|
A single Phelsuma can be housed in a cage the size of a 10 gallon aquarium. A pair of Phelsuma should be housed in a cage no less than a 20 gallon aquarium. A horizontal basking perch 3 inches under the light is a vital part of their cage. A piece of styrofoam wedged in their tank makes a great and inexpensive perch. Light is also very important to your Phelsuma. Full spectrum UV lights are recommended. Be sure that the light shines through screen and not glass. Glass filters out important UV light that is needed. These lights should burn at least 8 - 9 hours per day. Use a substrate that allows for easy clean up. Newspaper or cypress mulch is a good substrate. Plants are also a necessary addition to the cage. A strong live variegate (i.e. Mother-in-law's tongue) is a good choice. The air temperature in the cage should remain between 80 and 85 degrees during the time the lights are burning. The night time temperature should be no lower than 70 degrees. It is necessary to mist your Phelsuma cage at least 2 times daily. Your Phelsuma should be fed at least every other day. Crickets and wax worms (dusted with vitamins), and goop are a recommended diet, though wax worms should not be fed every feeding. The goop consist of fruit baby food, honey, and vitamins. Some phelsuma will drink from a water bowl but most drink the droplets of water left on the plants and walls of the cage after being misted. If you wish to put a water bowl in the cage, place a small piece of styrofoam in the water bowl to keep crickets from drowning. A bowl of vitamins should be kept in the cage. It is important that the vitamins you use include calcium and D3. It is not uncommon for the life span of a Phelsuma to exceed 15 years. Following this simple advice should aid in a long and healthy life for your Phelsuma.
B.A.R.R.s
|
|
