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ChrisWeil****   Jord  
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ChrisWeil****
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 Madagascar Day Decko

What are the do’s and dont’s to an madagascar day gecko. Things like caging, diet and any other general info.



08/18/05  04:52pm

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Jord
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   Message To: ChrisWeil****   In reference to Message Id: 446398


 Madagascar Day Decko

Ummm ok you’re faced with a slight problem if you’re looking for exact info on a species. You see the name "madagascar day gecko" could mean any of the 38 species which live on the island. I can give you basic care at best but there are still differences between say a giant day gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis and a gold dust day gecko Phelsuma laticauda laticauda. They come fromdifferent regions and live in different niches. So here is basic care for all species.
Most species will do well in a ten gallon but larger ones (giant day geckos) will require twenty gallons. You will need both vertical and horizontal basking spots as well as plenty of plant cover. Philodendron, bromeliads and other tropical plants work very well for this. Last you’ll need a florescent bulb and a regular basking bulb. Try and get a basking spot of 80 to 89 degrees for most species. Humidity depends on the species but ranges generally from 50 to 80 percent. Remember to keep good ventilation.
For feeding they enjoy mainly a diet of insects like most geckos. Use a variety of insects which include crickets, mealworms, silkworms, butterworms and superworms. If the species which you keep is smaller, feed correspondingly smaller food items. Unlike most geckos however, they also enjoy over ripe fruit (banana and mango are favored by mine). Baby food ( mixed with a bit of honey) and commercial diets can be offered in small amounts as well.
As for best starter species, I personally started with a pair of gold dust day geckos which I enjoy very much. Other good starters include - any of the giant day geckos, peacock day geckos, island day geckos and lined day geckos. These lizards are on the harder side if this is your first try with lizards I would suggest another species before trying to take on day geckos.
Best of luck with your new pet.
Jordan
08/18/05  07:25pm


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