Latin name - Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis
Day geckos are different from other geckos. Day geckos, are active during the day hence their name. They are also very territorial,
fast and they are very bright and colorful. Day Gecko’s unlike most geckos have toe pads which they use to stick to objects
such as glass, wood or plastic any surface in fact, because of these toe pads they spend most of their time sticking to things.
Most day geckos do not like to be handled and should only be looked at, but some like mine like being handled, but the one
thing they do not like is being caught, it is easiest to get them onto a wall and catch them in a cricket box, once you catch
them you can let them go on your hand where they will happily jump around from hand to hand, but try not to make any sudden
movements because they are extremely fast and could be roaming around your house in a second. They do not like to be stroked
much and whatever you do, don’t touch their toe pads because they will jump. The most common species of day gecko is
the giant
Madagascar day gecko and it is also the best choice for beginners.
Decorations & Substrate:
at the very bottom of the vivarium there shhould be a layer of tiny pebbles or stones at about 1/2 inch thick for drainage
followed by a 6cm layer of soil, then bark on the top. Vivariums need to be well planted with tall stiff leafed plants such
as Sansevieria, Orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical plants (from daygecko.com). Also some sticks or small logs should
be provided for climbing and basking. Coconut hides are also a good idea because they like to hide in them and cork hides
are good too it is important to provide plenty of hiding places for day geckos which will help to reduce stress.
Temperature:
day geckos require daytime temperatures of 81 to 89F(27 to 31C) and it is recommended that nighttime temperatures should drop,
but it is unnecessary. Day geckos require a humidity of 50 to 85 percent that can be maintained by spraying the enclosure
several times a day. Plants and proper substrate are important in maintaining required humidity levels.
Lighting & Heating:
Day geckos require an ultra-violet light (UV) it is best to switch on in the day when they are active and turn off at night
when there not. You could also provide a coloured light bulb for use in the day or night. Day geckos require a lot of heat
to keep the vivarium at a tropical setting, ceramic heat mats (below) are very good but a cheaper option is just to have a
normal
heat mat either on the ceiling or floor under the water is a good idea so that it will evaporate the water and make the air
humid.
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