Among the favorites of reptiles and carnivorous lizard species, fan footed geckos are one of the most interesting and bizarre appearances, therefore, people like them so much in their collections. Their main distinctive features are bright coloring, large fan-like appendages at the base of their tails, and friendly disposition – that is why these are among the most popular pets for people of all ages.
However, there are some factors to put into consideration before you get one for proper fan-footed gecko care. From how to set the right environment for the new scaly friend to learn all that a keeper needs to know about their diet, these facts will be discussed in this care sheet.
Natural History
All the fan-footed geckos are native to some parts of North and West Africa together with the Middle East. Despite the fact that they live in a great number of various environments, these geckos prefer dry environments such as the desert or savanna areas.
As Antelope lizards are primarily nocturnal they burrow during the day and only emerge at night to hunt small insects, lizards and occasionally other lizards and small mammals. They have a very impressive defense mechanism whereby they can puff up their bodies when threatened.
If properly cared for, these geckos can live up to ten years and become most intriguing long-term companions.
Housing
Housing a fan footed gecko is not too difficult, but there are some key factors to consider. First, you will need an enclosure that is at least 60 cm long, 60 cm deep and 30 cm high. The enclosure should have large vents and glass sliding doors for ventilation.
This will ensure the enclosure has the correct temperature gradient and allows heat and humidity to escape from one side of the enclosure to the other, while keeping the basking spot itself at a consistent temperature.
Additionally, try to provide more decorations when they are young, as they can be a little shy.
Heating
Heating your fan footed gecko’s enclosure is an essential part of their care. Proper enclosures and lighting should have a temperature and lighting gradient, with the lighting one side reaching around 84 °F and the lighting the other lighting one side at 77 °F and the full spectrum UVB lighting ensuring the nighttime temperature stays above 62F.
This can be achieved by placing a specialized lamp on the warmer side of the enclosure, which should be surrounded by a guard to protect the gecko from the heat. The lamp should be connected to a dimming thermostat to ensure that temperatures do not exceed safe levels.
Finally, keep in mind that the basking spot lamp shouldn’t be left on for 24 hours. Ideally, you should have a vitamin enriched light that is beneficial for your gecko.
Decoration
Decorating your fan footed gecko’s enclosure is a great way to add some personality to your pet’s home! Setting up the right decorations in their enclosure gives them places to hide, climb, bask, and just generally feel safe.
To make sure you find the best decorations for your gecko, look for hard pieces like rocks, fine gravel and wood that won’t absorb moisture. If you prefer your geckos a more natural look, consider using soil or clay mixed with sand for aeration.
Keep in mind that many geckos love warm objects like rocks and wood, so these can be used as secondary belly heat sources. With a bit of creativity, captive care and love, you can make the hiding area in your fan footed gecko’s enclosure a truly special place!
Diet & Water
Feeding insects and watering your fan footed gecko care sheet is essential for its health. Your fan footed gecko care sheet also should receive a variety of insect waste and of live insects such insect waste as crickets, wax worms insects, mealworms insects, locusts, calciworms, and cockroaches.
You can give eggs as adults, and also offer to give adults to feed them a variety of fruits and vegetables as adults as treats as adults. Avoid overfeeding as adults as this can lead to obesity as adults.
For water, you can provide your gecko with either a shallow bowl or mist them directly with a spray bottle every couple of days. Make sure to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean.
It’s also important to provide your gecko with enough humidity in their enclosure (around 40-60%) to ensure they stay hydrated as sometimes, especially in the early stages, they won’t drink from a bowl.
Breeding
Breeding fan footed geckos can be an exciting and rewarding process, but you should do your research first to ensure a successful outcome. If you decide to breed your geckos, you should introduce a male geckos and female geckos into the same enclosure and let nature take its course.
Some keepers use the ‘burmation’ technique, which involves shortening the light cycle. Make sure the conditions are suitable for breeding, such as providing adequate humidity levels in the enclosure.
The female gecko may also need access to a nesting box if she is gravid (pregnant). It’s important to know what you plan on doing with any eggs that are laid or babies that eggs are born before attempting eggs to breed.
After all, taking on the responsibility of caring for baby geckos is not something to be taken lightly!
Cleaning
Keeping your fan footed gecko’s enclosure clean is crucial for it to be in good health. The best way to do this is by performing spot cleaning daily and full cleaning about once a month or so.
First off, you’ll need to remove your gecko from the water dish and enclosure when cleaning, as well as any decorations or bedding. Once everything is removed, you can spray down the whole enclosure with reptile-safe disinfectant.
If you have a bio-active setup, the bedding may need to be changed out every couple of months to keep the environment healthy.
Where To Purchase Fan Footed Geckos
If you are looking to buy a fan-footed gecko, then your best option would be to go to a reptile specialty pet store. Most of them usually have an enormous selection of geckos to pick from, and with the popularity of the fan-footed geckos, most stores generally carry some.
They usually have an assorted selection of geckos to choose from, so with the popularity of the fan footed gecko as a pet, you will more than likely be able to find one there.
footed gecko as a pet, you will more than likely be able to find one there.
Ask the staff for advice regarding the gecko’s care and feeding requirements to ensure that you can give your new pet the best possible start in life. Online is yet another great place to track fan footed geckos. Several websites specialize in selling reptiles, many of which will offer fan-footed geckos.
Many sites often carry a large color and morph selection, and their prices usually are very reasonable. Just be sure to read up on reviews for each website so that you can ensure to get a healthy, well-cared-for gecko.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fan footed geckos make amazing pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them. With proper nutrition, hydration, temperature, and humidity levels, your fan footed gecko will live a happy and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do fan-footed geckos eat?
Fan-footed geckos primarily are feeder insects, on crickets, mealworms, and small roaches. They also eat some insect food, fruit and nectar.
It’s important for geckos to feed insects that have a varied and diverse diet to be nutritionally complete. Dusting the insects with calcium and vitamin increases will help in keeping them fit and healthy during breeding season.
How do I set up a habitat for my fan-footed gecko?
Provide insects a properly sized habitat with the best substrate and plenty of places for insects to hide under and climb upon. The best substrate used could include coconut fiber or moss. Add a shallow water dish and plants to increase humidity in the air.
A temperature gradient is very important, so you want to provide a warm basking spot for your gecko, but there should be cooler areas as well so it can self-regulate body temperature.
How can I tell that my fan-footed gecko is healthy?
A fit fan footed gecko this-footed fan footed gecko will be clean of the eye, smooth-skinned, and have a good appetite. It must also show a great level of activity at night and be able to hunt about and explore as a fan footed gecko often does.
Monitor its weight and how often it passes stool; sudden changes in this area could indicate an underlying problem that must be taken to the vet.
Are fan-footed geckos suitable for beginners?
Generally speaking, fan-footed geckos are good for any beginner due to their rather easy care requirements. They are gentle and easily tolerate handling.
As a result, they can make excellent pets for a reptile enthusiast of any skill level. Proper setup captive care of the enclosure with insect food and appropriate temperature and humidity levels provides what it takes to keep them healthy and live a long life.
