🦎 General Info


Day Geckos (Genus: Phelsuma) are vibrant, arboreal lizards native to Madagascar, surrounding islands, and parts of East Africa. They are among the most colorful reptiles in the world, displaying bright greens, blues, reds, and yellows. Unlike most geckos, they are diurnal, meaning active during the day.


There are many species within this group — the most common in captivity being the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis), the Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda), and the Peacock Day Gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata).


Day Geckos are known for their speed, intelligence, and delicate skin, which can tear easily if handled roughly. Adults typically reach 5–10 inches depending on species and can live 10–15 years in captivity with proper care.


Enclosure


  • Size:


  • Single Adult: Minimum 18" x 18" x 24" (tall enclosures preferred).

  • Pairs: 24" x 24" x 36" or larger.

  • Bigger is always better — these active lizards use every inch of vertical space.

  • Material:

  • Glass or PVC terrariums with front-opening doors are ideal.

  • Ensure excellent ventilation — Day Geckos require airflow to prevent mold.

  • Orientation:

  • Vertical setups are essential since they are arboreal.

  • Décor: Provide bamboo tubes, cork bark, driftwood, and vines for climbing, add dense live or artificial foliage for cover and humidity retention. Live plants such as pothos, bromeliads, ficus, and schefflera work really well and mimic their natural environment. Including multiple basking perches at different heights and a few secure hiding spots will make them feel comfortable in their enclosure.


Temperature & Lighting


  • Basking Spot: 88–92°F


  • Ambient Temperature: 75–85°F during the day.


  • Night Temperature: 70–75°F; can safely drop to 68°F at night.


  • Heating:

  • Use a low-wattage heat bulb or ceramic heat emitter for basking.

  • Always place heat sources outside the enclosure to avoid burns.

  • Lighting & UVB: UVB lighting is essential for day geckos to metabolize calcium and stay healthy, Use a T5 HO 5.0 or 10.0 UVB tube covering about half the enclosure’s length, Replace bulbs every 6–12 months per manufacturer’s recommendation.

  • Day/night cycle: Provide 12–13 hours of light daily with a consistent day/night cycle (use a timer).

Humidity & Water


  • Humidity: 60–80% Mist 2–3 times daily or use an automatic misting system, allow enclosure to dry slightly between misting's to prevent mold.

  • Water: Day Geckos rarely drink from bowls. Instead, they drink water droplets from leaves and glass, provide regular misting and optionally a dripper system to ensure hydration.

  • Tip: A shallow water dish can be added, but it’s not essential if misting is consistent.


Substrate


  • Substrate:

  • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth), orchid bark, or bioactive soil mix (soil, sand, sphagnum moss).

  • For bioactive setups, add springtails and isopods for waste management.

  • Depth: 2–4 inches is sufficient to hold humidity and support live plants.


  • Avoid: Loose substrates with large particles like gravel or wood chips, as they can cause impaction if ingested.


Diet


  • Type: Omnivorous — they eat both insects and fruit/nectar.


  • Staple Insects:

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Small silkworms or mealworms (occasionally)

  • Fruit/Nectar Diet: Feed a commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) such as Pangea or Repashy Day Gecko Formula, 3–4 times weekly.


  • Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles: Feed daily (insects and CGD alternated).

  • Adults: Feed 4–5 times per week.

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium (without D3): Every feeding.

  • Calcium with D3: Twice per week.

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • Gut-Loading: Always gut-load feeder insects with vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods before offering.


Temperature & Lighting


  • Temperament: Day Geckos are fast, shy, and easily stressed by handling. They are best suited as display animals rather than pets for frequent physical interaction.


  • Handling: Avoid handling as much as possible. Their skin is extremely delicate and can tear easily, leaving permanent marks. If you must move them, guide them gently into a container rather than grabbing.


  • Behavior:

  • Highly territorial — only house pairs or groups with care (never two males).

  • Active climbers and hunters; enjoy exploring and basking during the day.

  • Can be observed licking water droplets or hunting insects with lightning speed.

  • Enrichment: Provide a variety of different climbing surfaces from wood, leaves and different bark surfaces. Periodic rearrangements to encourage natural exploration.


Health & Lifespan


  • Lifespan: 10–15 years in captivity with excellent care.


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of UVB or calcium deficiency.

  • Dehydration: Leads to wrinkled skin and poor shedding.

  • Skin Tears: Resulting from rough handling or cage aggression.

  • Mouth Rot (Stomatitis): Often from poor humidity or unsanitary conditions.

  • Parasites: Watch for weight loss or abnormal feces.

  • Prevention:

  • Maintain proper UVB, humidity, and cleanliness.

  • Avoid overfeeding sugary fruit mixes.

  • Monitor shedding and hydration closely.

Final Note: Day Geckos are one of the most visually stunning reptiles you can keep — bright, alert, and full of personality. With the right setup emphasizing humidity, UVB, and vertical climbing space, they thrive and display their natural behaviors beautifully. While they are not a hands-on pet, they are a spectacular display species, perfect for planted or bioactive vivariums that showcase their color and charm.