Housing 1.2 Uroplatus sikorae questions, looking for answers.

[Mettle]

I am in the process of designing a fully planted vivarium with bio-active substrate for 1.2 Uroplatus sikorae. But I had a few questions first...

I am planning on using an 18x18x24 exoterra. Is this large enough for the three geckos? From caresheets online I have read that 1.1 can be housed in a 20 gallon tank which is definitely smaller than this.

Providing all three geckos get along and cohabitat well, can I leave the male in with the females year-round? I also keep some Rhacodactylus species and separate the males out for a portion of the year.

What's the best method of introducing the geckos to each other? Is there any "order" I should go in for introducing or can they all be put into the tank at the same time? I figure all at once would be best. Currently they are all housed in separate exoterras.

How long is it recommended to keep a new U. sikorae in quarantine before introducing it to my other two? One of my females was bought to me as a gift two months ago. I don't know its exact origins or how long it has been in captivity, but I am assuming she is wild caught. She eats eagerly and has had ZERO ISSUES since I acquired her. Still, I don't want to rush things.

Thanks for any help/insight.

 

[jadrig]

The quarantine time depends on the animals. Sikorae come around real easily, usually. Just make sure that their tails are fattened up and you cant see their hip bones at the base of their tails. They are not a confrontational species at all. I have had three together for a while with no problems. Just make sure that one is not getting ALL of the food. I have noticed that the somewhat larger females are much more aggressive towards food compared to the males.

 

[NigelMoses]

In my own opinion I would go larger. I currently have 1.3 u. sikorae sikorae in a custom built cage. The cage measures 20"wx24"lx40"h. They have been breeding and thriving in this enclosure. If you plan on breeding yours, I would recommend getting UVB lighting for the enclosure. You can keep all your geckos together as well, however I would separate the male from the females for at least a few months each year to give them a rest. U. sikorae sikorae get along well together with little to no aggression, including males with males. If you have had your geckos quarantined for a month or so and all seem to be eating fine, I would say its now safe to put them together.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mettle]

Thanks for the replies! The info is very much appreciated.

 

[luevelvet]

We keep our fimbriatus in a 2'x2'x4' screen cages typically used for chameleons. They seem to enjoy the extra space and it allows for their food to climb the walls. They seem much happier hunting for their food than eating from a container or the floor of the enclosure.

Luis

 

[BciJoe]

Luis, would that screen enclosure not allow for enough humidity? I'm a new fimbriatus owner and am learning...

 

[luevelvet]

Hey BciJoe,

One reason I use screen cages is based on my experience with chameleons and their need for good ventilation. It is a bit tougher to maintain high humidity but I've never had an issue with maintaining optimal levels in a screen cage. I've also found they appreciate the extra texture to crawl on and I find the fimbriatus on the screen more than anything else. Our lineatus tend to stay on the plants during the day but at night venture about the entire enclosure and the henkeli spend a decent amount of time on both the plants and the screen.

I mist multiple times per evening, usually once about an hour after the lights go out, and once 30-60 minutes later. The screen also traps droplets of water from which they drink.

I think we're all still learning about Uroplatus. ;-) Let me know if you have any more questions.


Luis

 

[BciJoe]

Thanks Luis. Are they breeding well in there? How long have they been in there and what are they eating besides crickets, if anything?

Thanks again, Joe

 

[luevelvet]

Hey Joe,

I haven't witnessed the fimbriatus in the "act" but I have witnessed the lineatus copulating. However, my largest female (around 12") is showing signs that she's gravid and has become more active than the others in the last few weeks.

Luis