Essential Care Requirements Every Leachie Owner Should Know

August 22, 2025

If you’re considering bringing home a New Caledonia gecko—sometimes called the Leachianus gecko or “Leachie”—you’re stepping into the world of one of the most fascinating reptiles in the hobby. Known as the largest gecko species on Earth, these giants from the islands of New Caledonia are prized for their unique appearance, strong personalities, and surprisingly long lifespans. But before you make the commitment, it’s crucial to understand their care requirements. Proper husbandry ensures your gecko thrives for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential care requirements every New Caledonia gecko owner should know, covering housing, temperature, humidity, diet, handling, and health. Whether you’re a first-time reptile keeper or a seasoned enthusiast, this post will give you the foundation to provide the best life possible for your gecko.

Housing and Enclosure Setup

The first step in caring for a New Caledonia gecko is setting up the right enclosure. These geckos are arboreal, meaning they love to climb and perch. Unlike ground-dwelling reptiles, they feel most comfortable when they have vertical space.

Enclosure Size: An adult Leachianus gecko should be housed in a tall terrarium at least 18 x 18 x 24 inches, though larger is always better. For big locality giants, 24 x 24 x 36 inches gives them the climbing room they deserve.
Material: Glass terrariums with front-opening doors work well, as do PVC enclosures with plenty of ventilation.
Substrate: Use a substrate that retains humidity without getting soggy. Coconut fiber, orchid bark, or bioactive soil mixes are all excellent choices.
Decor: Provide plenty of sturdy climbing branches, cork tubes, and foliage for cover. These geckos can be heavy, so make sure perches are secure and able to hold their weight.

A well-decorated enclosure mimics their natural rainforest environment and helps reduce stress.

Temperature and Lighting

Unlike many reptiles, New Caledonia geckos come from a cooler, humid environment and don’t need extreme heat.

Temperature Range: Aim for a daytime temperature of 72–78°F with a slight nighttime drop into the upper 60s.
Basking Spot: A gentle basking area of 80–82°F can be provided, but never let the enclosure exceed 85°F—temperatures above this can stress or even harm your gecko.
Lighting: While many keepers once believed UVB wasn’t necessary, modern research suggests that a low-level UVB bulb (5–7%) is beneficial for vitamin D synthesis and overall health.
Heating Tools: A low-wattage heat bulb or ceramic heater controlled by a thermostat is often sufficient. Always monitor with accurate thermometers placed in different zones.

The key is balance: warm enough for digestion but cool enough to keep stress levels low.

Humidity and Hydration

Humidity is a cornerstone of Leachianus gecko care. In the wild, they live in rainforests where moisture is abundant.

Humidity Range: Keep levels between 50–70%, with spikes up to 80–85% after misting.
Misting: Lightly mist the enclosure once or twice a day to maintain hydration. This also provides drinking opportunities, since many geckos lick water droplets off leaves and glass.
Water Dish: Always provide a shallow dish of clean water, refreshed daily.

Monitoring humidity with a digital hygrometer helps ensure conditions remain stable. Consistency is vital for proper shedding and respiratory health.

Diet and Nutrition

New Caledonia geckos are omnivores, meaning they eat both insects and fruit-based foods.

Commercial Diets: High-quality powdered diets like Repashy or Pangea are formulated specifically for geckos from this region. These mixes provide balanced nutrition and should form the foundation of their diet.
Insects: Offer live feeders such as crickets, dubia roaches, or black soldier fly larvae once or twice a week. Always dust feeders with calcium and vitamin supplements.
Feeding Schedule: Adults can be fed 3–4 times a week, while juveniles may need smaller, more frequent meals.

By combining commercial diets with occasional insect treats, you’ll keep your gecko healthy and stimulated.

Handling and Temperament

Leachianus geckos are famous for their big personalities. Some are docile and tolerate handling well, while others can be territorial or grumpy.

Young Geckos: Start with short, calm handling sessions to build trust.
Adults: Many can be handled, but always respect their boundaries. They are powerful geckos with strong jaws, so avoid startling them.
Observation: Watch for stress signs like excessive vocalizing, tail thrashing, or lunging.

The best approach is patience—every gecko has its own temperament, and building a bond takes time.

Health and Longevity

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a New Caledonia gecko is their long lifespan. With proper care, they can live 20 years or more, with some documented cases exceeding 30 years in captivity.

Common Health Concerns:

Shedding Issues: Usually tied to low humidity. Provide a moist hide and maintain proper misting routines.
Obesity: Overfeeding can lead to weight problems, so monitor body condition and portion sizes.
Respiratory Issues: Can occur if humidity is too high without ventilation. Balance moisture with airflow.

Routine vet checkups with a reptile-savvy veterinarian are recommended, especially for breeding adults.

Captive-Bred vs. Wild-Caught

When shopping for a New Caledonia gecko, it’s important to choose captive-bred animals. Not only are they healthier and better acclimated to captivity, but buying captive-bred also helps protect wild populations in New Caledonia, which are under pressure from habitat loss and invasive predators.

Reputable breeders will provide information on lineage, age, and feeding history. Always ask questions before purchasing to ensure you’re bringing home a well-cared-for animal.

Final Thoughts

New Caledonia geckos are incredible pets for reptile enthusiasts who are prepared to meet their needs. With the right enclosure, temperature, humidity, and diet, these geckos can thrive and become long-term companions. While they’re not always the best “beginner reptile” due to their size and temperament, for dedicated keepers, they are truly rewarding.

If you’re ready to invest in their care, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most unique and charismatic reptiles in the hobby.

At our store, we’re passionate about matching geckos with the right owners and providing the supplies you need for success. From enclosures and diets to supplements and décor, we’ve got everything to make your gecko feel at home.

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