day gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Day Gecko
Scientific Name: Phelsuma Sp.
Average life Span: 3 - 10 years
Day Geckos are the most prominent reptiles in Madagascar. . Day geckos of the genus Phelsuma are different from other geckos for several reasons. Unlike most other geckos, day geckos are diurnal (active during the day) hence their name. They are also very territorial. Like many other lizards, Day Geckos can release their tail if it is being held. This is a defense mechanism. Besides having this defense, Day geckos have another defense. If they are being held by their body, they may squirm and tear their skin, allowing a fast escape. It's only the top, colored, part of the skin that tears and they will not bleed. Their skin heals rather quickly, so don't panic if it happens to yours. The skin should re-grow with no visible evidence of the tear. So try not to allow them to squirm in your hands if you need to move them. Otherwise they are a look-at animal only. They do not like to be held or touched.
Captive Environment:
Most day geckos require a vertically oriented enclosure with many tall plants and branches to climb on. Decorate the aquarium with live, silk or plastic plants and vines and include lots of climbing branches. Substrate may be reptile bark, soil mixes shredded coconut husks or reptile carpet. It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places for day geckos which will help to reduce stress. Smaller species should be housed in a minimum of a 10 gallon enclosure for a pair of day geckos. The larger species should be housed in 20 gallon or larger enclosures for pairs of day geckos. Individual animals and juveniles can be kept in smaller enclosures. It is also important to provide proper ventilation in the enclosure while keeping proper humidity
Lighting:
Adequate lighting is required for the day geckos and plants in the enclosure. Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature:
Most species of day geckos require daytime temperatures of 81 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:
The main staple of a day geckos diet are insects which include crickets, wax worms, wingless fruitless, and flies. Most day geckos also eat fruits including papaya, mango, and fruit baby food. Phosphorus free calcium and vitamin supplements are very important in a day geckos diet and should be provided at every other feeding.
Water: Provide a small bowl of de-chlorinated water. Change water daily or as it becomes soiled. Most species of day geckos require a relative humidity of 50 to 85 percent that can be maintained by misting the enclosure several times a day.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
