Giant Day Gecko
Care Sheet |
| Lizards
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The Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis
grandis) is a green colored lizard,
often with red or orange spotted patterns running down
their heads and back. This species is diurnal,
meaning they are active during the day.
The Giant Day Gecko is a large species
of omnivorous
gecko, as can probably be determined by its name. They
are originally from the island of Madagascar off the
coast of Africa, and can live up to about 11 years.
Food & Water
The Giant Day Gecko is omnivorous, eating
both insects and fruits. They can be fed crickets,
mealworms,
waxworms,
butterworms
etc. two to three times a week, along with different types
of fruit occasionally. For the meat side of their diet,
crickets should form the staple, while fatty insects like
waxworms and butterworms should only be fed occasionally.
In the wild, a staple food is flower nectar. All insects
should be gut-loaded before feeding to your Gecko. You
should also dust the insects with a multi-vitamin supplement.
You can get reptile Vitamin Spray as well, from your local
pet store. Leave a dish with water in the habitat at all
times. Ensure that the water is clean, changing it everyday.
You can also mist them, but they will get most of their
water from the dish.
Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
Use broad spectrum heat bulbs, and a fluorescent or
other bulb with UVB. Direct sunlight (not through glass)
is recommended for natural vitamins. Keep the humidity
around 65%. You can use misting to raise the humidity
levels if needed. The temperature should be kept between
80 degrees F to 85 degrees F. Do not let the temperature
get above 90 degrees F. The temperature should never
fall below 70 degrees F.
Housing
Giant Day Geckos need a fairly large enclosure. A 2.5'
x 2.5' x 2.5' as a minimum size should be sufficient
for one, but bigger is always better. Never house 2
males together, as they will become territorial, aggressive
and fight each other. Make sure to include cover for
the Gecko to hide under. Also include some branches
for climbing, as the Giant Day Gecko
is very active. Use large bark chips, reptile carpet
or newspaper for a substrate. |
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