The African Fat Tail Gecko is one of the most popular lizards kept as pets. They are generally easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are also known for their docile temperament and make great pets for both children and adults.
When it comes to caring for a pet African Fat Tail Gecko, it’s important to provide them with the right environment and diet, as outlined in this helpful guide on how to care for a web footed gecko.
How to Care for an African Fat Tail Gecko?
First, you’ll need a tank or enclosure that is at least 18×18 inches. The lizard will need room to move around, and you’ll also need to provide a hiding place. You can use a cave or cardboard box for this.
You’ll also need to provide a heat source and a UVB light. The heat source can be a ceramic heat emitter, reptile bulb, or hot rock. The UVB light is important for the lizard’s health and should be placed about 12-18 inches from the ground.
When it comes to caring for a unique reptile like an African fat tail gecko, it’s important to do your research and follow expert advice, such as this helpful guide on how to care for a mourning gecko.
What Does an African Fat Tail Gecko Look Like?
African Fat Tail geckos are medium-sized lizards that are easily recognized by their round, fat tails. They typically range from 4 to 8 inches in length, with some specimens reaching up to 10 inches. Their colors vary but usually consist of shades of yellow, brown, gray, and white. Some may also have black spots or stripes.
African Fat Tail Gecko Size
African Fat Tail geckos come in a range of sizes, but they typically measure 4-8 inches in length. While adults only grow to about 8 inches, their fat tails can be twice as long! This gives the lizard its namesake and makes them unmistakable among other pet lizards.
How to Identify African Fat Tail Geckos?
Identifying an African Fat Tail Gecko is relatively easy; they have some unique features that set them apart from other geckos. The most distinguishing characteristics are the large and distinctive fat tails, which can measure up to twice the length of their bodies.
They also have very dark eyes with black pigment around them, as well as speckled and mottled skin with yellow or cream markings. They also have a row of spines down their backs, which can range from tiny bumps to noticeable spikes.
While caring for an African fat tail gecko, it’s important to provide them with the right environment and diet. If you’re interested in learning more about reptile care, check out this helpful guide on how to care for a veiled chameleon.
How Long Does an African Fat Tail Gecko Live?
African Fat Tail Geckos typically live between 10 and 15 years in captivity when they are well cared for. In the wild, their lifespan is slightly shorter due to natural predators and other environmental factors. With proper nutrition and healthy habitat, these geckos can live comfortably in a home environment for many years.
African Fat Tail Gecko Lifespan
African Fat Tail Geckos typically live for up to 15 years in captivity, though in the wild they may have an even shorter lifespan due to predation and other environmental pressures. In order to maximize their longevity, proper husbandry is essential. Captive Fat Tail Geckos should be provided with a large enclosure with plenty of hiding places and clean substrate, as well as adequate temperatures and humidity levels.
How Does African Fat Tail Gecko Reproduce?
African Fat Tail Geckos reproduce by laying eggs. The female will typically lay 1-3 eggs in a hidden location, and the eggs will hatch after 2-3 weeks. Baby Fat Tail Geckos are born completely independent and must fend for themselves from the moment they emerge from their eggs.
Life Cycle of African Fat Tail Gecko
When the young geckos hatch out of their eggs, they are independent and very small, measuring only about an inch in length. They will feed on tiny insects such as ants and fruit flies during the first few weeks after hatching. As they mature and grow, they become increasingly active and will eat larger food items.
The African Fat Tail Gecko reaches its full size at around nine months old, and these geckos can live up to fifteen years in captivity. During each year of their lifespan, they molt several times. Molting is when the gecko sheds its old skin in order to grow a new one. This process allows the gecko to grow larger and also helps to keep its skin healthy.
African Fat Tail Gecko’s Temperament
The African Fat Tail Gecko is a popular exotic pet due to its unique appearance, calm demeanor, and hardiness. They are typically quite docile, making them an ideal pet for both experienced reptile keepers and beginners alike. Their calm nature means they are easy to handle, making them great for first-time gecko owners.
Can I Keep an African Fat Tail Gecko as a Pet?
Yes, you can keep an African Fat Tail Gecko as a pet. This species is relatively easy to care for and makes a great first gecko for someone who is just starting out with reptile keeping. They are quite docile and calm, making them good pets even for those with little experience handling reptiles.
How to Feed an African Fat Tail Gecko?
African Fat Tail Geckos should be fed a variety of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. These can either be purchased from a pet store or bred at home. It is important to feed your gecko the appropriate size insects that they can easily eat.
What Does the African Fat Tail Gecko Eat?
African Fat Tail Geckos feed primarily on insects, such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and other small invertebrates. Occasionally they may eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Be sure to dust their food with a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement for optimal health. In addition, offer your gecko fresh water on a daily basis. A shallow dish should be provided in the enclosure so that they can drink as needed.
How Often to Feed African Fat Tail Gecko?
African Fat Tail Geckos should be fed every other day. Young geckos can be offered food once a day, while adults should receive two meals a week. When offering live insects, such as crickets and mealworms, be sure to remove any uneaten food after 15 minutes as it may carry disease or parasites that could harm your gecko.
The Danger of African Fat Tail Gecko
African Fat Tail Geckos are small reptiles that can make wonderful pets, but they also come with certain risks. Knowing the potential dangers associated with owning an African Fat Tail Gecko can help ensure that your pet is healthy and safe. This article will provide an overview of some of the most common dangers associated with keeping a Fat Tail Gecko as a pet.
Is an African Fat Tail Gecko Poisonous?
No, an African Fat Tail Gecko is not poisonous. However, they may bite if they feel threatened and the bite can be painful. Also, geckos are not recommended for young children as they are delicate and can easily be injured. It is important to handle your gecko gently and with respect in order to prevent any injuries or bites.
Can You Die From an African Fat Tail Gecko Bite?
No, you cannot die from an African Fat Tail Gecko bite. However, it is possible to experience allergic reactions which can include swelling and itching. If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
Can an African Fat Tail Gecko Bite You?
Yes, an African Fat Tail Gecko can bite you. They are small and fragile animals so it is important to handle them with care. If a gecko feels threatened, it may defend itself by biting in order to protect itself. If you do get bitten, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and water.
Do African Fat Tail Gecko Bites Hurt?
Yes, African Fat Tail Gecko bites can hurt. While the bite itself may not be very painful, the area around the bite may be swollen and sensitive to the touch. In some cases, an allergic reaction to the gecko’s saliva can also occur, resulting in redness, itching, or swelling at the site of the bite.
The Housing of African Fat Tail Gecko
African Fat Tail Geckos require an appropriate enclosure in order to stay healthy and safe. The size of the enclosure should be large enough for the gecko to move freely, with plenty of hiding places and climbing areas. Use a substrate such as newspaper, paper towels, or reptile carpet to provide traction and absorb waste.
Heating and Lighting for an African Fat Tail Gecko
In order to create the right environment for your African Fat Tail Gecko, you will need to provide both heat and light. The gecko needs a basking spot that is at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rest of the enclosure should be kept at a moderate temperature between 75 and 80 degrees. You can achieve this by using a heat lamp or heating pad. The light should be fluorescent or LED and should be on for 12-14 hours per day.
What are the Common Health Problems of African Fat Tail Geckos?
Common health problems for African Fat Tail Geckos include respiratory infections, skin mites, and eye infections. Respiratory infections are caused by bacteria or viruses and can cause a gecko to become lethargic and have trouble breathing. Skin mites can cause irritation and itching, while eye infections may lead to discharge or cloudy eyes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, African Fat Tail Geckos can make wonderful and interesting pets. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with owning a gecko such as bites, allergic reactions, and infections. Taking the proper precautions to keep your pet safe and healthy is essential in order to ensure a long and happy life for your gecko. With the right care, an African Fat Tail Gecko can be a faithful and loving companion.