African Fat-Tailed Gecko Habitat

When a low, clicking sound fills the night air in Nigeria, an African fat-tailed gecko hides nearby. The nocturnal lizard enjoys hiding under rocks, between the crevices of bricks or burrowing under moist foliage in his native West African habitat. When kept as a domesticated pet, the gecko makes a heated, glass aquarium his home.

  1. Features

    • Replicating a warm, moist environment is essential to the health of an African fat-tailed gecko. A 10- to 29-gallon aquarium illuminated with an incandescent light bulb for 12 hours a day provides essential heat. The temperature in the tank should range from 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. An under-tank heat pad and red heat bulbs also help elevate temperatures. Pet retailer PetSmart suggests topping the tank with a secured wire mesh lid to ensure proper ventilation.

      A hand-held or timer-driven water mister helps maintain 20 to 40 percent humidity in the main part of the habitat, as advised by the PetSmart African fat-tailed gecko care guide. The pet's secluded hiding area, complete with moist moss, should maintain 80 percent humidity.

    Effects

    • Replicating the gecko's native African habitat helps the pet maintain his natural instincts. The humidity promotes productive growth, which in turn leads to routine shedding of his skin. Lining the bottom of the habitat with bark and moss helps maintain the humidity levels and create a soothing natural environment for the gecko's 15-year life span.

    Types

    • The gecko's habitat should have a varying landscape. A hiding box filled with soft, moist moss aids in shedding. A smooth curved rock provides a place to sleep and hide. Elevated rocks allow the gecko to warm himself under the heat of the incandescent bulb to motivate proper digestion. Hiding under the cool foliage of a plant allows the gecko to reduce and regulate his body temperature.

    Accessories

    • A shallow water bowl filled with chlorine-free water provides much needed humidity and a drinking source for African fat-tailed geckos. Some geckos will lick water droplets from misted foliage and may not drink from a bowl, according to the Petco care sheet for African fat-tailed geckos.

      Although a gecko's diet includes live mobile crickets and mealworms, place a low ceramic food dish in the habitat. The gecko will initially look for his food there, then pursue the hunt for wandering prey.

      To keep the gecko happy, give him a friend. Pet Education suggests keeping African fat-tailed geckos in pairs. Choose a pair of females or one of each sex. Avoid housing two males together, as they will fight for territory.

    Cleaning

    • African fat-tailed gecko habitats require daily maintenance. The water bowl requires rinsing and refilling each day. Removing feces and straightening fallen foliage branches will keep the gecko's habitat tidy. Misting the habitat frequently to elevate humidity levels means keeping a cotton towel handy. Wipe water spots from the glass periodically to avoid mineral buildup on the glass.

      On a weekly basis thoroughly clean and sanitize the habitat. Scrub the tank and accessories with a 3 percent bleach water solution, as recommended by Petco. After rinsing the tank with clear water until no bleach odor remains, dry and refill the tank with fresh substrate.