Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko (Caresheet)

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY

The Tryon’s or Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko (Oedura tryoni) is one of the easiest of the geckos to care for and breed and is an ideal starting species for the beginner. A pair or one male and two females can be adequately housed in an enclosure measuring 50x30x40 cm high with a few hiding places, either natural or artificial and one or two climbing branches. A lid is essential as all velvet geckos are expert climbers of vertical surfaces even glass but make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the enclosure. A small heat pad beneath one corner of the enclosure can be provided but in many circumstances no additional heat is required. They are not at all fussy about their food and any appropriately sized insects will be accepted with relish.

CAPTIVE BREEDING

Provide a small plastic container of sphagnum moss or similar that is kept permanently moist during the breeding season (October-February) and the females will lay their clutches of two eggs every 28-35 days, with 3-5 clutches being produced per season. Incubation at 27-29°C will have the eggs hatching in approximately 60-65 days. The hatchlings will begin feeding at 5-8 days and several can be safely housed together for the first 6-8 months or as soon as their hemipenal swellings become evident, after which time it is important that the males be separated out from each other. These are long-lived captives and I have one female which was acquired in 1989 as a subadult who is still producing 3-4 clutches every year, not bad for a 22 year old!