African Fat Tail Gecko Pros & Cons

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[@nataliesreptiles]

Fat-tailed gecko video ideas: 1. "What does Mango Do At Night?" Set up a camera in front of Mangos enclosure and record her all night, and then clip and speed up any activity for the video. Would probably be a pain in the butt to edit, but still an idea. 2. "Fat-Tailed Gecko Morphs" Highlight some cool morphs they come in.

[@erickahaslam3357]

Do, "How to set up a Africa Fat-Tailed Gecko enclosure."

[@OtherwisePanic]

I got my AFT gecko when I was 11/12, I'm 23 now and he's still kicking it. Even despite my regrettable lack of proper care due to my own ignorance, and the pickyness of my AFT gecko. Regardless, he's chill and his personality really shows when you interact with him. (:

[@e.d.7428]

Im so glad you are educating people about african fat tailed geckos! I got mine at 2 weeks old for 100$ and was lucky to find it at my local vivarium! I will add one thing: a lot of people describe them as calm, and docile, but you do have to take them a lot first. When I first got mine, it was biting me and running around like crazy. It also escaped it's cage once, and it was a difficult Time picking it up because she was waving her tail and standing up super tall. Most of them are tame, but If you get them as babies, just know they aren't always cute and calm.

[@reptiliangarden]

That’s so interesting! I had no idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@stinnje]

Seconding this! One of my babies (I have four AFTs) was really hissy when I got her. She'd wave her tail a lot, but thankfully she didn't bite. I dealt with it by keeping still when she reacted (not scaring her further, but also showing her that her display wasn't going to make me retreat), and then handling her for brief periods of time when she calmed down. She quickly realized nothing bad was going to happen to her and tamed down great!

[@thebogcreature6268]

I got mine for $175 (Het Stripe andHet Caramel Albino) as a 7 month old gecko a couple of weeks ago, and she is SO crazy. She is constantly darting and screaming.

[@stinnje]

@@thebogcreature6268 This isn't abnormal for a baby, especially if she wasn't handled much by the breeder. Just keep working with her, talk calmly and move slowly. They chill out a lot naturally as they get older.

[@abigailmyers2587]

That's weird! I have 3, two hatchling females and one adolescent male and my hatchlings are sweeter than my male! They have never once darted on me. The male is a little more flighty but it's manageable compared to my adult leopard gecko. he's the crazy one in my house lol

[@mosasaurenjoyer4883]

Did anyone notice the Jurassic park shirt she was wearing?

[@fpmicheleeirettili623]

So mega cuuuuute so adorable ❤❤❤

[@makhamilton8570]

One time I was watching one of your videos and I always going into my room and I thought I heard the crickets chirping but then I pause your video and I was like oh wait that’s hers and then my crickets started chirping

[@reptiliangarden]

😂😂😂 I never notice them anymore

[@mauru23]

I got my first reptile (my crestie, Deet!) last month and I’m already fantasizing about what I’ll get next hahah I’ve thought these geckos were soooo cute and I’m glad you feel they’re appropriate for a beginner!

[@lidolbug]

finally, a video on mango!! i've been wanting an african fat tail for so long now and they really are quite difficult to find. a lil difficult to find information on too ); but i'm so glad to finally see some representation! refreshing content as always, tricia. keep up the good work 🤎🤍

[@reptiliangarden]

thank you so much 💕💕💕

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

I got my Sullivan for $250 + $50 shipping. He’s tangerine het for patternless, 2 years 8 months old and a whopping 87g on the breeder’s page, 84g on my home scale. He is THE CUTEST. I can’t even hardly take it. I swoon every time I look at him, lol.

[@Yomommastinky]

Where did you get your gecko?

[@happypets5753]

You are the best reptile keeper ! And you helped me a lot ! By the way I LOVE your videos ! 🧡💛💚

[@reptiliangarden]

Thank you so so much!!!! 😘😘😘😘😘💕💕💕💕

[@serawise6466]

Huff's Herps based out of Texas. I met them at an expo and they are very helpful and have a pretty good care guide. Had an extensive conversation with the owner, and he was super helpful, and from our conversation, I got a really good feeling about his breeding ethics.

[@stinnje]

I currently have four AFTs with plans to breed in the future. I initially thought they were the best beginner gecko, too, but after getting involved in AFT communities on facebook I'd be more hesitant to recommend them to a first-time gecko owner because of all the panicked posts I've seen. AFTs do tend to be a lot more sensitive to their environment than leos or cresties. Being kept in an active, bright or noisy area of the house can really stress them out. They're also less tolerant of fluctuations in heat or humidity than other species; if husbandry isn't on point they're likely to go off their food. I haven't had it happen to me personally, but I've seen it again and again on the communities. Also, the picky eating struggle is REAL. More AFTs than not will ONLY accept crickets, often to the point of starving themselves if crickets are not available. (Only one of my four will eat other insect species. I think a lot of it has to do with which foods they're exposed to as hatchlings, but they can become very set in their ways.) It's good to offer a variety, but I'd tell anyone who doesn't want to keep crickets and feed only worms or roaches that an AFT is not a good fit. All that said, they're insanely cute, an absolute joy to handle, and they're my favorite species. I have one who actually nudges my fingers to be pet! Folks just need to research and have their husbandry down pat before committing (though the same is true for every species!) Breeders I recommend for AFTs are 13 Reptiles, Lecko My Gecko, Candie Cresteds and More and Gecko Babies. All of these folks have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

[@reptiliangarden]

All very valid points. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! 💕

[@pandora1655]

i have that one gecko, that exact one who never wants to see me, who's running faster than the light in his hide everytime i enter the room, who doesn't even go out of his hide when i'm in my room.. 😭 i absolutely love my little baby and there are some exceptions, i was able to have him in my hands a few times and he's getting more comfortable with me. even if he seems to go back and forth, be more shy then less shy, i don't give up. i'll give him the time that he needs and if it has to stay a it is, then so be it, i'll still love him. (sorry for the mistakes or bad grammar, english isn't my native language)

[@reptiliangarden]

I heard it’s common for thew babies to be that way! I hope he calms down over time 💕💕💕

[@thereptigade7507]

They really seem awesome! Love watching videos about rarities. Definitely agree; leopards are cool yet some might be disappointed regarding their handleability, given that are always mentioned being so easy (not that they are really hard to keep tho ;-) Plus I'm always for slightly higher prices to keep spontaneous and irresponsible keepers away from these beauties...

[@daniavalencia9527]

Thank you for featuring my gecko in the video and thank you for making a video on them!!

[@reptiliangarden]

Of course!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@YOUNGNGRATEFUL]

My gecko got away when I fell asleep with him and found him a week later. When my uncle went to pick him up, Nippie (my gecko at the time) but my uncle’s finger. He said it hurt pretty bad.

[@spencermoore3337]

I work retail and tend to come home late at night so it’s nice come home to a pet that isn’t tired and is awake. I own a fat tail and a Leo and they adore coming out and having a nose about ❤️

[@China11223]

my fat tail is always trying to get away from me when I pick him up.... he is a lot more skittish than my leopard gecko who will just chill on my shoulder. and my leo is a rescue while my fat tail is from a petstore

[@Blue_Lugia]

My fat tailed gecko is named Esmeralda and she is adorable. She is so cute I melt everytime I see her.❤❤

[@ejakaegypt]

They’re the cutest geckos I’ve ever seen

[@danasandage4912]

Thank you so much for making this video! My 6 year old daughter and I are new into the reptile world and are so excited to be picking up our African fat tail either today or tomorrow. We also have the Exo Terra medium low enclosure and I'm getting it ready as we speak!

[@heddabedda306]

Just did a quick search on MorphMarket and there are 242 African Fat-Tailed geckos for sale today. There are many breeders to research and choose from and, if you didn't feel comfortable with shipping, you can check the map and see if any breeders are in your area. Price seems to be $100-$2500 (depending on morph and rarity).

[@Numocron]

Awwwwww she's so adorable.😍

[@therealemo9045]

I would add slow growing as a con, but that could be a preference thing on my end as I love larger reptiles for handling. I am hoping to start breeding my own AFT soon, hopefully will have clutches end of 2024-2025. I have always liked them more than Leopard geckos, because yes, the cuteness factor is a little overwhelming, haha.

[@TokyoZeus-vv4cj]

I got my African fat tail at an expo and he was very skittish but he has got use to everything quickly and handles was rough at first. He wouldn’t eat because he was a bit picky but it might have been because they were freeze dried, recently I’ll reintroduce freeze- dredged to him and he’ll eat it (I know it’s not a great source of nutrients but sometimes I can’t go to my local pet store to get more mealworms and crickets)

[@luvlost03]

That thumbnail is the cutest thing ever

[@wholecream1500]

You should do milk snake vs corn snake what is the better beginner snake??

[@Aouf1]

Corn snake because it’s more affordable for ur broke ass

[@hannahthefallenangel788]

@@Aouf1 omg

[@adley.and.b]

I love to watch your videos no matter what topic. I’m so in love with your channel❤️

[@reptiliangarden]

Thank you so, so much!!! 😘💕✨

[@Leo_7386]

Can you please make a video about African fat tail geckos illnesses and diseases

[@Leo_7386]

Because I’m planning to get one

[@vannahlittle103]

Huffs herps breeds them Cibolo Tx

[@TeaTimeWElle]

Awesome video! I love fat tails, I even prefer them over most leos (though it depends on morphs). There little snouts are just a little shorter than a Leo’s and their eyes are just so cute! I love chilling with ours and watching tv. Though I love an active gecko like a crestie or a garg, sometimes you just need to chill 😂

[@alyssawalker1900]

I’m getting my AFT soon! The way she walks on your hand is so cute!🤔 I’m confused about why you said they should get notoriety though, but it doesn’t seem like you think there’s anything they should get notoriety for- is there a considerably heavy con that was accidentally not uploaded in the video? 😮

[@morgssss1009]

I'm getting my girl from gecko babies, small breeder but beautiful healthy animals❤️

[@brookex8370]

hey! I’m adopting an African fat tailed gecko soon (hopefully an adult) that I plan on keeping in a 40 gallon, I’ve heard people say that it’s to big and they will get stressed but I do have a ton decorations and at least 4 hides, I do have a 20 long handy if need be, but is a 40 gallon okay for an adult?

[@carleyboyes685]

I'm going next month to a reptile show to get one!😊

[@brenleighbaggett9479]

Can you do an updated african fat tail gecko video.

[@reptiroomsvenlol9718]

Beautiful setup 🦎

[@shikeamru38]

My bit me all tho it was my Fault I had a cricket in my hand as I was about to feed my gecko

[@Archangel280]

4.1k views who would’ve thought this be under rated c’mon there adorable to own

[@reneenicole5513]

I just got mine today. I got the runt of his family. But it’s name is “eep”. We don’t know it’s gender yet, but I just handled it for 15 minutes today. It’s my first reptile / gecko though!

[@mariocastilla7852]

YEAP Pumba is an alien. Summer or winter. Get him out of his home, enjoy his way of being but will take you 20 minutes to put him back, 4 quick escapes, runs thru his logs onto my other arm then launches himself on to the bed.... land with style do a 180 jump and make weird noises at me. Now your crying laughin on the ground and late to the start of your day all cause you saw an adorable face following your every movement before leaving home. After all that he passively goes back into his home... its become an almost everyday routine .Mind you lights are on a 12 7-7 cycle. Bahahhahahah. Great vid 👌

[@skylarutd]

Pls do pro and cons of bull frog.

[@Mystixspiral]

I’ve been researching for weeeks and then this pops up

[@13fyrefli]

For me, nocturnal is a pro! I’m nocturnal myself.

[@ozankarademir2566]

I really want to have a gecko, skink and etc. but the live insect feeding and keeping them home really concerns me :/

[@thegkidofoc]

you should do bearded dragon pros and cons

[@rampagingsasquatch5847]

Pros: - Cute - Lovable - Easy to handle - Easy to house Cons: - Will steal your every belonging - Craves violence

[@Aouf1]

you should get a tarantula!!

[@brookejolethomason2531]

Gecko Babies and Geckos Etc are a couple of high end breeders of AFTs :)

[@jennn5599]

I got my baby in august for 90$ from a friend bc they were going to college and she came with a tank and stuff but I wanna upgrade her to a 20 gallon tank so I’m trying to earn the money for it right now bc the tanks are pretty expensive, but if you did a video on ways we can decorate their tanks that would be good bc I wanna give her more things to climb on than just her two current hides

[@savagerthebadger8082]

They look like little alien dinosaurs 😍

[@itsonlygrace5028]

Please! Please!Please can you do a daily routine with an African fat tailed gecko or what you do in the day with them because there is barley any information about them⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

[@daniellereyes9154]

I breed different morphs of African fat tailed gecko, I have eggs in the incubator rn

[@herptown868]

I am going to repticon in December and I hope to find one there. I have three loepard gecko and want something a little more rare. it is a dream of mine to breed fat tails.

[@TeaTimeWElle]

Oo, what morphs are you thinking of?

[@quincybrown6793]

Im trying to get into breeding aswell , I have a tangerine amelanistic and a caramel amelanistic breeding pair!

[@KLGB420]

Hi. If my feeders are gut loaded with calcium do I still need to dust them before feeding my fat tailed gecko? Please anyone that would know this. I need help.

[@most_liked_commet8076]

I know that you shouldn’t get pets from pet store but I got mine from petco, and they said that afts are very popular and they only had 2 left

[@TeaTimeWElle]

Hey, to any one looking for breeders, here at Mutant Geckos, we breed fat tails, I also know Tiki’s Geckos and Lecko My Gecko also breed them. We are based in Florida along with Lecko and Tiki’s. If anyone is interested in some geckos from us Dm on Insta and let me know in the comments I’ll personally make sure your taken care of 😊😄 Kevin, my stepfather is in charge of the the fat tails and runs our socials, let him know Bri set you!

[@sabrinaflanagan7721]

Hi! Question! How thick is your substrate, and what size heat pad are you using? My AFT is not a big fan of overhead heating in her bioactive enclosure either.

[@skulldex]

Morph market is a good place online to find afts

[@beastkk7]

How old is she, I have had my little Sonic for 14 year's and was wandering if I could take better care of her I've been doing a lot of research to help my elderly fat tail be happier, and I agree with everything you said in your video.

[@jdandkikisExotics]

not last

[@GevRoseGold]

Arent they more fragile than leopard Geckos in case of moving like, to vet or to a new home?

[@reptiliangarden]

I would say they are the same as leopard geckos! They are just slightly smaller, but have a similar build!

[@thehapaohana6051]

Where did you buy your AFT from?

[@lyssa1547]

Can you maybe do a video on tiger salamanders

[@thegkidofoc]

Did you put mango on paper towels when you first got her without thinking about bioactive enclosures. If so that is probably why she wouldn't eat on substrate before cause she might have gotten addicted to paper towels.

[@isaacguia3872]

Omg I was not the first one this I was on zoom but every body go like her video ☺️

[@bellasreptiles1548]

So cute!!!❤️

[@Idh8me2]

U an them geckos are beautiful

[@violetrendon749]

ugh my girl is so picky and im really getting worried. ive had her about 3 months now and shes only ever eaten 2 wax worms i provided this whole time.... i offered crickets first bc thats what she was fed first, and dubias and even horn worms, but she wont take any of them and Im scared she’s not getting the nutrients she needs... she’s on eco earth and a little bit of repti bark, maybe she needs paper towels too...

[@rtgroadrunner]

Hello....Another African fat-tail gecko breeder is Jessica Smith in Virginia......she lists them on Kingsnake.Com....in the classifieds under "other geckos".....

[@noraraeafm]

I got my fat tail a few weeks ago and I was aware that they can be picky/refuse food but I didn't think that would be our experience..wrong. she won't eat. she is settled in well, behaving normally, social and affectionate, but she won't eat. the most I've gotten her to consume is some BSFL guts that I have to hand feed her 😅 hoping it is just because it is still winter

[@noraraeafm]

I wanted to get a whiteout oreo AFT as well but now I'm worried that they wouldn't eat either and it is so stressful 🥴

[@beccab2151]

Are there any active geckos that you can see doing stuff?

[@jasper_the_techie]

I just got an AFT and he’s such a sweetie. He won’t seem to eat though. I’ve had him for four days now and tried three times with three different bugs. No luck yet. Just threw some crickets in his cage now so I’ll see if it works but do you have any tips? I’ve heard they sometimes don’t eat when you first get them because of stress, but I’m not sure

[@thegkidofoc]

How old is mango

[@carlakellie6674]

I love the video and I just got an African fat tail a couple of weeks ago. His name is Bucky beans and he looks just like your mango. I really haven’t handled him yet because I am getting him used to his new home. I find that he only likes crickets. Can you suggest what else I could try feeding him? I do have wax worms and he doesn’t seem to go for those either, maybe they’re too slow for him. I have also seen where it looks like you can buy them some dried food does that even work? Thank you so much and I want to find you on Instagram

[@jules_ansuch]

I’m getting a fat tailed gecko right know

[@mugshot3087]

Con: I heard that their tails fall off...I don't know if that's true but, if a new owner that doesn't know the owner might startle it and it slips off it's tail and they owner might get freaked out and have a mini heart attack. That wouldn't be pleasant."

[@ziggythegecko1447]

my gecko is 10 grams and he will be a year old in 2 months is that normal? Ive heard so many mixed answers and im comfused lol. If it is small for his age, i can always continue hand feeding him but idk

[@kalimaeroseroth9703]

What is substraight? If I spelt that correctly..

[@LulaMae21]

Substrate is the stuff you put on the bottom of the enclosure-- depending on the animal, it can be paper towels, aspen, fleece, eco earth, etc. It gets changed out when soiled.

[@blakegrant4251]

Tricia, I'm debating buying zen habitats for my reptiles, I have questions for you though! Alex Greens video on his zen habitat has kinda scared me, along with the other comments in the section. I want to verify a few things from someone who clearly has very many of them!

[@thegkidofoc]

Do you think you are gonna breed mango soon?

[@Lubitrash]

Is an AFT expensive to keep? What would you say they cost per month?

[@somnaventu_s2475]

Hi, when I feed my whites tree frogs hornworms, should I cut off their horns before feeding them to the frogs? I’m not sure if the horns will hurt the frogs?

[@reptiliangarden]

They should be just fine with the horns!

[@Pnguyen-xq9fx]

Geckoelement.com just recently got one from a show

[@deadassb2731]

Question: my AFT gecko stopped eating as much since the current weather change. I’m trying to raise the tank temp but I’m unsure how to adjust it. Should I try a higher wattage of heat pad? Or should I get a stronger heat lamp for the day time? Would a heat emitter be better? Any help would be much appreciated thanks!

[@reptiliangarden]

Any of those options will work! Just use a temp gun to make sure it’s in the right range!

[@blakeclarke3824]

PrinceReptiles on Instagram he gets some good baby’s but I don’t think he has any in stock right now but you should ask

[@solberdejo3450]

💖💖

[@plant2188]

Hey Trisha, not to be rude, but it’s pretty dangerous to have cats and dogs around reptiles! I understand you trust your dog (he’s adorable) but it’s not really the safest!

[@reptiliangarden]

Agreed, that’s why he’s never around them especially alone. I had mango out for like two minutes and was supervising the entire time, so she wasn’t in any danger.

[@plant2188]

@@reptiliangarden ah, okay! Well, I’m glad you’re making sure to be careful!

[@rizkyprasetyo3935]

late again

[@its_jess4321]

Con: LOL that hide in small holes in woof decor and you think you lost it but you didn’t, your gecko is just a jerk

[@naimkaori]

😍😍😍Always like and share

[@reptiliangarden]

😘😘😘😘

[@naimkaori]

@@reptiliangarden idol 😍😍🌟

[@Lexie8302]

I'm planning on starting to breed. Using ur video along with like millions of videos to help get a start. If I ever become good I definitely got u lol