Giant Day Geckos (Phelsuma grandis)

Introduction:

If you're searching for a truly captivating and unique pet, look no further than the mesmerizing Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis). These magnificent creatures, native to Madagascar, have gained immense popularity among reptile enthusiasts worldwide due to their striking appearance, engaging behavior, and relatively easy care requirements. In this blog, we'll explore why Giant Day Geckos make such fascinating and amazing pets, and how they can bring a touch of the exotic to your home. We have been keeping and breeding hundreds of Day Geckos for over 10 years so you can feel confident in our advice! 

Vibrant Beauty and Striking Appearance:

One cannot help but be captivated by the radiant beauty of Giant Day Geckos. Sporting a vibrant emerald green body adorned with red or orange markings, these geckos are a sight to behold. Their large, round eyes, detailed skin, and agile limbs add to their ethereal charm. As their name suggests, they are diurnal, which means they are active during the day, showcasing their vivid colors under natural or artificial light. Few pets can rival the sheer visual splendor of these reptiles.

Engaging Behavior and Sociable Nature:

Beyond their stunning looks, Giant Day Geckos have an engaging and active personality that makes them delightful companions. These geckos are highly curious and inquisitive, often exploring their environment with agility and enthusiasm. They possess a remarkable level of intelligence and can become quite interactive with their owners. Although they are not quite as docile as some other species of geckos like the leopard or crested gecko with patience and gentle handling, they can develop trust and even recognize their human caregivers. Their playful antics and acrobatic climbing abilities make them fascinating pets to observe. 

Low Maintenance and Suitable Habitat:

Despite their exotic nature, Giant Day Geckos are relatively easy to care for, making them an appealing choice for both novice and experienced reptile keepers. They require a well-ventilated and spacious enclosure, preferably a vertically oriented terrarium to accommodate their arboreal nature. Live plants, such as pothos or ficus, provide a naturalistic environment while also offering hiding spots and climbing opportunities. A temperature range of 75-90°F (24-29°C), with a slight drop at night, and a humidity level of around 60-70%, mimicking their native habitat, are necessary for their well-being. Regular misting or the use of a fogging system helps maintain the required humidity. We house our Day Geckos outside here in Florida but you can keep them indoors with a Tropical UVB bulb and a small wattage heat bulb that will create a 85-90F hot spot. If you are keeping Day Geckos outdoors, make sure they have plenty of shade and microhabitats that they can retreat to.

A Varied Diet and Nutritional Needs:

Giant Day Geckos are insectivores and thrive on a diet primarily consisting of small insects such as crickets, worms, and roaches. Additionally, they relish the occasional treat of  Crested Gecko diets or mashed fruits such as bananas, papaya, or mangoes, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. It is crucial to ensure a well-balanced diet by dusting feeder insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement to promote proper bone health and prevent metabolic bone disease. Regular feeding and careful monitoring of their diet are essential to maintaining their health and vitality. We feed our babies 5-7 times a week and our adults 3-4 times a week.

A Unique Experience and Conversation Starter:

Owning a Giant Day Gecko offers a distinctive experience unlike any other pet. These radiant reptiles add an exotic touch to any living space, becoming a captivating focal point and a conversation starter for guests. Their striking appearance and captivating behavior leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them. Whether you're a reptile enthusiast or someone looking for an extraordinary pet, Giant Day Geckos offer an unforgettable and rewarding journey into the world of exotic pets.