African fat-tailed geckos are one of the most popular pet lizard species. Their distinctive appearance makes them very appealing to reptile lovers. If you’re looking for an alternative to leopard or crested geckos, this could be the one for you. In this guide, we’ll look at the most important information you need to care for an African fat-tailed gecko.
First: Some Basics About African Fat-tailed Geckos
African fat-tailed geckos have a very similar silhouette to leopard geckos, except for their tail. They grow to about nine inches in length. These lizards have chunkier heads than other geckos. Usually, their coloring is a mixture of brown and tan stripes. Also, unlike many other gecko species, they have eyelids because they hail from the dusty West African grasslands.
Their tails are their most famous and interesting characteristic. These lizards store fat in their tails which provides sustenance when they don’t have access to food. The lizards can drop this tail if predators attack them, but not to worry; this lizard can regenerate its tail. These small lizards make great pets for new owners. However, African fat-tailed geckos live up to 20 years in captivity with proper care, so they are a long-term investment!
1. Twenty Gallons Is Ideal for Two Geckos
You can house up to two African fat-tailed geckos in a standard 20-gallon aquarium or wooden vivarium. It’s crucial to set the correct temperature and humidity levels. There should be a cool and humid gradient for your lizards. This allows them to bask in the “sunlight” and retreat in the shade whenever they want. An appropriate substrate is also essential. Many people use newspaper or paper towels because the geckos won’t eat them. Avoid sand because the geckos may swallow it and suffer impaction.
Some owners use specialty wood chips to create a more natural environment. These can be great, but they are more expensive. Add more decorations like rocks for basking and different types of grasses. It’s even possible to buy artificial caves if you want to splurge on your lizard’s comfort.
2. Fat-tailed Geckos Have Specific Heat/Humidity Levels
African fat-tailed geckos have precise temperature and humidity requirements. Owners can check the temperature with a thermometer. There should be two gradients in their enclosure. The warm side should be 80-90°F, while the cooler side should be 70-77°F. It’s crucial to be accurate because, otherwise, your lizard could experience health problems.
Setting the humidity levels is one of the most complex aspects of owning one of these fascinating creatures. Experienced owners try to replicate a wet and dry season calendar. They will have a daytime humidity level of about 75% during the day and 100% at night during the wet season. You can decrease this to 50% daytime humidity during the dry season and 75% at night. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels.
3. Feed Your Gecko a Meat-based Diet
African fat-tailed geckos are a carnivorous species. They love eating different types of worms, like mealworms and waxworms. You can gut-load them with greens before feeding them to your geckos. Crickets are another popular option but can cause impaction if you’re not careful.
Owners can also dust crickets with special powders for a nutrient boost. Some people also give pinky mice to their geckos. Yet, they have a high-fat content, so you should only do this as a special treat. Feed young African fat-tailed geckos every day. You only need to feed adults every two to three days. Use their tail as a reference because if it is fatter than their neck, you should reduce how often you feed them.
4. Ensure Clean Living Conditions to Prevent Disease
The good news is that African fat-tailed geckos don’t experience many health issues if they receive the correct care. Here are some common reptile diseases and conditions you can prevent with proper care:
Dysecdysis, a Skin-Shedding Problem
Dysecdysis is when reptiles have trouble shedding their skin normally. This is a symptom of another health issue, not a disease itself. Usually, poor husbandry such as the wrong diet is the cause of Dysecdysis.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Reptiles including African fat-tailed geckos can contract MBD if they lack calcium. This condition causes their bones to become weaker, and deformities may occur. Dust their food with calcium powders to ensure they’re getting enough.
Impaction, Which Result from Eating Foreign Objects
This is a common condition in many reptiles, especially bearded dragons. Usually, it’s because they swallowed their substrate and can’t digest it. This causes a blockage in their digestive tract, which can be fatal. Use the correct substrate to drastically reduce the risk for your African fat-tailed gecko.
5. House These Geckos Alone
It’s common for first-time reptile owners to project their concerns onto their new pets. They worry that their geckos or snakes will experience loneliness. This is extremely rare, and, in most cases, lizards prefer solitary lives. African fat-tailed geckos don’t need tankmates and may thrive better without them. Never house two males together because they are territorial and will fight. If you can’t resist getting a pair, opt for females because it’s less likely they’ll spar.
Even if you get two geckos, they will probably live very independent lives. Having enough space is crucial so they don’t experience stress or compete for food. Still, if you must get two lizards, feed them in separate sections of the enclosure. Also, include enough space for your lizards to hide so that they can be alone. If you’re mixing with another gecko species, ensure that one isn’t bigger than the other. This decreases the risk of one gecko eating their tankmate!
