Gila Monsters make hardy, undemanding captives.

Adult Gilas can be maintained in aquariums, large plastic containers (e.g., Rubbermaid 65 quart clear boxes), or custom cages. Adults should have a minimum of 3 to 3-1/2 square feet of floor space. In the wild, Gilas spend most of their lives inactive and underground, so large amounts of space are not required. Some people maintain Gilas in groups in larger cages. However, feeding and maintenance are facilitated by individual housing. In the wild, Gilas are usually solitary animals except when they congregate in the spring for mating.

Cage substrate can be as simple as newspaper or wood shavings. Under cage heating should be provided for a portion of the cage. This will create a thermal gradient and allow the animal to thermoregulate. Maintain a temperature of 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit measured on the substrate over the heat source.

They should be maintained on a diet of mice or baby rats (freshly killed or frozen-thawed). Feeding eggs to Gilas should be avoided. Adults can be fed every 7 to 14 days. Gila Monsters have unusually low metabolic rates, and will eat until they become obese if allowed to do so.

Fresh water should be provided in a bowl that is not easily tipped over.