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Day Gecko care.

Housing
Gecko's need glass vivariums. The size depends on the breed of Gecko that you buy. Smaller species require a vivarium measuring 45cm high x 30cm wide x 30cm deep. Larger species need 75cm high x 45cm wide x 45cm deep.
It is best to have w fine wire mesh lid. This allows the lights to shine through and also allows you to spray them with water.

You should provide your Gecko with different levels to climb.
Substrate should consist of a layer of pebbles, gravel or other drainage medium topped with peat-free moss or cocofibre soil substitute. A top layer of moss provides a more natural look and helps keep up the humidity levels.
Substrate should consist of a layer of pebbles, gravel or other drainage medium topped with peat-free moss or cocofibre soil substitute. A top layer of moss provides a more natural look and helps keep up the humidity levels.
Your Gecko will appreciate a hiding place, somewhere he can feel secure.

Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
Most Gecko's require a daytime temperature of 27 - 31C with a night time drop of 5 degrees. The humidity should be kept between 50-80%
Heat mats can be used but should be at the rear of the tank and monitored with a thermostat.
UV lighting is essential. It not only provides the Gecko with Vitamin D but it also increases their natural colouring and optimise's their natural behaviors. Your lights should be used to mimic day/night, so give them 10 hours of UV lighting and switch it of at night. A time switch is ideal for this so you don't forget.
Spraying the vivarium twice daily will help to keep the humidity up although you might need to do it more often in summer. Live Plants also help to raise humidity.

Feeding.
Their main diet should consist of a mixture of insects and fruit. Suitable insects include,
Crickets, Locusts, Meal worms, and Wax worms. Crickets and locusts should make up the bulk of these insects, with Meal worms and wax worms being fed as treats.
Fruits. This should make up at least 50% of the diet. Suitable fruits are; Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches and other soft fruits. Always buy the best quality and remove any waste that is not eaten.
Commercial dry Gecko food is now available and has all the vitamins your Gecko requires although it can be a little boring and I would still advice adding soft fruit as a treat.

Handling your Gecko.
Most Day Gecko's have such fragile scales that it is not advisable to handle them unless absolutely necessary. Their scales can easily be damaged, resulting in injury and infection.

Gecko's are great escape artist and can squeeze through the tiniest hole. If your Gecko does escape, use a fish net to catch it. Be gentle and avoid scale damage.

Learn more about this author, Jo.H.
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