Day gecko caresheet publishing draft 1,constructive crit's appreciated,ps copyrighted

[jedi]

PHELSUMA (DAY GECKO) CARE SHEET:

Species classification:
Class: Reptilia (Reptiles)
Order: Squamata (True reptiles)
Sub-order: Sauria (Lizards)
Intermediate order: Gekkota (Gecko-like)
Family: Gekkonidae (Geckos)
Sub-family: Gekkoninae (True Geckos)
Genus: Phelsuma (Day Geckos)

This care sheet is intended as general guide for the Phelsuma (Day Gecko) genus of the Gekkonidae (Gecko) family. Even though there are many common requirements shared by most day gecko species, there are also many different care requirements between various species and sub species, and therefore further research regarding the husbandry of specific species should be considered essential.

Origin:

There are approximately 70 known living Phelsuma species and subspecies, of which the majority are indigenous to Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands, however several species have been introduced to other areas such as Tanzania. Two species, Phelsuma andamanensis (Andaman Islands day gecko) and another species in South Africa, exist outside of the Indian Ocean region.

Suitability and availability:

Day Geckos are mainly bred in captivity in the UK by hobbyists, most of which have taken time to study individual species at length, and Day Geckos also have fairly stringent care requirements. This perhaps explains why few Phelsuma species are generally available in the UK, particularly from commercial sources. The Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis), Standings' Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis standingi), Lined Day Gecko (Phelsuma lineata) and Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda) are some of the most widely available of the Phelsuma species, and are also considered the easiest to care for and most suitable for first time keepers of Day Geckos. Most of the smaller Phelsuma species are very delicate and require high levels of experience in order to keep them successfully. Experience with other reptiles can provide a sound base however keeping Day Geckos really needs to be considered a new discipline.

It is advisable to purchase day geckos from captive bred rather than wild caught sources. Wild caught specimens are almost always infested with parasites and over-stressed. If this is the only way you can source your geckos, they should be quarantined in a sterile vivarium for three months, separate from other geckos, and a faecal sample should be taken to a vet for examination.



Behaviour and Handling:


Day geckos are diurnal (active during daylight), which distinguishes them from most other geckos, and is where their name is derived. Like most geckos excluding the Eublepharis genus (Eye lid geckos), Day geckos have a clear, fixed plate covering their eyes and do not have eyelids.

Most (with very few exceptions) Phelsumas should be housed singularly or in sexed pairs. Both males and females are highly territorial towards each other and injuries will occur between same sexes.

Handling of Day Geckos should be avoided unless strictly necessary. They are incredibly delicate and slight contact can rip their skin with surprising ease. Wounds will heal if kept sterile, but aesthetic appearance will greatly deteriorate. Major vivarium cleaning or re-housing specimens are times where handling cannot be avoided. Because of day gecko’s speed and ability to climb almost any surface, escapes can lead to lengthily attempts to recapture escapees. The best way to capture day geckos is with a small fishing net. Once in the net, place your hand around the back and head of the gecko and grip gently but firmly.
The fingers of the Phelsuma (as with many gecko genera) can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, without the use of liquids or surface tension.
Every square millimetre of a gecko's footpad contains approximately 14,000 hair-like setae. Each seta has a diameter of 5 micrometres, which in turn tipped with between 100 and 1,000,000 spatulae

Housing:

Day geckos are arboreal and therefore require a vertically oriented enclosure (with the exception of Phelsuma barbouri which require a horizontally oriented enclosure). Smaller species can be kept in a minimum 50 litre enclosure for a pair of day geckos, while the larger species can be housed in 100 litre or larger enclosures for pairs of day geckos. Juveniles can be kept in smaller enclosures.

All glass vertically oriented vivaria are the preferred housing for Phelsumas, as this provides the maximum amount of climbing space, and is not penetrated by water. Glass fronted wooden vivaria can also be used if wood is water proof/ resistant. All mesh/ net cages provide little climbing space and can damage day gecko’s feet. They also make humidity regulation incredibly difficult, although this depends upon climatic conditions outside of the vivarium. Mesh-topped glass vivaria are recommended as this increases ventilation without destabilising humidity levels, and allows for easy misting of the vivarium. It is worth noting that the smaller species of Phelsumas can escape through very small gaps, with small crickets able to escape from gaps of around 1.5mm.

Decorations / Substrate:

Bottom substrate should be made up of a layer of tiny pebbles at least 1.25cm (1/2 an inch) thick for drainage followed by a 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) layer of peat free moss or Styrolite free potting soil. Orchid bark should also be used as a top level substrate. The substrate should be changed regularly to reduce the chance of bacterial build up and mould. The substrate will help to maintain the required humidity levels. Like many small reptiles, day geckos can suffer from impaction (digesting small particles which block the digestive tract) of the substrate while hunting prey. Therefore sand or fine gravels should not be used for any layer of the substrate. Sub-terrain invertebrates are ideal substrate inhabitants, because they condition the soil as well as providing an opportunity for treats presented in a natural way.

Vivariums should be well planted with tall stiff leaved plants. Visual barriers are important to minimize stress. The following plants are suitable: Sansevieria (Snake plant), orchids, bromeliads, split-leaf philodendron, dracaena, pothos, Chinese evergreen or other stiff leaved tropical plants.

Day geckos are highly territorial and prone to stress caused by amongst other things, a lack of hiding places which are provided for security. As a good base measure for required hiding places, for each gecko in the vivarium provide one hide in both the hotter and cooler end of the enclosure. I also provide hiding places in mid temperature areas for increased choice.

Several horizontal, semi-horizontal and vertical bamboo poles should be provided for climbing and basking. The semi-horizontal bamboo pieces should be placed near the fluorescent light and basking areas in order to provide a range of basking spots. Bamboo is also a commonly used site to deposit eggs. Perches can also consist of vertical corkbark, or treated/ synthetic branches. Cork bark is excellent for wall covering and also provides attachment points for perches etc. Coco fibre panels can be used to grow air plants, help retain humidity and contribute aesthetically to a vivarium.

Gecko’s tend to drink water droplets from leaves etc rather than from dishes, however it advised that a water dish is provided in order to offer the choice and help maintain humidity.

[gesh gecko]

Nice caresheet