[whiskersmybud]

hello i am currently getting ready to get some fat tailed geckos and have been studying them quite a bit and i was wondering what are all the things that are needed for their cages. i am looking to get everything for a reasonable price but i will get what i need. also can their main feeder be mealworms or does it need to be crickets if i can use meal worms how many will an average adult eat a day

thanks in adavance

[newtogeckos]

I've had mine for about 3 months now, they make a great pet since they are always up for handling and being played with.

However, you won't see much of them unless you grab it since they like to sleep all the time during the day.

You might have some conflicting info, and I'm not sure if mine is perfect,
but I have a 10G tank with a heat pad under a hiding spot (enclosed cave),
another hiding spot (open wood tunnel) on the other side to provide a cooler hiding spot (this is her bathroom area).

For substrate, I think your best bet is cage carpet, from what I hear.
I know it is advised against from some experienced keepers,
but I use eco-earth substrate which is coconut barks.
If your gecko swallows it while eating it can cause an impact in the long run, but mine doesn't seem to have that problem as she is a quite good hunter.
I just decided to use it because it keeps the moisture (I wet the warm hiding spot every 2-3 days with a little bit of water, especially when she shows symptoms of shedding). Be careful though because I know this can cause bacterial infections if your general cage condition is dirty.

I've been told that (not 100% sure, as I hear some breeders doing things otherwise) crickets with calcium dustings will be better for a growing gecko than mealworms. I've personally never offered mine other than dusted crickets. She has a big appetite, although it's slowed down recently due to brumation, and has grown from 4" to 7" in 3 months.

That's all I know from my research and experience in 3 months.
If I missed anything out/have provided incorrect info, I'm sure others will pick it up.

Enjoy your new pet

[acpart]

Most fat tails will not eat mealworms but will eat crickets and roaches. Mine eat crickets. I also keep my fat tails on coco fiber and I have plants in the tank to help maintain the humidity. I have had no problems with impaction but would not use something with small particles like sand.

Aliza

[donkeykong]

I recently tried feeding mine meal worms and he wanted nothing to do with them. From what I have read it can be hit or miss with them. I wouldn't count on it, and if they do like them than that is just a plus.