African Fat-tailed Gecko Care
Basic Information
Fat-tail geckos are another popular type of gecko for beginner reptile enthusiasts. They are named for their tails and the region they are from, hence African Fat-Tail. They are generally docile and can be very easy to handle with frequent interaction. Fat-tails are as easy to care for as leopard geckos, with minor enclosure differences, and can make a great companion for up to 15-20 years.
Health
Like many reptiles, fat-tail geckos experience brumation. Brumation is common in the colder months, and owners may notice their gecko not eating as often or refusing meals. This is normal and only a concern if it suddenly starts losing weight or if the tail seems to be getting thinner. **The size of the tail is related to the gecko's health. If it is nice and thick, the gecko is getting enough in its diet to store energy for later properly and is healthy. If the tail seems thin compared to the gecko's body, consider increasing food consumption or switching to fatty foods like waxworms.
Another common issue that fat-tail gecko owners may face is a stuck shed. A stuck shed happens when the humidity levels get too low, and the gecko cannot naturally peel off its own shed. A simple remedy is to mist the enclosure to provide a more humid environment for the gecko to shed in. If the stuck shed persists, soaking it in a shallow bin of warm water for 15-30 minutes is recommended. **Be very careful, as stuck shed and eye caps are a big possibility for geckos. This can result in losing limbs and eyes, so monitor every shed cycle to ensure no difficulties.
Geckos need a supplement of calcium and D3 in their diet every so often, which can be done by dusting their regularly consumed insects. Otherwise, they can develop metabolic bone disease or MBD. This can look like deformed or weakened limbs and a weaker jaw, which can prevent the gecko from being able to eat properly. Increase calcium and D3 intake as needed. **It is recommended that their food is dusted weekly with calcium/D3 supplement.
Enclosures
A 20-gallon tank is the recommended enclosure size for a fat-tail gecko. While a 10-gallon tank is acceptable for juveniles, they will be better off with a 20-gallon tank when they reach adulthood. Prioritize floor space over height. A 20-gallon tank also offers space for more than one gecko. We recommend putting various caves and humidity hides in the enclosure to provide a safe space for the geckos to feel secure in their environment and a comfortable humid spot to rest and/or shed. Low branches and other platforms can offer enrichment and provide activity, as geckos like to climb. *If you plan to have more than one gecko in the same enclosure, ensuring they are used to each other and will not pose a threat is important. Male geckos are at risk of fighting each other, and female geckos may fight if one is bigger than the other. A male and female gecko risk breeding. Siblings generally will not have an issue but will still need to be monitored. Overall, however, fat-tail geckos are much more solitary than other species of geckos, like leopard geckos.
Heating/Lighting
The enclosure should have a basking zone at one end that reaches around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a cooler zone at the other, which reaches around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a basking bulb for the warm end of the enclosure, but be sure to monitor how much heat it gives off and change to a lower watt if necessary. A low-emitting UV bulb is recommended as UV is needed for metabolism, calcium absorption, and overall health. Fat-tails are more nocturnal, so to simulate nighttime for the gecko, turn the lights off at night. A heat mat can help keep the enclosure at optimal temperature if the room gets colder at night. A ceramic light, which does not give off visible light, is an alternative to heat mats. However, the temperature must be monitored closely if using a heat mat or ceramic bulb, as too much heat can burn or cause damage to the gecko. Use a thermometer with probes on both ends of the enclosure to monitor the hot and cool ends. *Be sure not to use a strong light emitting bulb as geckos, especially albinos, have sensitive eyes and are susceptible to eye damage and stress.
Substrate
Various options for lining the bottom of the enclosure include soil, desert stone, sand, newspapers, and paper towels. Since fat-tail geckos are burrowers, it is recommended that after quarantine, the new gecko go straight to sand or dirt. It’s recommended that the substrate be around 3-4 inches deep to promote burrowing. Soil can be used for a more natural look and provide exercise and better humidity retention. A food dish is required for loose substrate. Some brands of soil and sand are safe for reptile consumption, so research when choosing these for substrate. Clean old food and droppings from the substrate daily and maintain optimal humidity to prevent molding.
Humidity
Fat-tail geckos differ from other species of geckos in terms of humidity. They do well when they go through seasons of humidity. This means that during the more rainy months, their enclosure should mimic that with about 70-80% humidity. During the drier months, their humidity should be around 50-60%. Use various methods, including misting the enclosure and using substrate like spagnum moss to hold moisture. Be sure the enclosure has a drier end and a more humid end.
Water
Fat-tail geckos need a constant water source, so provide a shallow dish of fresh water at all times. Replace and clean daily.
Food
Live insects make up the majority of a fat-tail gecko's diet. A regular diet may consist of a few dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms, or crickets every few days for adult geckos and daily for juveniles. Giving calcium or multivitamin supplements to your gecko once a week is recommended to ensure they get enough nutrients for their diet. If you feed the live insects into the tank/vivarium with no food dish, remove any uneaten bugs to prevent them from hurting the gecko. *Never use wild caught insects as they could have diseases or toxins and may not be clean enough to eat. Always buy feeders from reputable stores.