Viper Geckos are a small terrestrial
species from Pakistan with an adult size of around
4" (10cm) With their striking markings & colouration
and relative ease of care, these geckos are proving
a popular choice with beginners & experienced
keepers alike. Always search for captive bred,
as these are less likely to suffer from stress
and are free of the often fatal parasites found
in wild caught.
Viper geckos are nocturnal and therefore do not
necessarily need specialist lighting, however they
do need to have access to at least some lighting,
even if it’s only daylight, to help maintain
a natural body clock. The period of daylight needs
to mimic natural seasonal changes, with a total
of up to 16 hours in high summer to around 8 hours
during winter. If using an artificial lighting
source, try to maintain these seasonal adjustments
with the use of an electrical timer.
Viper geckos require an ambient temperature
of 80°F (27°C) rising to a hot spot of
95°F
(35°C),with a night-time drop of approx 10°.
These temps are easily achieved with a
heatmat controlled by a suitable thermostat placed
along
the outside of the viv and covering one third of
the ground area. If using artificial lighting,
adjust the thermostat accordingly to take into
account the higher ambient temperature.
