Reptile · Gecko
Madagascar day gecko care guide
Phelsuma madagascariensis
The madagascar day gecko is a intermediate-level gecko from Eastern Madagascar. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 12–20 years in captivity. Close relative of the giant day gecko with similar care. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a madagascar day gecko cost in Canada?
Madagascar day gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern 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
Madagascar 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 madagascar day gecko eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit gecko diet. Insects every 2–3 days plus fruit diet twice weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Skin tears easily; observe rather than handle.
Health watch: Skin tears, metabolic bone disease and 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 madagascar 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
Madagascar day gecko FAQ
Is the madagascar day gecko good for beginners?
The madagascar day gecko is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Skin tears easily; observe rather than handle.
What size enclosure does a madagascar 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 madagascar day gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 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 madagascar day gecko need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a madagascar day gecko eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit gecko diet. Insects every 2–3 days plus fruit 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.