Giant Toad-Headed Agama (Phrynocephalus spp.) Care Sheet

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Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Phrynocephalus spp.
Common Names: Giant Toad-Headed Agama
Origin: Central Asia – deserts of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China
Adult Size: 25–35 cm (10–14 inches) total length
Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity
Sex Differences: Males are typically larger and more brightly coloured with display markings; females are smaller and more muted in coloration
Beginner Suitability: Moderate – hardy species but requires precise temperature, lighting, and substrate

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Enclosure

Size: Minimum 90 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm (3 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft) for a single adult. Larger enclosures are preferred to allow for activity and enrichment. Juveniles can be housed in smaller enclosures initially but must be upgraded as they grow.

Substrate: Use a mix of sand and soil (70% sand, 30% soil) to allow burrowing. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction. Include flat stones or rock slabs for basking.

Hides: Provide at least two hides—one on the hot side and one on the cool side. Include naturalistic hides such as cork bark, logs, or rock caves.

Heating: Maintain a hot spot of 35–38°C and a cool side of 24–27°C. Night temperatures can drop to 20–23°C. Use ceramic heat emitters or basking bulbs with a thermostat.

Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for health. Provide a 10–12% UVB bulb covering a significant portion of the enclosure. Maintain a 12-hour light / 12-hour dark cycle.

Humidity: Maintain 40–60% humidity. Mist lightly if necessary, but ensure good ventilation to prevent mould.

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Diet

Primary Diet Type: Insectivore

Food Items: Feed gut-loaded insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, and roaches. Supplement occasionally with small amounts of plant matter if desired.

Feeding Frequency: Juveniles daily; adults every other day. Dust insects with calcium at every feeding and a multivitamin supplement once per week.

Feeding Troubleshooting: Ensure insects are appropriately sized (no larger than the width of the head). Vary diet items to encourage feeding.

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Water

Provide a shallow water dish with fresh water at all times. Mist lightly once or twice a week for hydration, but avoid excess moisture.

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Behavior And Handling

Giant Toad-Headed Agamas are semi-terrestrial and may be shy. Handle carefully and support the full body. They are solitary and should not be housed with others except during controlled breeding.

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Enrichment

Provide branches, rocks, and hides for climbing and exploration. Include substrate suitable for digging and burrowing. Rearranging décor occasionally encourages natural behaviours.

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Health

Signs of illness include lethargy, refusal to eat, abnormal stool, retained shed, or swelling. Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and diet. Consult a reptile-specialist veterinarian if issues persist.

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Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years in captivity, with proper care and husbandry.

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Legality In The UK

Giant Toad-Headed Agamas are legal to keep in the UK. No licence is required for private ownership. Owners must comply with Welfare of Animals regulations.

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Difficulty Bars (Relative)