Bibron housing question

[Topaz]

Well I love my lil bibron, she is just the cutest... when I get to see her. she hides most of the time and I waas wondering if I moved her to a larger cage with lots of cage furniture and hiding places would she move about more? Also I'd love to use a substrate other than paper for her, but will they stick to her sticky toes? I was thinking bark, forest floor type of material but I don't want her tobe uncomfortable.

Thanks for your help!!

[Jason Wakelin]

Hi,

Gecko toes are not "sticky" like fly paper. But are composed of ultra fine filaments on the toe pads. These filaments are so fine that they can find the texture on a pane of glass, and therefore allow the gecko to climb it. Substrate will not stick to their toes. Besides, geckos can and do lick their toes occasionally to keep them clean. The only issue I could see with bark as a substrate is giving the crickets a place to hide. This could be problematic with such a secretive species like Bibrons. I know there are some who would advise against the use of sand due to impaction issues, but that is what I would use. Sand and lots of rock and clay hiding areas, and a full spectrum heat lamp on a timer.

As for a larger cage, I'm not sure if it would help you see it more often. But assuming you are using glass aquaria I wouldn't go larger than a 33 gallon, or smaller than a 10 gallon.

Good luck,
Jason

[Topaz]

Thanks Jason. My concern was sand or little bark fibers getting between those toe skin filiments and causing irritation. Crazy little toes...
I think I will try it with lots of rocks and flat areas to walk and hunt on, thanks!

[Stockwell]

I've kept and bred Bibrons and Crocodile geckos the same way, both on plain old sand. Beach or play sand. Have some rocks and fake plants too if you want. Rocks must be positioned securely so they can't fall or squish the geckos.
They will stay on the glass and rocks most of the time , but will dig holes to lay their eggs in the sand. Bibrons can walk on sand and you'll find it quite intersting how they instictively lift the front part of their feet so as not to get sand on their toes. I used to breed mine in 20tt's(20gallon talls) with a screened top
Sand is a safe substrate for these geckos

[Manitoban Herps]

I am using dry moss for mine, with a rock pile in the center of the cage.

They are awesome little lizards.