African Fat-Tail Gecko Care Sheet
African Fat Tail Geckos have been quickly gaining popularity over the past decade in the reptile trade. Almost identical in care and attitude to leopard geckos, the african fat tail gecko has become a kind of 'step two' for hobbyists who took so much pleasure in working with leopard geckos that they wanted to move onto something else that was just a little different than what they had already mastered.
What To Look For In An African Fat Tail Gecko:
When buying an african fat tail gecko, they're similar rules when looking for a healthy leopard gecko. A nice plump tail should be noted, eyes should be clear and wide and toes should be intact. There should be no feces caked to the vent or belly and there should be no open sores or discoloration to the scales. Do not buy an animal that has an ill looking cage mate, for even if the animal you have your sights on appears healthy, it most likely is housing the same illness it's cage mate has just in an earlier stage. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS! Sellers are there to answer them for you! If you see something concerning, ask about it. Any breeder who has trouble answering or refuses to answer is not a breeder you want to give your business to.
Where Can I Find An African Fat Tail Gecko:
African Fat Tail Geckos are becoming more and more common in the reptile pet trade, however they are not as common as leopard geckos. Often times, in chain pet stores you will not find an African Fat Tail, nor should you buy one if you do come across it in a chain pet store for dirt cheap. Reptile shows and private breeders can normally be found fairly easily, but expos are by far the best place to go to find a decent animal from a good breeder. Online options that are well researched and trusted are viable options as well.
Housing:
Like leopard geckos, an African Fat Tail can spend it's life thriving in a 10 gallon tank. For housing of 2-4, either three females with a male and four females (like leopard geckos don't ever house two males together) choose a 20 gallon tank. For every addition gecko add 5 to 10 gallons to the tank and an additional hide.
Heat:
African Fat Tails thrive in slightly cooler environments than a leopard gecko, however the temperature differences are almost insignificantly small. African Fat Tails do not require any UVA or UVB lighting, and so an under tank heater will work just fine. Place the heat on one side of the tank (this will be the warm-side), and monitor the temperature at around 84-88 degrees F. The cool side of the tank should be kept between 75-79 degrees F.
Vitamins:
Identical to leopard geckos, African Fat Tail Geckos need a calcium and vitamin supplement dusted on their food (adults about twice a week and juveniles every day). This is very important to provide in order to avoid common illness associated with lack of calcium (such as Metabolic Bone Disease).
Diet:
African Fat Tails can sometimes be pickier eaters than leopard geckos, often times preferring a diet mainly of crickets and mealworms. The author however raises and keeps her African Fat Tails primarily on super worms, and this is recommended. However, like leopard geckos, their diet of insects can consist of multiple things (roaches, wax-worms, hornworms).
Substrate:
African Fat Tails come from a desert environment, but they do require a slight bit more humidity than leopard geckos. A substrate mix of fine sand or fine walnut gravel and coconut husk can hold moisture well, and often is a safe substrate for a healthy gecko. Paper towels and non-adhesive shelf liner can also be used.
Hydration:
As previously stated, African Fat Tails do require more moisture than leopard geckos, and should always be provided with a wet hide, a water bowl, and a misting about twice a week.
Decor:
Very similarly to leopard geckos all an African Fat Tail gecko needs is a hide on both the warm and cool side of their enclosure. All other decor is up to you as long as it is clean and safe!
Handling and Temperament:
The tolerance to handling has been long debated when it comes to African Fat Tail geckos. Some believe they are LESS docile than leopard geckos, and other believe they are more. The author's experience with them have proven to show a far MORE docile nature than that of Leopard Geckos, however they still demand the same consideration and their skin is actually slightly more delicate than that of the leopard geckos.
Conclusion:
African Fat Tail Geckos are excellent animals to own, and even if you've never owned a leopard gecko before these guys are normally pretty easy to get use to on their own. However, like a leopard gecko (or any animal for that fact) they do come with responsibility. They have the same longevity as leopard geckos (25+ years for males and 10+ for females). Before you purchase an African Fat Tail Gecko, you should always make sure that they are suitable for your lifestyle and your ability. If you find they are, then go out and find an awesome gecko to love!
