Housing Part 2: Decoration and Planting

Housing is, without a doubt, one of the most important parts of successful turcicus keeping and so it is well worth discussing in depth; for this reason, I've decided to span this article out over 4 posts. This way, I can fit in as much detail as I want on each subject. Today, we'll be continuing the series by taking you through decorating the enclosure and adding plants to the terrarium.

The Hide
Your turcicus will need somewhere where they can rest throughout the day without being disturbed. Without a hide, your pet will feel exposed and stress out, which will be detrimental to your pets health and could kill it. The hide does not have to be elaborate; a cardboard tube with both ends covered and a small hole cut in the top is ideal. A piece of cork bark, cardboard, or a flat rock under which the gecko can crawl is also ideal. You can make a hide to stick on one of the opaque walls of the terrarium (see Backgrounds section) by taking the lid of a margarine tub. Stick the tub onto the wall (with the open side on the wall) and cut in a doorway. Commercial reptile hides, in the shape of caves, can be used as well. You should preferably have a couple of hides, and fill one with damp moss to aid shedding.

Climbing apparatus
As arboreal geckos, places to climb are essential. This can be provided with some twigs, reptile vines, vertical or horizontal cork bark/cardboard tubes, "sponge mushrooms," tall rocks, vertical pieces of cork bark, and so on. Turcicus really do love climbing so put in as much climbing equipments as you can.

Water bowl
A shallow water bowl-such as an upturned jam jar lid-will help increase humidity and should always be provided. Commercial reptile bowls are available as well and look very natural. It is also important to spray the terrarium regularly to provide droplets they can drink (they may not drink from the bowl, but it must still be provided).

Backgrounds
An opaque background on the rear and possibly side walls of the terrarium will help your gecko feel more secure. Cork bark panels, coco panels, or just some paper can be used for this. Artificial rock backgrounds are also frequently available and look very naturalistic. Some people make their own fake rock backgrounds out of polystyrene.

Plants-Real or Artificial?
This is a question often asked by gecko keepers. The simple answer is that it depends on what kind of set-up you have. If you are able to provide UV light and regularly attend to the plant's needs, go for it. If not, artificials will be just as good. Spider plants and Pothos are two great choices for terrariums, as they are very hardy and will thrive in a range of temperatures.