🦎 Giant Madagascan Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis) Care Sheet
Difficulty: Intermediate

Lifespan: 10–15 years
Adult Size: 9–12 inches
Enclosure Size: 18 x 18 x 24" minimum (45 x 45 x 60 cm)
Temperament: Skittish and display-oriented, not suitable for handling

🏠 Enclosure

• Minimum size: 45 x 45 x 60 cm (18 x 18 x 24") for one adult

• Best setup: Tall, vertically-oriented terrarium with good ventilation

• Ideal for: Glass terrariums with front-opening doors and mesh tops

🌿 Substrate & Decor

• Substrate: Bioactive mix (soil, orchid bark, moss) or moisture-retentive substrate like coco fibre

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, bamboo, branches, live or artificial foliage

• Hides: Provide elevated cover using plants or décor

🌡️ Temperature & Heating

• Basking Spot: 30–32°C (86–89°F)

• Ambient Day Temp: 24–27°C (75–80°F)

• Night Temp: 18–22°C (65–72°F)

• Use a low-wattage halogen bulb or deep heat projector with thermostat control

💡 Lighting

• UVB Required: Yes

• Use a T5 10–12% UVB tube across the top of the enclosure

• 12-hour light cycle year-round

• Ensure UVB is accessible in basking zone, about 30 cm from bulb (with mesh considered)

💧 Humidity

• Ideal Range: 60–80%

• Mist 1–2x daily or use an automatic misting system

• Provide good airflow to prevent stagnant moisture

• Include a shallow water dish and/or dripper for hydration

🥣 Diet

• Insects: Crickets, locusts, dubia roaches

• Fruit Mixes: Commercial gecko diets or jelly pots

• Dust insects with calcium (5x/week) and multivitamin (1x/week)

• Feed 5–6x per week; juveniles daily

⚠️ Handling

• Not recommended. These geckos have extremely delicate skin and can drop their tails or become stressed easily. Best enjoyed as display pets.

✅ Enrichment & Extras

• Rotate branches and foliage occasionally

• Provide visual barriers and climbing opportunities

• Safe plants like pothos and bromeliads can be added for cover and humidity

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot clean daily

• Replace substrate at least every 2 months (if not bioactive)

• If bioactive, top up substrate and leaf litter as needed, and support the clean-up crew