Gecko Care Guide

Geckos are fascinating, relatively low-maintenance reptiles that make excellent pets for both beginners and experienced keepers. With proper housing, heating, and feeding, many gecko species are hardy and can live for decades.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified reptile veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance. Check local and state laws regarding gecko ownership as some species may be restricted.

About Pet Geckos

Geckos are small to medium-sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae. They are found worldwide in warm climates and have adapted to various environments from deserts to rainforests. Pet geckos are typically captive-bred and selected for docile temperaments.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 4-14 inches depending on species
• Lifespan: 10-20+ years depending on species
• Activity: Many species are nocturnal or crepuscular
• Climbing ability: Most species are excellent climbers
• Shedding: Periodic shedding of skin in pieces
• Tail: Many can drop and regenerate tails when stressed

Popular Beginner Species

Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius):

• Size: 7-10 inches
• Temperament: Very docile, rarely bite
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years
• Care level: Excellent for beginners

Crested Gecko (Correlophilus ciliatus):

• Size: 6-10 inches including tail
• Temperament: Generally calm, can be skittish
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Special traits: Can drop tail permanently

African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus):

• Size: 7-9 inches
• Temperament: Very docile, similar to leopard geckos
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Care level: Beginner-friendly

Specialized Care Requirements

Temperature management:

• Thermostat control: Essential for all heating equipment
• Temperature gradient: Warm and cool sides required
• Night temperature drops: Natural temperature cycles important
• Species variation: Different species have specific temperature needs

Humidity control:

• Desert species: Lower humidity requirements (30-40%)
• Tropical species: Higher humidity needs (60-80%)
• Shedding support: Humid hides for proper shedding
• Monitoring: Digital hygrometers essential

Housing and Environment

Enclosure Setup

Size requirements:

• Minimum: 20-gallon long for most adults
• Larger species: 40+ gallon enclosures
• Floor space priority: More important than height for terrestrial species
• Juvenile accommodation: Start smaller, upgrade as gecko grows

Essential equipment:

• Secure lid: Escape-proof with adequate ventilation
• Hide boxes: Multiple hiding spots throughout enclosure
• Water dish: Shallow dish with fresh water
• Climbing surfaces: Branches, cork bark for arboreal species

Substrate and Safety

Safe substrate options:

• Paper towels: Easy cleaning, safe for all species
• Reptile carpet: Reusable, good traction
• Ceramic tile: Retains heat, easy to clean
• Cypress mulch: Natural option for humid-loving species

Substrates to avoid: ❌ Never use:

• Sand (impaction risk for most species)
• Cedar or pine shavings (toxic oils)
• Small gravel or wood chips
• Corn cob or walnut shell

Feeding and Nutrition

Diet Requirements

Insectivorous species:

• Primary foods: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
• Feeding frequency: Daily for juveniles, every 2-3 days for adults
• Prey size: No larger than space between gecko’s eyes
• Gut-loading: Feed insects nutritious foods before offering

Omnivorous species:

• Commercial diets: Complete crested gecko diets available
• Insect supplementation: 2-3 times per week
• Fruit treats: Small amounts of appropriate fruits
• Nectar substitutes: Commercial nectar replacements

Supplementation

Essential supplements:

• Calcium powder: Dust insects before feeding
• Vitamin D3: Important for species without UVB lighting
• Multivitamins: Weekly supplementation recommended
• Phosphorus balance: Maintain proper calcium-phosphorus ratio

Health Management

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease:

• Prevention: Proper calcium supplementation and UVB (when appropriate)
• Early signs: Tremors, weakness, soft bones
• Treatment: Veterinary intervention essential
• Long-term management: Improved diet and lighting

Shedding problems:

• Causes: Low humidity, poor nutrition, illness
• Prevention: Appropriate humidity levels, humid hides
• Treatment: Increase humidity, gentle removal of stuck shed
• Complications: Retained shed can cut off circulation

Veterinary Care

Finding reptile specialists:

• Experience required: Gecko-specific knowledge preferred
• Preventive care: Annual health examinations
• Emergency preparedness: Know emergency exotic veterinarians
• Quarantine protocols: Isolate new geckos before introduction

Species-Specific Guidelines

Leopard Gecko Care

Environmental needs:

• Temperature: 88-92°F warm side, 78-80°F cool side
• Humidity: 30-40% relative humidity
• Substrate: Tile, paper towels, reptile carpet
• Hiding: Multiple hides including humid hide

Crested Gecko Care

Habitat requirements:

• Vertical space: Tall enclosures for climbing
• Temperature: 72-78°F, avoid temperatures above 80°F
• Humidity: 60-80%, higher at night
• Diet: Commercial crested gecko diet primary food

Fat-Tailed Gecko Care

Setup considerations:

• Similar to leopard geckos: Temperature and humidity needs
• Slightly higher humidity: 40-50% relative humidity
• Burrowing opportunities: Deeper substrate for digging
• Multiple hides: Secure hiding spots essential

Remember: Geckos are long-lived reptiles that require consistent, species-appropriate care throughout their lives. Success depends on proper environmental setup, regular feeding schedules, and attention to individual species needs. While many are considered beginner-friendly, they still require dedication and proper husbandry to thrive in captivity.