Do I want a Gold Dust Day Gecko?

R

reefluvr

New member
Hi all!

I'm new to this forum, but have been keeping reptiles, amphibians and all the furry critters for 40+ years. However, I've never owned a Day Gecko.

I just built and planted a new viv. It's 30x14x24. I currently have a similar sized viv housing Ranitomeya Imitator Veradero (thumbnail poison dart frogs). I've been toying with getting a pair of Gold Dust Day Geckos and I'm hoping you all can help me decide.

I've read up on their care and requirements. I know they need good UV, a heat gradient, regular misting, basking areas and hides. I've seen differing opinions on feeding, so eventually I'll have to make a decision on that.

What I really want to know is this: Exactly how messy are they?? I've had my frogs for two years now and besides some re-planting, I don't have to do any maintenance. What am I looking at with these guys? Like, literally, how much time are you spending cleaning glass? This may seem petty, but I have foster kids, my own kids, pets and a full-time job. I'm a single mom, so I'm busy. I love having critters to look at, but I'm WAY past the point of caring for high-maintenance anything.

Thanks in advance for any input. I welcome any and all suggestions!
Jen
 
A

acpart

Well-known member
I had a gold dust day gecko for 11 years that passed away last year of old age, I think. I just got 2 female gold dusts a few months ago. They are in a planted tank, so maintenance is minimal. They do tend to poop on the glass cage sides and I guess if I wanted it to be pristine all the time I'd clean it weekly, but it's not that bad and I'm planning to clean it for my town's open studios which I'll be participating in early next month.
My original gold dust was very reclusive, to the point where I often had trouble seeing her. I was hesitant about getting another one because it was kind of disappointing. The person I got this latest pair from told me that the ones he has are descended from a gold dust colony that originated in Hawaii as opposed to Madagascar and that these were much less timid. So far I have to say he's correct.
I feed them fruit nectar (CGD) 3 times a week and small crickets every other day. This is not a hardship for me because I have a number of other gecko species eating CGD and crickets on the same schedule.

Aliza
 
R

reefluvr

New member
Thank you Aliza! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Once/week for pristine sounds close enough to easy for me! I'm super excited to get some. You got two females - is that on purpose? Are you concerned about fighting? Or is the mainly the males?
 
A

acpart

Well-known member
I got 2 females because I breed a bunch of gecko species and didn't want to breed any more!

Aliza
 
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