Elizabeth,
if you do not have a copy of Henkel and Schmidt's "Geckos" by Krieger
Publishing, you might consider obtaining a copy. There is adequate
coverage of O. castlenaui in this book.
In captivity, O. castlenaui adapts to a number of conditions, but generally
speaking these animals do not require the degree of heat that many other
Aussie species do. Temperatures which fluctuate between 70-75 (evening) to
82-87 F. (day) will be adequate during the active season. Personally, I
hibernate all animals which are anticipated to breed the following year.
This is achieved by gradually reducing the temps. during the months of
Nov/Dec until the parameters of 57-65 (night) - 65-70 (day) are reached.
Keeping the animals within this range for around 6-8 weeks will be
sufficient for fueling success in the coming spring. It is my opinion that
excessive vitamins/minerals in the diet may be detrimental to the
reproductive quality of both sexes. The diet is straightforward....anyt
hing that moves. Humidity is not too much of a priority, although I tend
to keep them a little bit dry with a moist hide/egg-laying site. Females
are typically at their reproductive prime during the 1st - 3rd breeding
seasons. During this time it may be necessary to separate the pairs so
that the females do not continue laying eggs into the oncoming winter.
Females, and males for that matter, seem to breed better at an age of
about 2 years. Certainly yearling animals are capable of breeding, but
frequently they suffer to high degrees of infertility, poorly shaped eggs,
egg-binding (this may also be aggravated by improper supplementing), and a
low number of clutches produced. The properties of the eggs, incubation
conditions, and offspring are essentially typical of the sub-family
Diplodactylinae (soft, oblong eggs, moisture required for proper
egg-development, etc.).
Overall, this is an undemanding species as long as the above issues are
adhered to. There are a number of them bred yearly in the US, and with a
number of interesting color phases. Fortunately, in the past year there
have also been an increased number of bloodlines brought into the US, an
important issue for a species that has been bred routinely since 1983 in
the US. I first bred them back in the mid 80's, so I am sure new
bloodlines are a much needed new resource.
Strangely, at present it seems that few are being bred. The reason
mystifies me. They can be quite prolific creatures!
Jon
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