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Latin Name: Phelsuma sp
Native To: Madagascar
Maximum Length: 3 - 10 inches depending on species
Approximate Life Span: 3 - 8 years for smaller species 10 - 15 years for larger species
GENERAL INFORMATION
Day Geckos are the most prominent reptiles in Madagascar and are known
for the cross pollination of wild orchids on this island off the
southeast coast of Africa. Most species have brilliant fluorescent
colors and very active during the day, which is, of course, is where
they got their name. Provide them with extra calcium during breeding
season. The females will store the extra calcium in their cheeks. These
will look like small whitish bumps in their cheeks. The extra calcium
is beneficial to the formation of the eggs. Egg clutches consist of 2
eggs. Eggs hatch anywhere between 1 and 4 months when incubated in the
mid 70's to mid 80's. Like many other lizards, Day Geckos can release
their tail if it is being held. This is a defense mechanism. The tail
will come off and continue wiggling, thus keeping the attention of the
would-be predator. The Day Gecko is then able to retreat to safety. A
new tail will eventually grow in it's place but will usually not appear
as nice as the original. Besides having this defense, Day geckos have
another defense. If they are being held by their body, they may squirm
and tear their skin, allowing a fast escape. It's only the top,
colored, part of the skin that tears and they will not bleed. Their
skin heals rather quickly, though, so don't panic if it happens to
yours. The skin should re-grow with no visible evidence of the tear.
This skin tearing is more common in the Giant Day Geckos. So try not to
allow them to squirm in your hands if you need to move them. Otherwise
they are a look-at animal only. They do not like to be held or touched.
ENCLOSURE
Use a screen enclosure or a high glass
aquarium with good ventilation. Decorate the terrarium with live, silk
or plastic plants and vines and include lots of climbing branches.
SUBSTRATE
ZOO MED REPTI-BARK™, ZOO MED TERRARIUM MOSS™
or pesticide free mulch and potting soil mixed. Keep slightly damp. Or
use ZOO MED CAGE CARPET™
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures 77 -
84°f. Nighttime temperatures 68 - 75ºf. Humidity relatively high 50 -
85%, depending on species. Never let humidity get so high that water
condenses on the sides of the enclosure.
HEATING
ZOO MED BASKING LIGHT™ during the day and a
red light bulb or ZOO MED CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER™ at night time. Use in
conjunction with a ZOO MED RHEOSTAT™ for heat control. Always use a
thermometer and humidity gauge in all reptile & amphibian
enclosures.
LIGHTING
Use ZOO MED REPTISUN 5.0™ UVB fluorescent
bulb during the day (12 hours). It must be placed over screen, not
glass (UVB rays cannot penetrate through glass or plastic). Turn all
white lights off at night. The UVB fluorescent bulb must be as close as
possible to the animals. UVB diminishes greatly the further away the
bulb is from the animals.
FOOD & WATER
Small crickets, dusted lightly with REPTIVITE™ vitamins every feeding.
Make sure you have fed the crickets an assortment of fruits and
vegetables 12 - 24 hours before feeding them to your animals. Another
food they eat in the wild is nectar and pollen from orchids or other
flowers. A good substitute for this in your terrarium is to offer fruit
baby food mixed with a small amount of REPTIVITE™ twice a week or a
powdered Lori food given to the Day Geckos in it's dry form. Simply
place a small, flat container on the floor of the enclosure with a
small amount of the powder or baby food in it. The Day Geckos will lap
it up in no time. Provide a shallow water dish and spray the enclosure
once a day for 1 - 2 minutes or use a REPTILE-DRIP WATERING SYSTEM.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Day Geckos. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the
care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
