Giant Day Gecko | Phelsuma grandis
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Northern Madagascar; tropical trees and vegetation. |
| Adult size |
Up to around 30 cm including tail. |
| Lifespan |
Around 10–15 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Day-active. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm for one adult. |
| Enclosure type |
Tall arboreal terrarium. |
| Temperature |
Basking around 32°C; ambient 24–28°C; night around 20–22°C. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 60–80%, allowing surfaces to dry between mistings. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Vertical bamboo or branches, dense foliage and an elevated feeding ledge. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Usually best housed individually. Delicate skin can tear when restrained; avoid routine handling.
Feeding & Nutrition
Use a complete day-gecko-appropriate fruit diet alongside varied gut-loaded insects. Follow the food instructions and confirm frequency for age; insects need suitable calcium and vitamin supplementation. Provide drinking droplets and a shallow water dish.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.