Chahoua Gecko Enclosure Setup

Chahoua Gecko Enclosure Setup Guide

The Chahoua gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua), also known as the Mossy Gecko, is a larger and more secretive New Caledonian gecko that requires a carefully considered enclosure to thrive. This guide covers everything you need to set up the perfect home for your Chahoua.

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Enclosure Size

Chahoua are larger and more active than crested geckos, so they need a bigger enclosure with plenty of vertical space for climbing.

Juveniles: A 30x30x45cm enclosure is suitable to start, allowing easy monitoring of feeding.
Sub-adults and adults: A minimum of 45x45x90cm is recommended. Larger is always better — a 60x60x90cm or larger enclosure is ideal for an adult pair or individual.
Males together: Never house two males together. Chahoua can be aggressive, especially males.

Enclosure Types

Front-opening glass terrariums — the most popular choice. Good airflow with mesh top/sides, front doors reduce stress during maintenance.
PVC enclosures — excellent humidity retention, particularly useful in drier UK homes or in winter.
Bioactive vivariums — highly recommended for Chahoua. Live plants, a drainage layer and a clean-up crew (isopods and springtails) create a naturalistic, enriching environment and help regulate humidity naturally.

Substrate

Chahoua do well on a coconut fibre-based substrate or a bioactive mix (topsoil, sand, and coco fibre). This retains humidity well and allows natural digging behaviour. Avoid loose, dry substrates that will not hold moisture. For juveniles, paper towel is safer until they reach adult size.

Hides and Décor

Chahoua are secretive geckos that spend much of the day hidden. Providing ample cover is essential for their wellbeing.

Offer multiple hides at different heights — cork bark tubes, cork flats, and hollow logs work very well.
Add plenty of climbing opportunities: thick branches, bamboo, and vines.
Live or artificial plants (pothos, bromeliads, philodendron) provide cover and help maintain humidity.
Magnetic feeding ledges at height work well for presenting CGD dishes.
Chahoua appreciate a denser, more cluttered setup than crested geckos — the more hiding spots, the more secure they will feel.

Ventilation

Good airflow is important but Chahoua require higher humidity than crested geckos, so balance ventilation carefully. A mesh top with solid or partially covered sides can help maintain humidity while still allowing fresh air circulation. Monitor with a digital hygrometer and adjust misting frequency as needed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Spot clean droppings and uneaten food daily.
Replace water every 1–2 days.
For non-bioactive setups, do a full substrate change every 3–6 months.
Bioactive setups require minimal intervention once established — top up with fresh substrate as needed.