21 Things to Know Before Getting a Giant Day Gecko

Thinking about getting a Giant Day Gecko? You’re in for a treat — these vibrant, active lizards are not only beautiful but also surprisingly beginner-friendly once you understand their needs. I’ve cared for a few over the years, and while they’re a bit more hands-off than, say, a dog or cat, they’re incredibly rewarding to watch and care for.

Here’s what you really need to know before bringing one home — from setup to daily care — without getting overwhelmed.

What Makes Giant Day Geckos Special

These geckos hail from the tropical forests of Madagascar, so they’re built for warm, humid environments. Their bright green bodies often come with bold red markings, and some morphs like the crimson or blue blood variants are just stunning to see in person.

They’re also pretty big for geckos — adult males can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm), with females just a bit smaller. Despite their size, they’re agile climbers and spend most of their time off the ground.

Temperament & Handling

Giant Day Geckos aren’t aggressive, but they’re not cuddly either. They’re best appreciated visually, not physically. Their skin is delicate and can tear easily, so if you need to handle them, always let them climb onto your hand instead of grabbing them.

They’re diurnal (active during the day), which is a fun bonus — you actually get to watch them explore and eat without needing night-vision goggles.

Lifespan & Health

With good care, most Giant Day Geckos live 6–8 years, though some have reached 15–20. They’re generally hardy and resistant to disease, but you’ll still want to find a vet who sees reptiles, just in case.

They shed regularly — more often when young — and healthy humidity levels help make that process smooth. Never try to pull off stuck shed manually; adjust humidity instead.

Setting Up Their Home

This part takes a little investment, but once it’s set up, it’s easy to maintain.

• Tank Size: For one gecko, go with a vertical tank at least 24x24x12 inches (height x length x depth). Bigger is better, especially if you’re keeping a pair.

• Substrate & Decor: Use pesticide-free soil, coconut fiber, or bark chips. Add plenty of vertical climbing options like bamboo, branches, and live plants. Bamboo is a favorite.

• Temperature & Lighting: Keep the tank around 82–86°F (28–30°C) during the day, with a basking spot reaching 95°F (35°C). Nighttime temps can dip to 75–82°F (24–28°C). Use a UVB light — it’s essential for their health and metabolism.

• Humidity: Aim for 50–70%. Misting the tank daily helps, especially since they drink water droplets from leaves, not bowls. A hygrometer will keep you on track.

• Humidity Hide: Adding a moist hide box in the tank can help during shedding. You can DIY one easily with a plastic container and damp moss.

Feeding Made Simple

These guys are omnivores. I’ve found a good routine is:

• Twice a week: Feed live insects like crickets, roaches, or mealworms (always gut-loaded and dusted with calcium + D3).
• Once a week: Offer a fruit-based gecko diet (like Pangea or Repashy) — some love it, some are picky, but it’s a solid nutrition base.
• Supplements: Add a multivitamin once a week to their fruit mix.

They’re not big drinkers from bowls, so your daily misting doubles as hydration.

Can You Keep More Than One?

Careful here. Two males will fight, no question. A male-female pair can work, and they may bond long-term — but even then, some pairs just don’t get along. Watch for signs of stress or aggression and be ready to separate them if needed.

So, Should You Get a Giant Day Gecko?

If you’ve got the space, can commit to the setup, and are okay with a pet that’s more “look, don’t touch,” then absolutely. They’re beautiful, fascinating to watch, and don’t require a lot of daily maintenance once their habitat is dialed in.

Just don’t skimp on the enclosure or lighting — that’s where most new keepers go wrong. Once that’s sorted, these geckos are a joy.

And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself staring into the tank more often than your TV.

If you’re ready to pick one out, check out some of the stunning morphs out there — there’s something magical about finding "your" gecko.