This information is strictly what we have found works best for us and variation between keepers should be expected.
Welcome to your journey of keeping a Giant Day Gecko! These vibrant, active, and visually striking reptiles can make fantastic pets when provided with proper care. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you create the perfect environment for your gecko to thrive.
Giant Day Geckos in the Wild
The Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis) is native to the tropical forests of northern Madagascar. These vibrant lizards are typically found in the humid, lowland forests, where they make their homes in trees and bushes. They are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in the trees, relying on the dense foliage for both shelter and hunting grounds.
Natural Habitat
In the wild, Giant Day Geckos thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of vegetation. They are often seen basking on tree trunks, large leaves, and bamboo stalks, where they blend in remarkably well despite their bright coloration. These geckos prefer areas with plenty of sunlight, which they use for thermoregulation and UV exposure, crucial for their health and metabolic processes.
Diet and Behavior
Giant Day Geckos are opportunistic feeders, with a diet that includes a variety of insects, fruit, nectar, and occasionally small vertebrates. Their sticky toe pads allow them to effortlessly scale vertical surfaces, and they use their agility to hunt for prey and escape predators.
One unique aspect of their behavior is their territorial nature, especially among males. In the wild, males will defend their territory aggressively from intruders, using a combination of visual displays and physical confrontations.
Unique Facts
Diurnal Activity: Unlike many gecko species, Giant Day Geckos are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their bright green coloration helps them blend into the leaves and foliage, providing camouflage from predators.
Communication: These geckos communicate through a series of chirps and clicks, which they use to establish territory and attract mates.
Giant Day Geckos play a vital role in their ecosystem, both as predators of insects and as prey for larger animals. Their striking appearance and fascinating behavior make them a true gem of Madagascar’s rich biodiversity.
Enclosure Size and Setup
Size: For a single adult Giant Day Gecko, a vertical enclosure of at least 12"x12"x18" is recommended. We have our adult breeding pair in an 18”x18”x24” Exo Terra (linked below). These geckos are arboreal, so height is more important than floor space.
Materials: Glass terrariums (like the ones linked below) are ideal as they maintain humidity well and allow for clear viewing.
Substrate: Use a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut fiber, orchid bark, or a mix of organic soil and sphagnum moss. Avoid substrates like sand or gravel that could cause impaction if ingested.
Foliage: Include a variety of live or artificial plants, branches, and vines to mimic their natural habitat. This also provides hiding spots, which are crucial for their well-being.
Hides: Offer several hiding spots at different heights in the enclosure. Hollow cork bark, bamboo tubes, and leafy plants work well.
Zoo Med 12x12x18 Terrarium
We recommend this size enclosure for a single Giant Day Gecko.
Exo Terra 12x12x18 Terrarium
We recommend this size enclosure for a single Giant Day Gecko.
Humidity and Temperature
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 60% and 80%. Regular misting (2-3 times weekly) and the use of a hygrometer to monitor levels are essential. A dripper system or fogger can also help maintain humidity.
Temperature:
Daytime: Provide a temperature gradient with a basking spot around 85-90°F (29-32°C) and cooler areas around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Nighttime: Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C), which mimics their natural environment.
Lighting: Use a full-spectrum UVB light for 10-12 hours a day. UVB is crucial for calcium metabolism and overall health. Replace UVB bulbs every 6 months, as they lose effectiveness over time.
Dietary Needs
Fruit and Nectar: These geckos also enjoy fruit and commercial gecko diets. Offer mashed fruits like papaya, mango, or banana once or twice a week. Pre-made gecko diets (like Pangea or Repashy…linked below) are a good staple diet. We offer Pangea primarily and supplement with insects.
Insects: Offer a variety of gut-loaded insects like crickets, Dubia roaches, and mealworms. Feed them 3-5 insects once a week or so.
Supplements: Dust insects with calcium powder at every feeding and use a calcium powder with D3 once a week.
Water: Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish. Giant Day Geckos may also drink water droplets from misted plants.
Pangea Gecko Diet
We recommend using Pangea as the staple part of your Gecko’s diet. There are many flavors to choose from!
Behavior and Handling
Handling: These geckos have delicate skin and are prone to stress, so handling should be minimal. If necessary, handle them gently and avoid grabbing their tails, as they can drop them as a defense mechanism.
Behavior: Giant Day Geckos are diurnal (active during the day) and can be territorial, especially males. It’s best to house them singly unless you have experience and a sufficiently large enclosure to house a pair or a small group.
Health and Well-being
Common Health Issues: Watch for signs of stress, respiratory issues, or metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD can be prevented with proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation.
Veterinary Care: Keep an eye on their eating habits, shedding, and general activity levels. If something seems off, please schedule an appointment with a Veterinarian specialized in reptiles.
Sexing Giant Day Geckos (Phelsuma Grandis)
Distinguishing between male and female Giant Day Geckos can be a bit tricky, but there are a few key characteristics to look for:
1. Femoral Pores: Males have more prominent femoral pores, which appear as small, raised bumps located in a row on the inner thighs near the vent. These pores are used for scent marking. In females, these pores are either absent or much less pronounced.
2. Hemipenal Bulges: Males have visible hemipenal bulges at the base of their tail, just below the vent. These bulges contain the reproductive organs (hemipenes) and are usually quite noticeable in mature males. Females lack these bulges, and their tails appear more slender and smooth in this area.
3. Size and Build: Males are typically slightly larger and more robust than females, with a broader head and a more muscular build. However, this difference can be subtle and is not always a reliable indicator on its own.
4. Behavioral Cues: Males are often more territorial and may display more aggressive behaviors, such as head-bobbing or chasing other geckos. While behavior alone isn’t a definitive method for sexing, it can provide additional clues when combined with physical characteristics.
For the most accurate sexing, it’s best to wait until the gecko reaches sexual maturity, usually around 10-12 months of age. If you’re still unsure, consulting with an experienced herpetologist or veterinarian can provide a definitive answer.