The mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) is a small, ground-dwelling lizard native to New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. It is commonly known as the mourning gecko due to its dark coloration, which is often mistaken for a sign of mourning. Mourning geckos are popular pets due to their small size, ease of care, and unique appearance.

Mourning geckos are typically sold for between $20 and $40. They can be found for sale at pet stores, reptile expos, and online retailers. When purchasing a mourning gecko, it is important to choose a reputable breeder or seller to ensure that the gecko is healthy and well-cared for.

Mourning geckos are relatively easy to care for. They require a small enclosure with a secure lid, as they are good climbers. The enclosure should be furnished with a hide box, a water dish, and a heat source. Mourning geckos are insectivores and should be fed a diet of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches.

Mourning geckos are a fascinating and rewarding pet. They are relatively easy to care for and can make great companions for reptile enthusiasts of all ages. If you are interested in learning more about mourning geckos, there are many resources available online and in libraries.

1. Size

Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a mourning gecko for sale. Mourning geckos are small lizards, with adults typically reaching a length of 3-4 inches. This makes them a good choice for people who live in small apartments or who have limited space for a pet enclosure. However, it is important to remember that mourning geckos are still active lizards and require an enclosure that is large enough for them to move around and explore.

• Enclosure Size

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  The minimum enclosure size for a mourning gecko is a 10-gallon tank. However, a larger enclosure is always better, as it will give your gecko more space to move around and explore. If you are planning on keeping multiple mourning geckos, you will need to provide an even larger enclosure.

• Cagemates

  Mourning geckos can be kept together in groups, but it is important to provide enough space for each gecko. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of space per gecko. If you are keeping multiple mourning geckos, it is also important to provide plenty of hiding places so that each gecko can feel secure.

• Handling

  Mourning geckos are delicate creatures and should be handled with care. When handling your gecko, be sure to support its body and avoid squeezing it. It is also important to wash your hands before and after handling your gecko to avoid introducing any bacteria or diseases.

• Growth

  Mourning geckos will typically reach their full size within 1-2 years. However, some geckos may continue to grow slowly throughout their lives. It is important to monitor your gecko’s growth and adjust its enclosure size accordingly.

By considering the size of your mourning gecko and its enclosure, you can help ensure that your pet has a long and healthy life.

2. Cost

When considering the cost of a mourning gecko for sale, there are several factors to keep in mind, including the initial purchase price, the cost of the enclosure, the cost of food and supplies, and the cost of veterinary care.

• Initial Purchase Price

  The initial purchase price of a mourning gecko can vary depending on the age, size, and color of the gecko. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $40 for a healthy adult mourning gecko.

• Enclosure Cost

  The cost of an enclosure for a mourning gecko will vary depending on the size and type of enclosure you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $100 for a basic enclosure.

• Food and Supplies Cost

  The cost of food and supplies for a mourning gecko is relatively low. Mourning geckos eat a diet of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per month for food and supplies.

• Veterinary Care Cost

  The cost of veterinary care for a mourning gecko will vary depending on the type of care needed. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a basic checkup.

It is important to factor in all of these costs when budgeting for a mourning gecko. By doing so, you can ensure that you have the resources to provide your gecko with the proper care.

3. Care

When considering “Care” in relation to “mourning gecko for sale”, several facets come into play, emphasizing the importance of providing a nurturing environment for these delicate creatures:

• Enclosure

  Mourning geckos require a secure and appropriately sized enclosure that caters to their arboreal nature. The enclosure should offer ample space for movement, climbing, and hiding, ensuring the gecko’s well-being. Proper ventilation is also crucial to maintain optimal humidity levels.

• Temperature and Lighting

  Mourning geckos are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. Providing a temperature gradient within the enclosure allows the gecko to thermoregulate by moving between warm and cool zones. Adequate lighting, including both UVB and UVA rays, supports their overall health and well-being.

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• Diet

  Mourning geckos primarily feed on live insects, such as crickets and mealworms. Ensuring a varied and nutritious diet is vital for maintaining their health. Regular feeding schedules and appropriate portion sizes prevent obesity and nutrient deficiencies.

• Hygiene and Health

  Maintaining a clean enclosure with regular substrate changes is essential to prevent health issues. Access to clean water is crucial for hydration and shedding. Regular veterinary check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of any potential health concerns, contributing to the gecko’s longevity.

By comprehensively understanding and addressing these facets of “Care”, potential owners can provide a nurturing environment that promotes the health and well-being of their mourning gecko.

4. Diet

Mourning geckos are insectivores, which means that their diet primarily consists of insects. In the wild, they feed on a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and spiders. When kept as pets, mourning geckos should be fed a similar diet. Live insects are the best option, as they are more nutritious than freeze-dried or canned insects. However, it is important to make sure that the insects are gut-loaded before feeding them to your gecko. This means feeding the insects a nutritious diet so that they pass on the nutrients to your gecko.

In addition to insects, mourning geckos can also eat fruits and vegetables. However, these should only be offered as a occasional treat, as they are not as nutritious as insects. Some good fruits and vegetables to offer your gecko include:

• bananas
• berries
• carrots
• collard greens
• mealworms

It is important to make sure that your mourning gecko has access to a clean water source at all times. Water is essential for their health and well-being, and it helps them to shed their skin properly.

By following these tips, you can provide your mourning gecko with a nutritious and healthy diet that will help them to thrive.

5. Availability

The availability of mourning geckos for sale can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location, the time of year, and the popularity of the species. However, there are several ways to increase your chances of finding a mourning gecko for sale.

• Pet stores

  Pet stores are a good place to start your search for a mourning gecko. However, not all pet stores sell mourning geckos, so it is important to call ahead to check. If the pet store does not have any mourning geckos in stock, they may be able to order one for you.

• Reptile expos

  Reptile expos are a great place to find a variety of reptiles, including mourning geckos. Reptile expos are held all over the country, so you should be able to find one near you. At a reptile expo, you will be able to see a variety of mourning geckos and compare prices from different breeders.

• Online retailers

  There are a number of online retailers that sell mourning geckos. However, it is important to do your research before purchasing a mourning gecko online. Make sure that the retailer is reputable and has a good track record. You should also read the reviews of the retailer before making a purchase.

• Breeders

  If you are looking for a specific type of mourning gecko, you may want to contact a breeder. Breeders specialize in breeding mourning geckos, and they can often provide you with a gecko that meets your specific needs. Breeders can also provide you with information about the care and feeding of mourning geckos.

Once you have found a mourning gecko for sale, it is important to do your research to make sure that you are getting a healthy gecko. You should also make sure that you have the proper enclosure and supplies to care for your gecko.

6. Legality

The legality of selling mourning geckos varies from country to country. In some countries, mourning geckos are protected by law, and it is illegal to sell them without a permit. In other countries, mourning geckos are not protected by law, and it is legal to sell them without a permit. However, even in countries where mourning geckos are not protected by law, there may be local ordinances or regulations that prohibit the sale of mourning geckos. Therefore, it is always important to check the local laws and regulations before selling mourning geckos.

There are several reasons why mourning geckos may be protected by law. One reason is that mourning geckos are a native species in many countries, and their populations are declining due to habitat loss and other factors. Protecting mourning geckos by law helps to ensure that their populations remain stable.

Another reason why mourning geckos may be protected by law is that they are a potential threat to human health. Mourning geckos can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause salmonellosis in humans. Protecting mourning geckos by law helps to reduce the risk of salmonellosis transmission to humans.

If you are considering selling mourning geckos, it is important to check the local laws and regulations to make sure that it is legal to do so. You should also make sure that you are taking all necessary precautions to protect the health of your customers.

In summary, the legality of selling mourning geckos varies from country to country. It is important to check the local laws and regulations before selling mourning geckos to make sure that it is legal to do so. You should also make sure that you are taking all necessary precautions to protect the health of your customers.

FAQs about Mourning Geckos for Sale

Considering all the aspects of “mourning gecko for sale”, these FAQs cover common concerns or misconceptions one may have.

Question 1: Are mourning geckos easy to care for?

Yes, mourning geckos are generally considered easy to care for. They have a relatively small size, do not require a lot of space, and have a simple diet consisting primarily of live insects. However, it is important to provide them with a proper enclosure, appropriate temperature and humidity levels, and a regular feeding schedule to ensure their well-being.

Question 2: What is the average lifespan of a mourning gecko?

The average lifespan of a mourning gecko is around 5-10 years. However, with proper care and a suitable environment, some mourning geckos have been known to live for up to 15 years.

Question 3: Are mourning geckos good pets for children?

Mourning geckos can make good pets for children who are old enough to handle them with care and understand their needs. They are generally docile and easy to handle, but it is important to supervise young children when interacting with any pet.

Question 4: What is the best way to feed a mourning gecko?

Mourning geckos should be fed a diet consisting primarily of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. It is important to gut-load the insects before feeding them to your gecko to ensure that your gecko is getting the nutrients it needs. You should also offer your gecko a shallow dish of clean water at all times.

Question 5: What type of enclosure is best for a mourning gecko?

Mourning geckos should be housed in an enclosure that is at least 10 gallons in size. The enclosure should have a secure lid and plenty of ventilation. It should also include a heat source, a hide box, and a water dish. The substrate should be a loose, moisture-retentive material, such as coconut fiber or sphagnum moss.

Question 6: What are some common health problems that mourning geckos can experience?

Some common health problems that mourning geckos can experience include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and skin infections. It is important to provide your gecko with a proper diet, a suitable environment, and regular veterinary care to help prevent these health problems.

These FAQs provide some crucial information to consider before purchasing a mourning gecko. With proper care and attention, mourning geckos can be rewarding and enjoyable pets.

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If you have any further questions or concerns, it is always advisable to consult with a qualified veterinarian or reptile specialist for expert advice specific to your mourning gecko’s needs.

Tips for Caring for a Mourning Gecko

Mourning geckos are small, delicate lizards that make popular pets due to their ease of care and unique appearance. Here are some tips to help you provide the best possible care for your mourning gecko:

Tip 1: Provide a Suitable EnclosureMourning geckos require a secure enclosure that is at least 10 gallons in size. The enclosure should have a secure lid and plenty of ventilation. It should also include a heat source, a hide box, and a water dish. The substrate should be a loose, moisture-retentive material, such as coconut fiber or sphagnum moss.Tip 2: Maintain Proper Temperature and HumidityMourning geckos are ectothermic, which means that they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. The ideal temperature gradient for a mourning gecko is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure should also have a humidity level of around 50-60%.Tip 3: Offer a Nutritious DietMourning geckos are insectivores, which means that their diet primarily consists of insects. Live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches, are the best option. It is important to gut-load the insects before feeding them to your gecko to ensure that your gecko is getting the nutrients it needs. You should also offer your gecko a shallow dish of clean water at all times.Tip 4: Handle with CareMourning geckos are delicate creatures and should be handled with care. When handling your gecko, be sure to support its body and avoid squeezing it. It is also important to wash your hands before and after handling your gecko to avoid introducing any bacteria or diseases.Tip 5: Monitor for Health IssuesIt is important to monitor your mourning gecko for any signs of health problems. Some common health problems that mourning geckos can experience include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and skin infections. If you notice any changes in your gecko’s behavior or appearance, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.Tip 6: Provide EnrichmentMourning geckos are active lizards and need to have opportunities to climb and explore. Providing your gecko with a variety of climbing structures, hiding places, and live plants will help to keep it healthy and happy.Tip 7: Be PatientMourning geckos can take some time to adjust to their new environment. Be patient with your gecko and give it time to settle in. Avoid handling your gecko too much during this time.Tip 8: Enjoy Your GeckoMourning geckos can make great pets for people of all ages. They are relatively easy to care for and can be very rewarding pets. Enjoy your mourning gecko and provide it with the best possible care.

By following these tips, you can help your mourning gecko live a long and healthy life.

Remember to always consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your mourning gecko’s health or care.

Mourning Geckos

Mourning geckos are small, delicate lizards that make popular pets due to their ease of care and unique appearance. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, and they can be a great choice for people who are new to reptile keeping. Mourning geckos are also known for their docile nature and their ability to thrive in a variety of environments.

If you are considering purchasing a mourning gecko, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder or seller. It is also important to provide your gecko with a suitable enclosure, a nutritious diet, and proper care. With proper care, mourning geckos can live for many years and make wonderful companions.