Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Giant Madagascar Day Gecko
- Scientific Name: Phelsuma grandis
- Origin: Northern Madagascar
- Size: 8-12 inches
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” (tall)
- Recommended: 24” x 18” x 36” or larger as they are arboreal and vertical space is critical
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bioactive mix
Decor
- Bamboo or cork tubes
- Vertical branches
- Dense live or artificial plants
- Provide many hiding and climbing areas
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 85–90°F
- Cool side: 75–82°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 70–75°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
Humidity
- Target: 60-80% maintained with mistings 1-2 times daily
Lighting
- UVB: Recommended
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional Superworms
- Commercial gecko diets like Repashy or Pangea
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 2-3 feedings per week
- Juveniles: daily
Supplements
- Calcium:
- Without D3: most feedings
- With D3: 1x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a shallow water dish at all times though they prefer drinking drops from leaves after mistings
Behavior and Handling
- Fast, alert, and not very handleable
- Can drop skin or tails when stressed
- Best kept as a display species
- Males can be territorial - house singly
- Avoid handling unless necessary
- Skin is delicate and tears easily
- Use slow movements if interaction is required
Shedding
- Will occur regularly in healthy individuals
- Signs include dull coloration and reduced activity
To help:
- maintain a constant humidity
- provide rough surfaces
- occasional light misting
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Parasites: Most prevalent in wild caught individuals
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Arboreal vertical enclosure
- High Humidity and daily misting
- Strong UVB and heat gradient
- Insects + fruit/gcd diet
- Minimal handling