African Fat Tail Gecko
Substrate:
Orchid bark, cypress mulch, coconut fiber bedding, or peat moss can be used for a substrate and will help maintain humidity. Hides, logs, cork bark pieces, rocks, and plants should be provided for fat tailed geckos.
Temperature and Humidity:
The daytime temperature gradient should be around 80-90 F (27-32 C) but can drop to 75-80 F (24-27 C) at night. Undertank heating is preferred, although a heat lamp (a nocturnal bulb works well) can be used as well if needed. No UV lighting is necessary. Humidity should be quite high (over 50%) and maintained by misting several times a week and providing a shallow water dish at all times. A humidity retreat is also a good idea (e.g. a small container with damp spaghum moss inside).
Feeding:
Fat tailed geckos can be fed primarily on crickets and mealworms, although adults can be offered the occasional superworm or waxworm. Prey should be always be gut loaded prior to feeding, and dusted with a vitamin supplement containing calcium. Adults can be fed every 2-3 day, and juveniels every 1-2 days. Provide a shallow dish with water as well.
Size:
Approximately three to three and one-half inches long at birth, they average about eight inches in length as adults. Occasional specimens may exceed ten inches in length
Handling:
African Fat-Tailed Geckos rarely attempt to bite, although they may do so if restrained. Handle gently, without pinching or squeezing. Remember that the tail may break off if handled roughly, and although it will regenerate, it will not appear original. Until accustomed to handling; the gecko should be handled inside the cage or while sitting on the floor. A frightened gecko may leap out of the keepers’ hand and take a fatal fall if held while standing.
Caging:
Just about anything can be used, with a ten gallon aquarium being adequate for a pair. African Fat-Tailed Geckos cannot climb smooth surfaces, so a screen cover is not needed – although it may keep out the family cat!
Orchid bark, cypress mulch, coconut fiber bedding, or peat moss can be used for a substrate and will help maintain humidity. Hides, logs, cork bark pieces, rocks, and plants should be provided for fat tailed geckos.
Temperature and Humidity:
The daytime temperature gradient should be around 80-90 F (27-32 C) but can drop to 75-80 F (24-27 C) at night. Undertank heating is preferred, although a heat lamp (a nocturnal bulb works well) can be used as well if needed. No UV lighting is necessary. Humidity should be quite high (over 50%) and maintained by misting several times a week and providing a shallow water dish at all times. A humidity retreat is also a good idea (e.g. a small container with damp spaghum moss inside).
Feeding:
Fat tailed geckos can be fed primarily on crickets and mealworms, although adults can be offered the occasional superworm or waxworm. Prey should be always be gut loaded prior to feeding, and dusted with a vitamin supplement containing calcium. Adults can be fed every 2-3 day, and juveniels every 1-2 days. Provide a shallow dish with water as well.
Size:
Approximately three to three and one-half inches long at birth, they average about eight inches in length as adults. Occasional specimens may exceed ten inches in length
Handling:
African Fat-Tailed Geckos rarely attempt to bite, although they may do so if restrained. Handle gently, without pinching or squeezing. Remember that the tail may break off if handled roughly, and although it will regenerate, it will not appear original. Until accustomed to handling; the gecko should be handled inside the cage or while sitting on the floor. A frightened gecko may leap out of the keepers’ hand and take a fatal fall if held while standing.
Caging:
Just about anything can be used, with a ten gallon aquarium being adequate for a pair. African Fat-Tailed Geckos cannot climb smooth surfaces, so a screen cover is not needed – although it may keep out the family cat!