Hi everyone,

I am really hoping someone out there can let me in on the truth of my newest baby, a crocodile gecko. I have been reading and reading, trying to learn all I can about this little guy but have found care sheets stating s/he is nocturnal and needs no special uv lighting and found just as many saying he is not nocturnal and needs special light. I own two leo's who do not require special lighting ~ so I am new to uv lights if this is what I need. I just brought him home yesterday. I am leaving him alone. Last night I turned off his 'sun' and he came out very cautiously and began to explore his new digs. He ate a great meal of three crickets and two wax worms and hung out until I went to bed. This morning he was still out and about but as I began moving around he is back in 'bed' (a paper towel tube standing up,which he loves).

And while I have your attention I have come across sheets that say to feed him twice a day (he is a baby), others say once a day. All reports say that as he gets older and become an adult he should be fed a couple times weekly - so at least no question there.

Thank you so much for your time, I look forward to all the advise
Also waiting for him to be out during some twilight hours so that I can get a pic to post (I am currently not handling him so that he settles into his new home).

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information on them! I can see where the confusion comes in!
Based on the information on them that I am finding, describing them as largely crepuscular, or nocturnal, but having been seen basking in the day time I would say that a UVB light would be a good idea just to be on the safe side.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Low level UV exposure can benefit any animal to some degree. As you stated, he came out and began exploring once the lights went out. That would indicate that he is nocturnal. Nocturnal animals however, specifically reptiles (including leopard geckos) have been known to expose themselves periodically to some of the suns rays while partially hidden. Many nocturnal species also become active at dusk, as the sun sets, and get low level UV that way. The same occurs as the sun rises.

I would grab a reptisun 5.0 fluorescent and use it for 3-4 hours each morning. If you find the gecko coming out and basking beneath it the whole time, increase the time to 10 hours a day. That would signify he needs it. If he remains hidden most of the time, the 3-4 hours should be sufficient.

__________________

Thank you for the reply. I haven't used fluorescent blubs before, do they give off a lot of heat? Should I take away his other bulb while the basking light is on?

Flourescents don't emit much heat at all. You will not want to remove the primary heat source.

__________________

Agreed. You can take and put your hand directly on a flourescent tube.
Don't try that with your heat bulb!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!