Geckos are becoming increasingly popular as pets due to their small size, low maintenance requirements, and interesting behaviors. With over 1500 species of geckos to choose from, deciding which is the best gecko for a beginner can be a daunting task. To make things easier, here is an overview of some of the easiest geckos to keep as pets.
Leopard Gecko
The leopard gecko is often considered one of the best pet geckos for beginners. Some key facts about the leopard gecko include:
- Native to the deserts of Asia and parts of India
- Docile temperament and relatively easy to handle
- Grow to 8-10 inches as adults
- Nocturnal
- Live 10-20 years in captivity with proper care
Leopard geckos are fairly low maintenance reptiles. They do not require UV lighting, only a heat mat for belly heat and ambient temperatures between 75-85°F. They prefer a dry environment with places to hide. Leopard geckos are insectivores and can be fed mealworms, crickets, and other feeder insects 2-3 times per week. Their enclosures should be spot cleaned daily and fully sanitized every 1-2 months.
Crested Gecko
The crested gecko is another fantastic starter gecko due to the following characteristics:
- Native to New Caledonia
- Gentle demeanor, doesn’t mind handling
- Reach a full size around 8 inches
- Nocturnal
- Can live 15-20 years in captivity
Crested geckos are one of the most low maintenance pet geckos. They do not require special lighting, only ambient temperatures between 70-80°F. Humidity levels should be kept between 50-80%. Crested geckos eat a powdered diet mixed with water, eliminating the need to feed live insects. However, they can occasionally be offered treats like crickets or mealworms. Their simple care makes them an excellent gecko for beginner reptile owners.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
African fat-tailed geckos are another suitable gecko for novice keepers due to these attributes:
- Native to West Africa
- Typically docile when handled
- Can reach lengths of 8-10 inches
- Nocturnal
- Live around 15-20 years in captivity
Fat-tailed geckos do not require special lighting as long as ambient temperatures are between 75-85°F. They prefer a humid environment around 60-70% humidity. Their diets consists of insects like crickets, mealworms, and roaches. These geckos are relatively easy to care for as long as their environment is kept warm and humid. Their calm demeanor also makes them a good pet gecko choice.
House Gecko
Here are some key traits that make the house gecko suitable for beginners:
- Native to Asia and Africa
- Small size, reaching just 3-4 inches in length
- Nocturnal
- Docile temperament
- Can live 5-10 years in captivity
House geckos are one of the smallest pet gecko species. They do not require supplemental heating as long as room temperatures are between 65-80°F. Unlike many geckos, house geckos can cling to smooth surfaces and even glass using specialized toe pads. House geckos are insectivores that can be fed crickets, small mealworms, or fruit flies. Their small size and simple care make them one of the easiest geckos to keep as pets.
Giant Day Gecko
The giant day gecko has attributes that make it suitable for beginners, including:
- Native to Madagascar
- Relatively large size, up to 11 inches
- Active during daytime hours
- Bright green coloration
- Can live 10-15 years in captivity
These geckos require slightly more specialized care with higher humidity around 70-80%, and access to UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism. However, giant day geckos do not require supplemental nighttime heating as long as ambient temperatures stay above 65°F. They eat a mixed diet of insects, fruit baby food, and nectar. Their larger size and diurnal activity make them interesting to observe going about their behaviors during the day.
Caring for Pet Geckos
While the geckos listed above are some of the best starter options, there are some general care guidelines to follow for any pet gecko:
- House in an appropriate sized terrarium, at least 10-20 gallons for one adult gecko.
- Use substrates like paper towels, reptile carpets, or sand mats that hold humidity and are easy to clean.
- Provide adequate hides for security and layers for climbing and exploration.
- Maintain proper heating and humidity based on species requirements.
- Offer a balanced diet according to gecko eating habits.
- Provide water bowl and mist enclosures as needed.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect enclosures every 1-3 months.
Following these basic care guidelines and choosing one of the beginner-friendly gecko species above can set you up for success caring for your first pet gecko!
Common Health Issues
Even with proper care, pet geckos may encounter some of these common health issues:
| Health Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Metabolic Bone Disease | Caused by calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency, leads to weakened and deformed bones. |
| Respiratory Infections | Caused by cold temperatures, stress, or unsanitary conditions. |
| Mouth Rot | A bacterial infection of the mouth often caused by injury. |
| Tail Loss | Geckos can drop their tails when threatened, requires proper treatment of wound. |
| Intestinal Parasites | Can be caused by contaminated feces, poor sanitation, or infected feeder insects. |
Being aware of these potential issues and providing adequate veterinary care when necessary is an important part of pet gecko ownership. Signs of illness include changes in behavior, appetite, stool, or appearance of the skin, eyes, or mouth.
Choosing a Healthy Gecko
When acquiring a new pet gecko, either from a breeder or pet store, here are some things to look for to select a healthy gecko:
- Active, alert, and attentive when handled
- Clear, bright eyes with no discharge
- No visible lumps, lesions, or trauma to the body
- Proper weight and body condition
- Vents and nostrils free of discharge
- Smooth skin with proper coloration
- Signs of recent feeding and hydration
Avoid geckos that appear thin or emaciated, lethargic, have mucus in the nose or mouth, or diarrhea present in the enclosure. Selecting a robust, active gecko gives you the best chances of bringing home a healthy pet.
Signs of Stress
Geckos may exhibit these behaviors in response to stress:
- Pacing or attempting to climb enclosure walls
- Hiding more than usual
- Not emerging at normal times
- Closing eyes for extended periods
- Remaining in corners or cool hides
- Loss of appetite
- Curling the tail tightly around the body
- Crouching in a defensive posture
Minimizing stress for pet geckos involves providing proper housing size, temperatures, humidity, hides, and nutrition. Any major changes to their enclosure or environment should be done gradually. Limit loud noises, constant motion, and excessive handling to prevent stress.
Gecko Supplies and Habitat
Here are some essential supplies for housing and caring for a pet gecko:
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| terrarium/enclosure | Provides secure, temperature controlled housing |
| substrate | Floor covering that retains some humidity |
| hides | Offers security and shade |
| climbing décor | Branches, vines, rocks, etc. for exercise and exploration |
| water dish | Provides access to clean drinking water |
| food dish | Allows easy access to feeder insects |
| under tank heater | (Some species) Helps maintain proper floor temperatures |
| hygrometer | Measures relative humidity levels |
| thermometer | Tracks ambient and floor temperatures |
| vitamin supplement | For dusting feeder insects |
Having the proper terrarium setup and accessories suited to a particular species is key to gecko health and wellness.
Handling Tips
Follow these guidelines for safe gecko handling:
- Allow gecko to walk onto hand versus grabbing out of enclosure
- Support entire body from below, do not pick up by the tail
- Keep handling sessions short, under 10 minutes
- Do not over-handle baby geckos under 3 months old
- Handle regularly to prevent geckos from becoming cage aggressive
- Provide a secure grip, but do not squeeze too tightly
- Always wash hands before and after handling geckos
Monthly handling allows geckos to become comfortable interacting with their owners. Just be sure not to overstress them or drop them from heights to prevent injury.
Finding a Veterinarian
Locating a qualified exotic veterinarian with reptile experience is an important part of gecko ownership. Here are some tips for finding a knowledgeable herp vet:
- Ask for recommendations from other local gecko/reptile owners
- Search for vets accredited through the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians
- Look for clinics advertising expertise in exotic pets or reptiles specifically
- Inquire about experience handling and treating geckos
- Confirm they have access to appropriate gecko medications and equipment
Establishing a relationship with a trusted exotic vet before emergencies occur is in the best interest of any pet gecko owner.
Gecko Enrichment
Gecko enrichment involves providing stimuli to engage their natural behaviors and intelligence. Here are some enrichment ideas:
- Place feeder insects in a dish to encourage foraging
- Provide branches and rocks for climbing and exploration
- Offer a small mirror for interaction
- Place non-toxic plants and flowers in vivarium
- Provide areas with multiple levels and platforms
- Use different textured substrates in sections
- Offer a moist hide box as a humid retreat
- Introduce novel but safe objects to investigate
A complex, stimulating habitat taps into geckos’ natural behaviors and allows them to exhibit interesting activity patterns.
Breeding Geckos
Breeding geckos takes preparation and dedication. Here are some key steps if you want to attempt breeding geckos:
- Select a compatible breeding pair, either 1 male to 2 females, or 2 females to 1 larger male.
- Provide an isolated breeding enclosure with appropriate egg laying sites.
- Cool the breeding environment and gradually warm it to mimic seasonal changes.
- Introduce breeding pair and watch for copulation.
- Remove adults once eggs have been laid and incubated.
- Incubate eggs at proper temperature and humidity.
- Hatchlings will require very small enclosures and specialized care.
- Monitor babies closely and have an exotic vet examine new hatchlings.
Breeding geckos takes time, dedication, and research. It also often requires an incubator, multiple enclosures, and much smaller supplies for the hatchlings. Only attempt breeding if you have the necessary experience and resources to properly care for the babies.
Purchasing Geckos
When purchasing a pet gecko, recommended sources include:
- Reputable breeders with expertise in geckos
- Small, specialty exotic pet stores
- Reptile expos from ethical vendors
- Rescue organizations with adoptable geckos
Always avoid wild caught geckos which are often sickly and stressed. Big chain pet stores should also be avoided as their geckos may come from reptile mills with poor breeding and care practices. Do research to find the most humane, ethical source for purchasing pet geckos.
Costs of Gecko Ownership
Here are estimated costs for owning a pet gecko:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Purchase price for gecko | $20-$100 |
| Vivarium enclosure | $50-$300 depending on size |
| Substrate, décor, lighting | $50-100 for setup |
| Food & supplements | $5-15/month |
| Vitamin supplements | $10-20 every 3-6 months |
| Veterinary care | $100-300 annually |
The initial setup costs tend to be $200-500, with ongoing monthly expenses of $20-50. Exotic vet care is advised at least annually, with emergency costs potentially reaching $500-1000.
Conclusion
For reptile keeping beginners, geckos make excellent starter pets due to their small size, simple care needs, and docile