Do you love reptiles? If so, the African fat-tailed gecko is definitely worth checking out! These fascinating creatures come from Africa and can be great pets. They are known for their long tails, which can make up a third of their body length.
African fat-tailed gecko is also interesting because they can store food in their tails to help them survive during times of famine. In this blog post, we will share some fun facts about African fat-tailed geckos that you may not have known!
The African fat-tailed gecko is a medium-sized lizard with a stout body and short limbs. They have wrinkled skin that is covered in small scales. African fat-tailed gecko comes in various colors and patterns, but most individuals are brown or tan with dark spots or stripes. Adults typically reach 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). Males tend to be larger than females and have more prominent tail bumps (or “fat pads”).
It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common color morph is called “wild type,” a brown or tan color with dark spots. African fat-tailed geckos are nocturnal animals and will spend most of their time hiding in crevices or burrowing underground.
There are thought to be over 100 different kinds of African fat-tailed geckos!
What do African fat-tailed geckos eat?
The African fat-tailed gecko’s diet is mostly made up of live reptile food such as crickets and mealworms. They may also consume silkworms, waxworms, or pinkie mice, but these should only be used as a supplement since they are high in fat.
Feed juvenile geckos between four and six months old five or nine crickets each day, while adults and older pets should be fed three times a week.
Crickets should be the correct size for the gecko, and as a general rule, we feed hatchlings under six-week-old half-sized crickets and then 2/3-sized crickets up to adulthood.
It’s also possible to put crickets in the enclosure as long as your gecko does not consume them within a few hours. Mealworms may be kept in a shallow dish.
Gut-loading insects with a commercial gut load product or a combination of baby cereal, fish flakes, and high-grade dry dog/cat food accompanied by leafy greens such as endive, dandelions, or romaine lettuce are recommended.
Gut loading implies that the prey insect is acting as a conveyer for healthful substances to your gecko. Every feeding, food items should be dusted with calcium powder, and vitamins should be dusted once a week.
Fresh water must be available at all times and can be provided by utilizing a shallow reptile water dish.
What is the African fat-tailed gecko’s natural habitat?
African fat-tailed geckos are found in a variety of habitats throughout Africa. They can be found in rainforests, deserts, savannas, and even urban areas. They are generally nocturnal creatures that spend most of their time hiding in crevices or burrows during the day. When night falls, African fat-tailed geckos come out to hunt for insects to eat.
They were introduced to the pet trade in the early 1990s and have been popular pet reptiles ever since.
How long does an African fat-tailed gecko live?
African fat-tailed geckos can live up to 20 years in captivity, though the average lifespan is closer to 12 years. They should be housed in an enclosure with a temperature range of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 50-60%.
They typically reach sexual maturity at 18 months old. Females can lay up to three clutches of eggs per year, with each clutch containing two to six eggs.
They are easy to care for and make great pets for first-time reptile owners.
Can African fat-tailed geckos climb?
African fat-tailed geckos are excellent climbers. They have toe pads that allow them to grip surfaces and climb vertically. African fat-tailed geckos can also climb upside down!
If you have an African fat-tailed gecko as a pet, make sure to provide plenty of climbing opportunities for them!
African fat-tailed gecko behavior
If you’re looking for an interesting and unique pet reptile, then an African fat-tailed gecko might be the perfect choice for you! African fat-tailed geckos are relatively easy to care for and can make great pets for both children and adults.
Although Texas leopard geckos are more likely to appear in caves, fat-tailed geckos can be shy but can also accept being handled and may become docile with regular contact. It is critical to handle a gecko with extreme caution at all times, and it is crucial never to restrain or hold a gecko by its tail.
The tail of a fat-tailed gecko will break off as part of a defensive action known as caudal autotomy. If your gecko’s tail is lost, it will regrow a new one, but it will look different from the original.
If you’re thinking about getting an African fat-tailed gecko, be sure to do your research first to make sure that you can provide them with the proper care.
How To Keep Them Healthy
Your African Fat-Tailed Geckos will be shy initially, and you should allow them to settle into their new home for a few weeks before handling them.
You can begin to care for your African Fat-Tail Geckos when they are eating and defecating on their own.
Handling an African Fat-Tailed Gecko is a fantastic experience for many people, as they are extremely docile and receptive to human contact (without jerking around or trying to flee). Your hands must be near the floor to pick them up; they will usually walk gracefully into your palms.
It is hazardous to pick up an African Fat-Tailed Gecko by its tail since it might become frightened and detach its tail. It will, however, regenerate.
These Geckos are very docile and will rarely bite despite their tiny size. However, for your safety and your African Fat-Tail Gecko, wash your hands carefully before and after handling.
Heating and Lighting for African fat-tailed gecko
Daytime illumination should be provided to African fat-tailed geckos for 10-12 hours each day, but a UVB light is not required because they are nocturnal. It’s believed that the heat should be supplied from below.
An under-tank heat pad can be used in the case of a glass enclosure, while a rack system using heat cable or heat tape controlled by a thermostat is the breeders’ best option.
The Zilla Terrarium Heat & Habitat Lighting Controller for reptiles is a simple thermostat that can be used with single-housed geckos. Because reptiles are cold-blooded, their body temperatures must be regulated by the temperature of their surroundings.
A reptile thermometer is another option. This will allow the gecko(s) to thermoregulate by moving from a hot zone to a cooler enclosure region, which may be as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To put it another way, do not heat the entire enclosure.
Because African fat-tailed geckos are nocturnal, reptile cages within the enclosure will offer them a peaceful place to sleep or hide. These might be as elaborate as you want or as simple as a plastic container turned upside down with a door cut into it for the gecko to crawl through.
To assist the shedding process, at least one of these hide areas should be kept wet, using a moist paper towel or moss. While the damp hide is placed at the cool end, place the dry shelter near the heat source.
African fat-tailed geckos may require somewhat more humid conditions than leopard geckos. Therefore we recommend spraying the habitat with an Exo Terra Reptile Mister every few days. You may use a reptile hygrometer to check humidity levels in the habitat.
For ease of cleaning and health reasons, we recommend using a paper substrate such as newspaper, butcher/packing paper, or paper towel. If you want a more natural look, DO NOT use sand because the gecko may be impacted within their digestive tract if they ever ingest it.
How To Bathe
Bathing is not always necessary since the skin is cleaned during the shedding process.
Humidity in the tank should be sufficient for your Gecko to shed. Soaks it in a shallow dish of warm water if it still has skin or is filthy.
The water temperature should be 50-70°F in a small, shallow tub, and their feet should be immersed for around 5 minutes. This should not be done regularly since these pets dislike being drenched.
Tank Cleaning
Every day, their tank should be cleaned in a spot-clean method, and once a month, it should be deep-cleaned. It would help if you used a reptile-friendly disinfectant spray to clean the cage and allow it to air dry for 30 seconds before wiping it away with a paper towel.
Everything should be removed from the enclosure during cleaning, including the gecko and decorations.
Use a spray or tank humidifier to mist the tank daily.
Reptiles should never have too much waste, as this might cause Cryptosporidiosis. A disease that affects African Fat-Tailed and Leopard Geckos. To prevent it, clean their droppings every day.
Brown, well-formed feces are an indication of good health. Runny feces might not always be a disease symptom, but if it continues to appear, see your veterinarian.
African fat-tailed gecko for sale
African fat-tailed geckos are a unique and fascinating reptile species! They are some of the most popular pets in the world. They are known for their docile nature and ability to thrive in various environments. If you’re thinking about adding an African fat-tailed gecko to your home, there are a few things you should know.
African fat-tailed geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common coloration is brown with yellow or white spots. However, they can also be found in shades of orange, red, and even purple! When choosing an African fat-tailed gecko, it’s important to pick one that has vibrant colors and clear markings.
African fat-tailed geckos are relatively easy to care for. They can be kept in a wide range of enclosure sizes and do not require special lighting or heating. They are also known to be resistant to disease, making them a low-maintenance pet option.
If you’re looking for a reptile that is both beautiful and easy to care for, an African fat-tailed gecko may be the perfect pet for you!
How Much Do African Fat-Tailed Geckos Cost?
The price of an African fat-tailed gecko can vary depending on several factors, including the age, size, and color of the animal. Generally speaking, African fat-tailed geckos cost between $50 and $200. However, it is not uncommon to find African fat-tailed geckos that cost more or less than this amount.
African fat-tailed geckos that are younger and smaller usually cost less than older, larger animals. African fat-tailed geckos that have rarer color morphs can also be more expensive. If you want to purchase an African fat-tailed gecko, it is important to research to find a reputable breeder or dealer.
African fat-tailed geckos make great pets and can provide their owners with years of enjoyment. If you are thinking about adding one of these reptiles to your home, be sure to consider the cost before making your final decision. African fat-tailed geckos are definitely worth the investment!
