fat tail gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Fat Tail Gecko
Scientific Name: Hemitheconyx caudicunctus
Distribution: West Africa (Nigeria to Senegal)
Adult Size: Approximately 8 to 10 inches. Males tend to be larger.
Fat tail Geckos are nocturnal, so realize that they will be asleep during the day. The vitamins acquired from sunlight by other lizards must be provided in their diet. Fat-tails do not require a cage-mate, although they are very interesting to watch in groups of two or more. Only one adult male should be in a tank, but multiple females are fine.
Captive Environment: For a single gecko, a ten gallon tank is sufficient, although a larger setup would be nicer. Height is not important, as they are not into climbing. Provide ventilation to the enclosure with a screen lid. Allow space for at least a shallow water dish, hiding places, and room for your lizard to comfortably move around. Rocks, artificial plants, and logs for basking and hiding are preferred enclosure furniture. Make sure ample cave space is available. They are nocturnal and therefore do not enjoy bright lights. . Shelter not only provides them with a secure home, but allows them to escape from an overly warm or bright basking light. Provide caves both on the warm side and cool side of the enclosure. Providing a hide that consistently stays cool and damp allows for higher basking zone temps and thus increases the metabolism of the fat-tails
Lighting: UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. 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. To view your lizard during its waking hours, use a red or night light bulb. They can't see red. Seasonal changes in the lengths of daylight may be offered, especially if you are planning on breeding your lizards.
Temperature: Day - 82F to 88F; Night - 76F to 82F. 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.
Water: Fat-tails like to lick water off of shallow surfaces. Mist plants and the sides of their tank. Also offer a shallow bowl filled with water, but be sure to wash it out daily to avoid bacteria buildup.
Humidity: Mist the cage several times a week, daily for juveniles. Make sure the substrate is never wet for long. When a fat tailed gecko is preparing to shed, they appreciate moister caves. We suggest using moss that can be misted daily inside one of the caves. If the correct amount of humidity is not offered, the lizard may have difficulty with shedding or become dehydrated.
Food: Crickets and mealworms make up the majority of the Fat tail gecko diet. Hatchlings should be fed 2-week-old crickets. Adults can handle adult crickets. Mealworms may also be offered. Small pinky mice may also be offered to adults occasionally. Gravid females especially relish these. Be sure to supplement the diet with calcium and D3 and vitamins. Do this every other day for young geckos and then taper off to once or twice a week for adults. Be sure to offer more calcium to gravid females.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it. 
