How to Care for a Gila Monster

Gila Monsters live in desert areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. They grow to 18 to 24 inches and have a lifespan of roughly 20 years. In daytime, they hide in shade, under rocks or self-dug burrows. In winter, they never leave their burrows, living off fat stored in their thick tails. Follow these steps to properly care for your Gila Monster.

Things You'll Need

  • Enclosure
  • Sand
  • Newspaper
  • Bark chips
  • Wood shavings
  • Heating system
  • Timed lighting
  • Plastic bin
  • Peat moss
  • Reptile rocks
  • Small rodents
  • Water bowl
  • Screen lid
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a large enclosure for your Gila Monster's habitat, with minimum dimensions of four by two by two feet. Larger enclosures work best.

    • 2

      Provide suitable substrate for his enclosure. Gila Monsters love to dig to build hiding areas. The best substrate consists of a mixture of playground sand, newspaper, bark chips and wood shavings.

    • 3

      Set up a thermal gradient in your Gila Monster's habitat. Ideal conditions call for a warm basking area, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 90 degrees F and a cooler end of the enclosure, with 75 to 80 degree F temperatures.

    • 4

      Install naturalistic scheduled lighting. After winter hibernation Gila Monsters require 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness. Gradually increase the light during the summer to reach 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness.

    • 5

      Add a humidity area and den to her enclosure. Place a large plastic bin filled halfway with damp peat moss for her humid spot. Be sure to cut an access hole in the bin. In the cool end of her enclosure, place lightweight reptile rocks in an area large enough for her to move around.

    • 6

      Feed your Gila Monster small rodents such as mice and rats. Once or twice a week, place a few rodents in his enclosure. After hibernation, double his food intake for several weeks. Provide a large, stable water bowl from which he drinks and soaks his body.

    • 7

      Keep your Gila Monster's enclosure as clean as possible. Spot clean daily, particularly after feedings. Clean up any liquid spills as soon as possible and remove any damp substrate. Replace all substrate at least every two months.