A crested gecko cage specifically, and most of the nocturnal geckos we raise in general, should be at 90% humidity at least ONCE a day. It should not stay that high but fall to around 30-40%. So misting once is usually enough in most climates. This will vary depending on extremes in humidity. For example, winter in most areas of the US is dry outside, and particularly dry inside since we have the heater and fires running to keep us warm. Indoor humidity can fall as low as 18%. You may find that to keep your humidity at rainforest levels that you need to increase your misting to twice a day or even install an automated mister or fogger. If you are in a dry desert climate the same can apply all year round. Installing a moist hide and/or a large shallow water dish is also a good idea if your enclosure runs dry on a regular basis. Your gecko can choose the moist environment if it needs to shed or is uncomfortable. If you are in a humid climate during the summer months on the other hand, you may find that you need to increase the ventilation in your enclosures or decrease the amount you mist or both. A moist hide is still a good idea, but be careful it isn't staying too wet and promoting mold growth within the enclosure. You should not see mold on the surface or fungus gnats. These are signs that your enclosure is too wet. Food left overnight in the cage should not show signs of mold the following day either. This is another sign of a lot of moisture within the cage. The food should stay fresh for at least a day and a half with optimum humidity levels and the walls and plants will be dry by the start of the next misting period.
|
AuthorLorna @ RedSkyGeckos Archives
March 2017
Categories |