Bibron's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus bibronii)

Short answers

Bibron's thick-toed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 45×45×60 cm for a pair.

Bibron's thick-toed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C under the heat lamp, at night 18–22 °C.

Bibron's thick-toed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (low).

Bibron's thick-toed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years (up to ~20).

Bibron's thick-toed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35–40 °C under the heat lamp

Humidity

40–50 % (moderate)

UVB

Recommended (low)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm for a pair

Substrate

Sand-loam or dry substrate, rock structures and bark crevices

Feeding

Food

Insects (a robust feeder)

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 12–18 cm (up to 20 cm)

Life expectancy

10–15 years (up to ~20)

Origin

Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia and others)

Protection status

—

Brumation

A short cooler rest period is possible (it encourages breeding), but is not compulsory

Cohabitation

Keeping it alone is the least stressful option and perfectly fine for the animal. A harem of one male and two to three females of equal size is possible and usual for breeding; drawback: even then occasional fights occur with injuries to toes and skin, so each animal needs its own crevices and warm spots. Two males must never be kept together; they are very aggressive towards each other.

Notes

Robust and suitable for beginners; it needs climbing surfaces and crevice hides of stone or cork. Under stress it can nip hard.

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Related species

• Spotted thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus maculatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Cape thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus capensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Namaqua thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus namaquensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Web-footed gecko (Pachydactylus rangei) – Intermediate
• Rough thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus rugosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Tiger thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus tigrinus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Weber's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus weberi) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bibron's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus bibronii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for a pair), substrate (Sand-loam or dry substrate, rock structures and bark crevices), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.