Printer-friendly PDF

PETSMART CARES
Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our
exclusive Vet Assured™ program; a program
designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help
improve the health and well-being of our pets.
The program includes:
•Specific standards our vendors agree to
meet in caring for and observing pets for
common illnesses.
•Specific standards for in-store pet care.
•The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes
ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re
not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly
replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
HEALTH
New surroundings and environments can be
stressful for pets. Prior to handling your pet, give
him 3-4 days to adjust to his new surroundings
while monitoring his behavior for any signs of stress
or illness. Shortly after purchase, ask a veterinarian
familiar with reptiles to examine your pet.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
•Runny droppings for more than two days
•Eating or drinking less; weight loss
•Swollen joints
•Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
•Shedding problems; discolored skin
• Avoidance of the basking area; more time
spent hiding (lethargic behavior)
If you notice any of the above signs, speak with a
PetSmart store associate or reptile veterinarian with
questions about the health of your pet.
Panther
Gecko
SHOPPING LIST
Step 1: Choosing a Terrarium
10-gallon (18-20" long) or larger terrarium
Paroedura pictus
Screen top, if not included with habitat
Step 2: Heating and Lighting
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Reptile habitat thermometers (2)
Reptile habitat hygrometer
Heat bulb and fixture
Daytime fluorescent bulb and fixture,
if necessary
Lamp stand for fluorescent and heat bulb,
if desired
Ceramic heat emitter and fixture or nighttime bulb, if necessary
Step 3: Substrate and Decor
14+
Size
Habitat
Coconut fiber or bark
Artificial/natural rock or wood hiding area
Branches/plants for climbing and hiding
Lifespan
14+
Food and water dishes
Dietary Needs
Size
Habitat
Appropriate insects
Cricket food and water gel
Habitat
Habitat
Calcium supplementation
Up to 6" (15 cm) long
Temperate Environment
Reptile multivitamin
Spray bottle for misting
Lifespan
Habitat
Did You Know?
Panther Geckos are one of the smallest geckos
available. They do not often grow any larger than
about 6". They are terrestrial meaning they spend
the majority of their time on the ground.
Nocturnal
Habitat
Habitat
Diurnal
Habitat
Habitat
REP610_PantherGecko_CG.indd 1
Approx. 2-3 years female;
5-7 years male
Cricket keeper
This care guide contains general information
for the proper care of your pet but is not
comprehensive. For more information,
review the Habitat Set-up Guide and
the Heating and Lighting Guide.
REP610
BEGINNER
©2011 PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PETSMART & Bouncing Ball
Designs and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.
PetSmart® Care Guides were developed and
approved by PetSmart veterinarians. For
more information on the care of
Geckos or other pets, visit
petsmart.com/careguides
5/3/11 5:26 PM
STEP 1
Choosing a Terrarium
Panther Geckos live in the forests of Madagascar.
House males separately and no more than two
females together.
Terrarium
Use a well-ventilated, 10-gallon (18-20" long) terrarium for one or two Panther Geckos. For young Panther Geckos, use a smaller terrarium.
a
•
B
Screened lid, if not included with habitat.
STEP 2
Heating and Lighting
Panther Geckos require a temperature gradient
(cool side/warm side) to appropriately regulate
their body temperature. Temperatures should also
vary between daytime and nighttime hours.
STEP 3
Substrate and Decor
Substrate
a 2-3" (5-8 cm) layer of calcium sand or
reptile carpet.
Dietary Requirements
•Panther Geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of insects.
• Clean out waste weekly and completely change bedding at least once a month.
•Panther Geckos benefit from a variety of
different items in the diet so it is important to
alternate the insects being fed.
F• Use
Decor
Add a wood/rock hiding place in the cool area of
the home. Line the hiding area with moist moss to
provide necessary moisture. Ensure that you have
at least one hiding area for each gecko.
G•
H•
Provide branches (artificial or live) for hiding
and climbing.
E
HUMIDITY
30-50% with moist retreat
•Panther Geckos are best fed at night.
Dietary Options
Insects*
B
• Supplemental heat on the warm side of the habitat
should be provided by a E daytime heat bulb.
TARGET RANGE
•They require calcium supplementation as
part of their diet and may benefit from a
reptile multivitamin.
Examples
Heating
C
(one
• Equip the habitat with two thermometers
for each side of habitat) and one D hygrometer
to monitor the humidity levels.
• Use a ceramic heat emitter, under-tank heater
or night heat lamp as needed to maintain
nighttime temperatures.
Nutrition & Maintenance
C
D
Crickets**,
mealworms,
occasional
waxworms
Feeding Frequency
Offer food daily to every
other day.
Offer only enough to be
consumed by the end of
the night.
C
a
*Insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement twice
a week, and a multivitamin once a week.
H
G
F
**Crickets should be fed a gut-loaded diet (commercially
available nutrient-dense diet) prior to being fed to the reptile
to ensure they have the proper nutrients for healthy reptile diet.
TEMPERATURE
DAY - COOL SIDE
75-85° F (24-29° C)
DAY - WARM SIDE
85-90° F (29-32° C)
NIGHT
65-75° F (18-24° C)
Lighting
• Panther Geckos are nocturnal and provided they
are supplied with a dietary source of vitamin D,
they don’t require ultraviolet light but need a
12-hour light/dark cycle. If room light does not
provide enough light, use a fluorescent bulb
for daylight.
• For night viewing (use a night-specific bulb) to minimize visible light seen by your gecko.
REP610_PantherGecko_CG.indd 2
Water
•Panther Geckos will drink from a shallow dish and lick moisture from their skin; mist your pet every other day with warm water.
•Water bowls should be emptied and refilled daily. Other Reminders
Use caution when handling pets and remember
that all pets may bite or scratch especially when
stressed. Avoid picking up your pet by the tail as it
may fall off. Supervise children around pets.
Pets may transmit disease to humans; be sure to
wash your hands before and after handling your pet
or cleaning his home.
5/3/11 5:27 PM