Introduction to Gecko Care
Geckos are fascinating, often colorful lizards that have become increasingly popular as pets. With proper care, many gecko species can live 10-20 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment that rewards owners with their unique behaviors and relatively low-maintenance care requirements.
Did You Know?
There are over 1,500 species of geckos worldwide, making them the second-largest group of lizards. Most pet geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb walls and even walk across ceilings!
About Geckos
Geckos are small to medium-sized lizards found in warm climates throughout the world. As pets, they offer unique characteristics such as the ability to vocalize (many species make chirping or "barking" sounds), specialized toe pads for climbing, and fascinating behaviors like tail dropping as a defense mechanism.
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Lifespan
10-20+ years depending on species and care quality
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Size
3-12 inches depending on species (total length including tail)
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Temperature Needs
Require temperature gradient with basking spot of 85-90°F (29-32°C) and ambient temperature around 75-80°F (24-27°C)
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Activity Pattern
Many pet species are crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk) or nocturnal (active at night)
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Diet
Primarily insectivorous, though some larger species may take small vertebrate prey and some fruit-eating species exist
Beginner Tip
For first-time gecko owners, consider hardy species like the Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko. Both are relatively low-maintenance, docile, and adapt well to handling when properly socialized.
Habitat Setup & Environment
Creating the proper habitat for your gecko is essential for its health and wellbeing. The specific setup will depend on your gecko's species, as some are terrestrial (ground-dwelling) while others are arboreal (tree-dwelling):
Enclosure
Glass terrariums are ideal. For terrestrial species like Leopard Geckos, a 20-gallon long tank is minimum for adults. For arboreal species like Crested Geckos, a taller terrarium (18-24" height) is better.
Substrate
Safe options include paper towels, reptile carpet, tile, or bioactive substrates (for experienced keepers). Avoid loose substrates for juvenile Leopard Geckos due to impaction risk.
Heating
Under-tank heaters, ceramic heat emitters, or low-wattage basking lamps depending on species. Always use a thermostat to prevent overheating.
Humidity
Varies by species: Leopard Geckos need 30-40% humidity with a moist hide during shedding, while Crested Geckos need 60-80% humidity.
Habitat Essentials
A proper gecko habitat should include:
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Proper Heating
Temperature gradient allowing self-regulation, with thermometers to monitor both warm and cool sides
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Multiple Hides
At least three hiding spots: warm hide, cool hide, and moist hide for shedding
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Lighting
Low-level UVB lighting beneficial for most species; day/night cycle of 12/12 hours recommended
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Climbing Structures
Branches, cork bark, and plants (real or artificial) especially important for arboreal species
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Water Source
Shallow water dish for drinking and maintaining humidity
Important!
Always research the specific needs of your gecko species. What works for a desert-dwelling Leopard Gecko may be harmful for a tropical Crested Gecko, and vice versa.
Diet & Nutrition
Proper nutrition is vital for your gecko's health. Most pet geckos are insectivorous, though dietary needs vary by species.
Feeding Basics
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Primary Diet
Most geckos eat insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and superworms
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Feeding Schedule
Juveniles: Daily or every other day; Adults: 2-3 times per week
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Fruit Eaters
Some species (like Crested Geckos) eat commercially available fruit-based powdered diets supplemented with insects
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Supplements
Calcium powder (with and without Vitamin D3) and multivitamin supplements are essential
Feeding Tip
Always "gut-load" feeder insects 24-48 hours before feeding them to your gecko by providing them with nutritious foods. This increases their nutritional value for your pet.
Common Feeder Insects
Crickets
Widely available, good nutritional value. Feed insects no larger than the space between your gecko's eyes.
Dubia Roaches
Excellent nutrition, higher protein content than crickets, and don't make noise. Can't climb smooth surfaces.
Mealworms
Good as occasional treats but have higher fat content. Their hard exoskeleton may cause impaction in small geckos.
Waxworms
Very high in fat - use only as occasional treats. Geckos can become "addicted" and refuse other foods.
Supplementation
Proper supplementation is crucial to prevent nutritional deficiencies:
- Calcium without Vitamin D3: Dust feeders at most meals (if not using a UVB light).
- Calcium with Vitamin D3: Dust feeders 1-2 times per week if not using UVB lighting.
- Multivitamin: Dust feeders once weekly.
- Keep a small dish of calcium powder in the enclosure for many species, especially females during breeding season.
Health Warning
Metabolic Bone Disease is a common and serious condition in geckos resulting from calcium deficiency. Symptoms include tremors, weak limbs, and soft jaw. Prevention through proper diet and supplementation is essential.
Health Care
Preventative care is the key to keeping your gecko healthy. Regular monitoring and proper husbandry can prevent many common health issues.
Signs of a Healthy Gecko
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Clear Eyes
Bright, alert eyes (may be cloudy just before shedding)
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Good Body Condition
Well-muscled tail base, no visible spine or hip bones
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Normal Breathing
Quiet, even breathing with no wheezing or open-mouth breathing
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Healthy Skin
Clean skin with no stuck shed, mites, or unusual discoloration
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Active Behavior
Alert during active periods, steady gait, interested in surroundings
Common Health Issues
Metabolic Bone Disease
Caused by calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency. Symptoms: weak limbs, soft jaw, tremors. Prevention: proper supplementation.
Parasites
External (mites) or internal. Symptoms: weight loss, lethargy, visible parasites. Treatment: veterinary care.
Shedding Issues
Retained shed, especially on toes, tail tip, and eyes. Caused by inadequate humidity. Can lead to restricted blood flow.
Respiratory Infections
Caused by inappropriate temperature/humidity. Symptoms: bubbles from nose, open-mouth breathing.
Shedding
Geckos periodically shed their skin as they grow. A healthy shedding process is important:
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Pre-Shed Signs
Dulling of colors, cloudy eyes, less active behavior for 1-2 days before shedding
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Moist Hide
Always provide a humid hide with moistened substrate (sphagnum moss, paper towels) to aid shedding
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No Assistance
Generally, let geckos shed on their own; only help with stuck shed after 24+ hours or if restricting circulation
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary care if your gecko shows signs of respiratory infection, has not eaten for 1-2 weeks, has persistent stuck shed, significant weight loss, abnormal feces, or any unusual behavior. Find an exotic pet veterinarian with reptile experience.
Handling & Taming
Many gecko species can become comfortable with gentle handling, but it requires patience and proper technique.
Handling Guidelines
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Acclimation Period
Allow your new gecko 1-2 weeks to settle into its new home before attempting handling
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Support the Body
Always support your gecko's entire body, especially for arboreal species
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Short Sessions
Keep handling sessions to 5-10 minutes initially, gradually increasing as your gecko becomes comfortable
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When Not to Handle
Avoid handling during shedding, after feeding, or when showing signs of stress
Taming Tip
Start by placing your hand in the enclosure without trying to grab your gecko. Let it get used to your presence and scent. When it starts to investigate your hand, you can begin gentle handling.
Reading Body Language
Understanding your gecko's body language helps provide a positive handling experience:
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Signs of Stress
Rapid breathing, closed eyes, aggressive tail waving, attempting to escape
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Signs of Comfort
Relaxed posture, slow exploration, willing to stay on your hand
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Tail Dropping
Some species drop their tails when extremely stressed or frightened - the tail will regenerate but never look the same
Handling Safety
Always handle your gecko over a soft surface close to the ground in case of falls. Never grab a gecko by its tail as many species can drop their tails as a defense mechanism.
Popular Pet Gecko Species
There are many gecko species kept as pets, each with unique care requirements and characteristics:
Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
- Size: 8-10 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20+ years
- Temperament: Docile, tolerates handling well
- Care Level: Beginner
- Special Needs: Ground-dwelling, requires moderate humidity (30-40%) with humid hide
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles due to their manageable size, docile nature, and relatively simple care requirements. Unlike many other geckos, they lack the sticky toe pads and are strictly terrestrial.
Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Temperament: Calm, generally tolerates handling
- Care Level: Beginner
- Special Needs: Arboreal, requires higher humidity (60-80%)
Crested geckos have grown extremely popular in the pet trade. They're arboreal (tree-dwelling), have distinctive "eyelashes," and can be fed commercial crested gecko diet supplemented with insects, making feeding relatively simple.
Gargoyle Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus)
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Temperament: Can be more defensive than crested geckos
- Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Special Needs: Arboreal, requires higher humidity (60-80%)
Gargoyle geckos have a distinctive appearance with horn-like ridges above their eyes. Their care is similar to crested geckos, requiring a tall enclosure and higher humidity.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Temperament: Docile, slow-moving
- Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Special Needs: Terrestrial, requires moderate to high humidity (50-70%)
African Fat-Tailed Geckos are similar in appearance to Leopard Geckos but typically require higher humidity levels. They tend to be more shy and slightly less active than Leopard Geckos.
Species Selection Tip
When choosing a gecko species, consider not just their appearance but also their care requirements, adult size, and temperament. Different species have different handling tolerances, dietary needs, and humidity requirements.
Enjoying Your Pet Gecko
Keeping geckos as pets can be a rewarding experience that provides years of enjoyment. With proper care, appropriate habitat, and regular attention to their needs, your gecko will thrive and may even become comfortable with regular handling.
Remember that each gecko has its own personality and preferences. Taking the time to understand your individual pet's behavior will help you provide the best possible care and build a positive relationship with your gecko.
Ready to Start Your Gecko Keeping Journey?
Begin with thorough research, find a reputable breeder or reptile rescue, and prepare your enclosure completely before bringing your new pet home.
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