Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I bought my First Day Gecko(6-7" S.T.L) yesterday and I would like some advice on husbandry.

What is the best substrate to use? I am using newspaper at the moment, is that ok to use long term?

He is currently in a 1ft x 1ft x 2ft tall Vivarium, just for quarantine purposes, what sort of size will he need long term?

Should he be getting offered fruit in his diet?

The shop that I bought him from, when he was being taken from the tank, in to the container to take home, the tip of his tail fell off, I know that geckos can do this no problem, do i need to watch for anything, i.e. infections?

Finally, with their skin being so delicate, how do i go about safely transferring him from his current tank to his new one when the time comes?

Thanks in advance for your help

Phil

I have been keeping Grandis for a little while and this is what I have found to work. Anybody else, please contribute.

What is the best substrate to use? I am using newspaper at the moment, is that ok to use long term?
Newspaper is fine, it is not very pretty, but it is fine. A steril potting soil(super soil) or an orchid bark could work too. Something that can retain a good amount of moisture.

He is currently in a 1ft x 1ft x 2ft tall Vivarium, just for quarantine purposes, what sort of size will he need long term?
I would say 3ft high, by 2ft long, by 2ft deep. They are large geckos and can easily get 12".

Should he be getting offered fruit in his diet?
You can offer baby foods(such as banana, apricot, peach, etc) and the Meal Relacement Powder called Day Gecko Diet. I reccomend variety, see what he/she likes. You can also puree fruits for them, they love that.

The shop that I bought him from, when he was being taken from the tank, in to the container to take home, the tip of his tail fell off, I know that geckos can do this no problem, do i need to watch for anything, i.e. infections?
Obiously the move home was a streesful one. I would'nt worry about it too much. Watch the tip of the tail and if it starts to get pink and puffy consider seeing a vet.

Finally, with their skin being so delicate, how do i go about safely transferring him from his current tank to his new one when the time comes?
Use a small plastic container that can fit over him, and then place a piece of paper under the gecko and the container. They do not tolerate handleing very well.

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Cheers,
Michael Starkey
Arboreal Addictions

Why is he being quarantined if he is the only one? I hope you are not considering on mixing species.

well, honestly, day geckos arent really that bad of a genus to keep with other genus'. they usually wont get along with other day geckos, but ive had luck with standings and mad mads being housed with tree frogs, panther chameleons, and other nocturnal geckos. i mean, if you intend on breeding day geckos, they should only be housed with their own kind--that goes for any reptile, but although they are extremely territorial within the phelsuma genus and species, the usually mind their own business when mixed with other genus'.

I "quarantine" all animals that come into my house.

Only to ensure that they are feeding, defacating, drinking etc properly! To me it is a good idea to do so!

Thanks to everyone for their input, Its very much appreciated!!

Phil
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1.0 Albino Burmese , 1.0 Giant Day Gecko

Day geckos are one of the only liazard that I would mix with other species. Although with such large species like standing's and grandis' there should be alot of caution involved. They can easily eat smaller tree frogs and lizards. I just try to discourage people about doing it but they can do whatever they want.