When summer heats up the panicked posts by gecko owners about failed air conditioning units heat up as well. Since Crested Geckos, Gargoyles, Chahoua and Leachianus are not fans of excessive heat (sustained temps over 85 can be fatal) some panic is warranted. The key: have a back-up plan.
Your geckos will probably be fine for a few days with a little extra cool misting if *their* temps are in the mid-eighties or below. Note I am referring to the temperature (in Fahrenheit) that your gecko is experiencing, not the outside temperature. You should have a temp gauge in the enclosure to determine this. If your temps are going higher then consider the following options:
First line of defense for many people: the basement. Basements are naturally cooler, especially if they are below-ground. Heat rises and your upper floors also have the sun shining on the roof-so they will get hotter more quickly.
Second: Air circulation can help. Run a fan or if the temps outside aren't hotter than inside-open a window.
Third: lower blinds to reduce sunlight streaming into the house and heating it up.
Fourth: if all else fails try building an emergency air conditioner. This requires ice refills to keep it going, but it can be handy if you are going to be out of AC for 24 hours or less.
You can use a bucket, a styrofoam cooler, or a stainless steel bowl for the ice. The more insulated options will keep the ice going longer but not let out as much cool air-play with it to see which temps are working best for you.
Place ice in a container in front of a running fan. The air from the fan has to be able to blow over the ice. This circulates cold and moisture into the room.
If you are a DIY type, try this version: https://youtu.be/ITtlxjvLQis
You don't have to use ice cubes. You can freeze water in water bottles, milk jugs, soft drink bottles etc. and place them in the cage or use in a makeshift A/C unit as described above.
Lastly, have a family member, friend or neighbor who has agreed to let your animals stay over in case of emergency.
Hope you and your scaley friends have a cool summer!
Your geckos will probably be fine for a few days with a little extra cool misting if *their* temps are in the mid-eighties or below. Note I am referring to the temperature (in Fahrenheit) that your gecko is experiencing, not the outside temperature. You should have a temp gauge in the enclosure to determine this. If your temps are going higher then consider the following options:
First line of defense for many people: the basement. Basements are naturally cooler, especially if they are below-ground. Heat rises and your upper floors also have the sun shining on the roof-so they will get hotter more quickly.
Second: Air circulation can help. Run a fan or if the temps outside aren't hotter than inside-open a window.
Third: lower blinds to reduce sunlight streaming into the house and heating it up.
Fourth: if all else fails try building an emergency air conditioner. This requires ice refills to keep it going, but it can be handy if you are going to be out of AC for 24 hours or less.
You can use a bucket, a styrofoam cooler, or a stainless steel bowl for the ice. The more insulated options will keep the ice going longer but not let out as much cool air-play with it to see which temps are working best for you.
Place ice in a container in front of a running fan. The air from the fan has to be able to blow over the ice. This circulates cold and moisture into the room.
If you are a DIY type, try this version: https://youtu.be/ITtlxjvLQis
You don't have to use ice cubes. You can freeze water in water bottles, milk jugs, soft drink bottles etc. and place them in the cage or use in a makeshift A/C unit as described above.
Lastly, have a family member, friend or neighbor who has agreed to let your animals stay over in case of emergency.
Hope you and your scaley friends have a cool summer!
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