What is the ideal temperature for my Emerald Swift's tank or cage?

Swifts are not lizards to be held but rather simply admired in a nice enclosure. You can only acclimate him to periodic handling only for exams or tank maintenance. This is accomplished with ever increasing periods of time sitting by the cage or with your hand in the enclosure. Always use caution to prevent injury, stress or escape.

The basking spot should be about 90 F. If you use a standard heat lamp on one end of the enclosure, it should produce an acceptable temperature gradient across the tank. Nighttime temps should drop no lower than the low 70s F. This species is a desert species. Relative humidity in the tank should range between 20% and 40%. When in shed, provide a moist or humid hide box to aid in shedding.

If you don't know the birth date, size is the best (but not most accurate) method to determine age. Adult emeralds are about 6-8 inches long when fully grown. This length can be reached anywhere between 6 and 12 months. It depends greatly on environment and diet/nutrition and can vary bewtween lizards.

Hello. While 75-80F is a good range for the warm end of the cage, it would be ideal to have temps from 68-75 at the cooler end so he can self regulate his temperature. If the enclosure is too small to allow such a temperature gradient, then you may find your gecko will become stressed from being either too hot or too cold, and then susceptible to infection. Look through the enclosure and over his body for signs of infection or illness. Count food items offered so you can be sure how much he eats. Also consider a red or blue bulb for night viewing. This may help you observe his nocturnal activity better. Regardless, a new pet exam by a veterinarian is always a good idea to ensure good health and proper husbandry. Good luck!

Those temperatures are much too cold for a crested gecko. Ideally, daytime temps should range between 78F and 85F with nighttime Temps no lower than the low 70s F. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Some form of prey is necessary as a protein source in addition to the fruit and vegetable mixes. Refer to the care sheet at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/

Thanks for reaching out. The water temperature should be around 70-75 F, but the basking site can be in the low 90s. This needs to be measured with a thermometer to prevent burns. If the turtles are too scared they will not bask well, as feel safer in the water. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Darwin. Leopard geckos like warm temperatures, the hot spot should be around 90-95 F. But ultraviolet radiation should also be provided even though these animals are not very active during the day. Good luck.