Thick-Tailed Gecko

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 12cm

Origin: Australia

Lifespan: Up to 10 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: Thick-Tailed Geckos are found in arid and semi-arid environments, sandy plains and dune areas across the Australian continent.

Thick-Tailed Geckos are an increasingly popular species in the hobby. Although very easy to keep, they have only become more common and accessible in recent years. They are small, easy to care for and very attractive. Overall, they are an excellent reptile species for beginners.

Although this is an easy species to keep, a few aspects require attention and certain conditions must be ensured, as described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: A minimum terrarium of 60x45x45cm is recommended for 1 adult

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

A terrarium with a thermal gradient should be provided, with a minimum temperature of 21ºC on the cool side and around 30ºC on the warm side. To ensure the correct temperatures in your Underwoodisaurus milii's terrarium, a heat mat or heat cable covering no more than 1/3 of the terrarium floor can be used.  

Being a nocturnal species, Thick-Tailed Geckos do not require UVB radiation. However, they can benefit from exposure to low levels of it (using a ShadeDweller lamp).

- Humidity

Thick-Tailed Geckos are desert animals; however, it is important to lightly mist the terrarium 2 to 3 times a week, especially inside the burrows/hides.

- Decor

Thick-Tailed Geckos come from arid, sandy areas, so the best way to keep them is on a fine, smooth, dust-free sand substrate, which can also be mixed with dry coco fibre. The terrarium should have at least two burrows/hides – one on the cool side and one on the warm side. Rocks, branches and plants (natural or artificial) can be used as decor. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

 Diet: They should be fed live insects 4 to 5 times a week.

- Foods

Insects: Crickets and Roaches.

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, every meal should be supplemented by dusting the insects with a good-quality Calcium and Vitamin Supplement (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.