African Fat-Tailed Gecko

A 30x12x12" (20-gallon long) enclosure is the minimum for one adult African fat-tailed gecko, though a 36x18" or larger provides a better thermal gradient and more enrichment space. Like leopard geckos, AFTs are terrestrial - floor space is more important than height.

Provide three hides: a warm hide (floor temperature 88 to 92 degrees F under the UTH), a cool hide (75 to 78 degrees F), and a moist hide filled with damp sphagnum moss on the warm side. The moist hide is critical - AFTs require higher humidity than leopard geckos and chronic dryness causes persistent shedding problems.

Aim for 50 to 60% ambient humidity, which is higher than the 30 to 40% appropriate for leopard geckos. Cypress mulch or coconut fiber substrate help maintain this humidity level while remaining easy to clean. Use an under-tank heater on a quality thermostat as the primary heat source, verified with an infrared temperature gun. Low-output UVB is now recommended by reptile veterinarians.

African fat-tailed geckos are strict insectivores. Offer crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae as primary feeders. Mealworms can be offered occasionally. Feed juveniles every other day, adults 2 to 3 times per week. Prey should be no wider than the space between the gecko's eyes.

Gut-load all feeder insects 24 to 48 hours before offering. Dust with calcium w/D3 at every juvenile feeding and 2 to 3 times per week for adults. A reptile multivitamin once weekly. A small dish of pure calcium powder placed in the enclosure allows the gecko to self-supplement as needed - this is particularly important for reproductive females.

Fresh, dechlorinated water in a shallow dish must always be available. Unlike many reptiles, AFTs are relatively good about drinking from dishes and should be offered access continuously.

African fat-tailed geckos are among the calmest and most handleable gecko species available. Their slow, deliberate movements and natural docility make them ideal for keepers seeking a handleable gecko companion. With regular, gentle interaction, most become very relaxed and comfortable with human contact.

Provide multiple hides at both ends of the thermal gradient, flat cork bark pieces and rock slates as basking and resting surfaces, and textured substrate for natural exploration. They are crepuscular, most active at dusk and dawn. Handle during these activity windows for the most relaxed interactions.

Avoid handling during shed (identifiable by a dull, slightly grayish skin tone and clouding of the eyes). Always wash hands before handling to avoid introducing any chemical residues to the gecko's skin.

Stuck shed (dysecdysis) is the most common health issue and is almost always prevented by a properly maintained moist hide. Stuck shed on the toes is the most dangerous - it constricts blood flow and leads to digit loss if not addressed. Soak the gecko briefly in shallow lukewarm water and gently remove retained shed with a damp cotton swab.

Metabolic Bone Disease from inadequate calcium or vitamin D3 causes trembling, weakness, and skeletal deformities. Consistent supplementation and UVB exposure prevent it. MBD is entirely preventable with correct husbandry.

Parasites are less common in AFTs than in many other gecko species but annual fecal exams are recommended, especially for wild-caught animals. AFTs are sensitive to humidity - chronically low humidity causes not just shedding problems but respiratory stress and immune suppression. Annual vet checks with a reptile-experienced veterinarian are recommended.