Reptile · Gecko
Giant day gecko care guide
Phelsuma grandis
The giant day gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Northern Madagascar. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Solitary. Needs UVB.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a giant day gecko cost in Canada?
Giant day gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Northern Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit gecko diet
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Giant day gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a giant day gecko eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit gecko diet. Insects every 2–3 days plus fruit or gecko diet twice weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Display animal; skin tears easily, so avoid handling.
Health watch: Torn skin from handling, metabolic bone disease without UVB, dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a giant day gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Giant day gecko FAQ
Is the giant day gecko good for beginners?
The giant day gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Display animal; skin tears easily, so avoid handling.
What size enclosure does a giant day gecko need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a giant day gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $100–300 CAD to buy, about $580–1050 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant day gecko need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a giant day gecko eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit gecko diet. Insects every 2–3 days plus fruit or gecko diet twice weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.