[Moosenart]

I am in deep thought about adding a baby P. Grandis to my tiny collection! I have a small tank, but i was thinking that a rubbermaid tub would work for the time to i can work on his/her. i would make the tank ventilated with screen and holes. Any recommended gallon size or dimentions? the baby is 3-4.5 inches..thats what the breeder said...


I have a cricket farm in works and a mealworm farm possible. Is the day gecko MRP good? i have CGD also.

Thanks

[terradas]

Phelsuma are definitely not the best species to keep in any sort of tub no matter how temporary. They might be good for holding humidity, but it won't be good enough to promote proper air flow. 3-4.5" is big enough that you want to have an adult-sized enclosure ready from day 1. For one grandis, I would recommend no smaller than a 18"x18"x18" or a 20gal high tank. I think it is easier to house day geckos in front-opening tanks like those made by ZooMed and ExoTerra because it should help reduce risk of escape.

I would definitely recommend the Day Gecko Diet, but the bulk of these geckos' diet should consist of crickets or giant mealworms dusted with the proper suppliments. I would encourage you to do as much independent research and reading as possible on their care. People here are usually very willing to help with specific care questions though.

[rdj52785]

If you get a big tubpperware and silicone (I also duct tape) screen squares on every side except the bottom where you've cut out the plastic, this should be fine. Many larger scale breeders do this and it works just fine. See DD reptiles website, especially the facilities section. I'm in the process of switching my 2 Uroplatus Lineatus over to tupperware right now to free up my 2x2x4 cage. I would like tupperware that's a little bigger, but it'll work just fine. Not everyone can afford those fancy Exo Terra cages for every animal they possess, especially once things start getting large scale.

[terradas]

Originally Posted by rdj52785

If you get a big tubpperware and silicone (I also duct tape) screen squares on every side except the bottom where you've cut out the plastic, this should be fine. Many larger scale breeders do this and it works just fine. See DD reptiles website, especially the facilities section. I'm in the process of switching my 2 Uroplatus Lineatus over to tupperware right now to free up my 2x2x4 cage. I would like tupperware that's a little bigger, but it'll work just fine. Not everyone can afford those fancy Exo Terra cages for every animal they possess, especially once things start getting large scale.

You may be right about larger scale breeders and it's not always cost effective to invest in top-of-the-line products for every single animal. That being said, I don't think it's always a good idea to encourage someone new to cut corners on caring for a new animal.

Cost is always a consideration, but it shouldn't come before proper care especially for someone new to a genus that's mostly regarded as an intermediate-advanced group. If it's too expensive, there are lots of other great species that can be properly housed in tubs. Speaking from my own bias, phelsuma are gorgeous and if they are more of a pet I would want to be able to display them prominently in a nice setup.

[lauraleellbp]

I'd be nervous about tubs more from an escape standpoint than anything else. Phelsuma tend to run "up" when startled- and if you're opening or closing a top while they're running/jumping there's a huge risk of escape, or worse- smooshing a gecko accidentally. I've made a point of getting front-opening enclosures for all my Phelsuma primarily for that reason.

[Hannibal]

I totally agree with the front-opening enclosures. I have 2 baby grandis and they are wicked fast, not to mention excellent vertical jumpers. It is well worth the investment in getting the best enclosure you can for them. Shop around on the Internet, there are some great deals on front-opening enclosures right now; I've seen some on Craig's List also & you could probably talk them down in price if they want cash for the holidays.

[Moosenart]

The baby grandis would only live in the tube for 2 weeks max, with all the vents and lights.

I have been looking at used exo-terras and zoo-med.

I have also though about the lesser of day geckos-no grandis.

[rdj52785]

Originally Posted by terradas

You may be right about larger scale breeders and it's not always cost effective to invest in top-of-the-line products for every single animal. That being said, I don't think it's always a good idea to encourage someone new to cut corners on caring for a new animal.

Cost is always a consideration, but it shouldn't come before proper care especially for someone new to a genus that's mostly regarded as an intermediate-advanced group. If it's too expensive, there are lots of other great species that can be properly housed in tubs. Speaking from my own bias, phelsuma are gorgeous and if they are more of a pet I would want to be able to display them prominently in a nice setup.

In my opinion, tupperware with the sections cut out, is functionally the same as a aluminum screen cage. I think the only thing your cutting is cost. As long as the sections are large enough basically all is left is a frame . The website I spoke of has animals as expensive as several thousand dollars a piece kept in this type of DIY cage. I think if you'de take a look at his website you'll see he takes great pride in his care and creatures. That's DD reptiles again. There is a chance of excape when opening this tupperware cage. There's also that chance in any other cage. I also think the visability of the beautiful day geckos is just as good in the tupper ware (as long as you've cut out a lot of plastic and replaced it with screen. It's easier to clean without possible dammage than glass, and as long as you can keep the humidity up, I think the screen is better and provides better airflow. Also, I think the tupperware can be pretty large in comparison to the Exo Terra cages, and despite the fact that the grandis require a relatively small cage for there size, I think thewy're happier in a larger cage The only real drawback I can think of is that a tupperware cage might look tacky for display purposes, as would any home made cage. I would never encourage someone to mistreat or cut corners with one of the most beautiful and one of my favorite geckos, but as I said. The only thing I think is being cut is cost., but that's just my two cents, and I don't mean to go back and forth about this.

[dakinecornell]

I would not recommend tupperware containers for Phelsuma. Access to beneficial lighting is important; thus (Day) in Day Gecko. If you have questions about Day Gecko housing, talk to the experts or read their books..Leaping Lizards Home Page or Gecko Ranch - Supplies, Breeds, Herpetology.

[lauraleellbp]

It can work in the short term if there are screens installed underneath the lighting, but both the heat and UV lighting needed by day geckos (UV lighting can be optional if properly fed) will eventually warp and possibly also crack plastic bins.