Care Sheet for Geckos: African Fat-TailedAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 10/08/2009 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Geckos: African Fat-Tailed |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Frogluver |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | African Fat-Tailed Gecko |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Despite what some people say, Leopard Geckos should NEVER be housed with African Fat-Tailed Geckos. The difference in humidity requirements in the two species will cause respitory infections to the one who’s humidity is off. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Males have an "upside down V" shaped row of femoral pores near the vent (under base of tail, cloacal region). Males also have a bulge behind the vent. Females lack these features. You cannot tell their gender until they are 6 months old.
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Mostly Active During: | N/A |
Substrate and Water Needs: | I prefer moist coconut fiber soil for bedding. Always keep substrate moist. A shallow dish of dechlorinated or spring water such as a small Repti-Rock should be provided. |
Lighting and UVB: | This species does not require UVB, but will benefit from 10-12 hours a day of it. I recommend Zilla Combo Dome (again, this is not needed). |
Temperatures and Humidity: | 82-88 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit at night will keep your gecko healthy and happy. Keep humidity around 70% by always keeping substrate moist, misting the enclosure with dechlorinated water twice daily, and providing a shallow dish of water. Low humidity can cause respiratory infections. |
Heating and Equipment: | A UTH (under tank heater) and a heat lamp are great for heating them. |
Caging Provided: | A 10 gallon aquarium will comfortably house a single gecko, a 20 gallon long aquarium is good for two. Never house multiple males in the same enclosure. Most females can co-exist, but watch for signs of aggression. If housing males and females together, a good ratio is one male per up to three females. Be sure to keep a secure vented lid on the enclosure at all times. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Crickets should be their main food. Supplement their diet often with mealworms and/or pheonix worms and sometimes (once a week) with waxworms, silkworms, or butterworms. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | A vitamin/mineral dust w/vitamin D3 should be used at every feeding. Gently shake the crickets in a plastic bag along with a little bit of the dust to coat them. |
Maintenance: | Their substrate should be changed and their enclosure rinsed out at least once a month. Always keep the substrate moist. Mist habitat twice daily. |
Some Words on this Species: | I find African Fat-Tailed Geckos much friendlier than their "cousins" Leopard Geckos. They are easier to tame and much more laid back. |
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