Reptile · Gecko
Thick-tailed gecko care guide
Underwoodisaurus milii
The thick-tailed gecko is a beginner-level gecko from Southern Australia. Adults reach 12–14 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Hardy and tolerates cooler temperatures than most geckos.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a thick-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Thick-tailed gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 12–14 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 30 cm (18 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 16 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Thick-tailed gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 30 cm (18 × 18 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a thick-tailed gecko eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and handleable; may bark when startled.
Health watch: Stuck shed and calcium deficiency.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a thick-tailed gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Thick-tailed gecko FAQ
Is the thick-tailed gecko good for beginners?
Yes – the thick-tailed gecko is a good choice for beginners. Docile and handleable; may bark when startled.
What size enclosure does a thick-tailed gecko need?
At least 45 × 45 × 30 cm (about 18 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 16 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a thick-tailed gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $200–600 CAD to buy, about $430–810 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a thick-tailed gecko need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a thick-tailed gecko eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
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.