or vines used as climbing structures are strong enough to support their weight. Furthermore, it’s advisable to include a thermometer so you can monitor and regulate temperature as needed; Leachies raised from hatchlings tend to be more accepting of handling than adults.
Substrate
Giant Leachianus geckos are semi-arboreal creatures that require an enclosure with hiding places, thick branches, and sturdy foliage to hide in as well as plenty of vertical space to explore their environment. Juveniles should be housed in five to ten gallon enclosures while adults require at least thirty gallon vivariariums for optimal living conditions.
Substrates used in leachianus gecko habitats should be soft, non-toxic and absorbent – ideal substrate materials include coconut fibers, organic soil or paper towels; for hatchlings this latter choice works particularly well as it requires little water for maintenance while being easily replaced on an ongoing basis.
Avoid using sand as a substrate because it can lead to impaction. Some owners also opt for old newspapers; however, there have been concerns over printer ink being toxic to reptiles. Cypress mulch or similar wood shavings offer more natural looking solutions which absorb waste well.
Treats
Crested geckos are omnivorous creatures, though fruits make up most of their diet. Additionally, insects and mealworms offer protein sources. Some owners choose commercial food mixes like Exo Terra’s Fruit Eaters or Repashy Grubs and Insects which take the hassle out of creating meals from scratch and eliminates additional insect feeders altogether.
These foods contain high concentrations of insects, fruits, berries, flowers, bee pollen, vitamins and minerals-including added magnesium-including Osteo-form SA and/or Vionate powder supplements to provide additional support to the diet when using prepared foods of this nature. It is highly advised to supplement when using such products.
Avoid feeding crested geckos citrus fruits such as citrus fruits, kiwis, pineapples and grapefruit as these contain too much oxalic acid for them. Avocado should also be avoided since it contains small amounts of persin which is toxic to reptiles. Crested geckos tend to be antisocial creatures who will often show cage aggression in order to defend their territory; however, with early handling they will generally warm up to humans more quickly.
Supplements
Geckos are susceptible to vitamin deficiency, which may manifest itself through bowed legs, difficulty raising their bodies off of the ground and poor shedding. To avoid this problem, dust your food twice weekly with multivitamin powder that contains at least 45,00-50,000 IU/kg of vitamin D3.
Calcium supplements should also be provided, either alone or combined with vitamin D3. Geckos typically obtain their calcium through natural means like licking minerals found in nature.
Leachie terrariums require hardy plants such as dracaena, money tree, heart-leaf philodendron and pothos for proper humidity levels in their enclosure. A misting system will also aid in keeping humidity levels balanced within.
