Guide to Domestic Geckos
Geckos are a type of lizard that can be found in diverse environments. They are known to have a lifespan of 20 years and they are popular pets among people.
In this article, we will discuss how to care for your new pet gecko and some tips on keeping your own pet gecko.
Geckos have three main body parts: the head, neck, and tail. It’s important to keep these parts clean because they can cause respiratory infections if not done properly. It’s also important to keep their habitats clean so that they don’t get any parasites or diseases from other animals in the area.
More about Pet Gecko
Geckos are fascinating creatures that have captivated the minds and hearts of many people around the world. The most common species of gecko in North America is G. Horsfieldii, also known as the Leopard Gecko or Texas Spiny-tailed Gecko.
Geckos are fascinating creatures and some of the most popular pets today.
If you’re interested in getting one of these amazing lizards as a pet, be sure to choose a variety that is right for your home.
Geckos needing large spaces must be avoided, as they will eventually cause damage if left to their own devices.
What is a Unique Feature of a Domestic Gecko that Sets it Apart From Other Pets?
A domestic gecko is a lizard that has been domesticated. They are known for their unique features, such as the ability to climb up smooth surfaces including glass.
Geckos are one of the most popular pets in the world with over 1 billion being kept in captivity.
They are easy to care for and adapt well to living with humans. They have a lifespan of around 12 years and can be found in many different colours and patterns.
Domestic geckos have an average lifespan of around 12 years and can be found in many different colours and patterns
Tips on Keeping your Own Pet Gecko
Geckos are popular pets and can be kept as pets in a wide variety of environments. They are easy to take care of and they require little interaction from their owner.
However, if you’re thinking about getting a gecko as a pet, there are some things that you should know before getting one. Here is a list of tips on how to keep your own pet gecko alive and happy:
Some of the 13 Tips on keeping your own pet Gecko include:
1) Buy a big cage for your pet Gecko
2) Get your gecko from a reputable breeder or retailer like PetCo or Amazon. Look for reputable online stores that sell healthy animals that haven’t been bred for the pet trade.
3) Make sure the animal is not too small for its environment and has plenty of room to roam around in. Geckos need places to hide, climb on, and climb out of their
4) Feeding them crickets, mealworms, and wax worms
5) Giving them a moist paper towel or sphagnum moss to climb on
6) Cleaning their terrarium regularly
7) Make sure your gecko has plenty of hidey-holes
8) Be sure to put live food in the cage
9) Keep the humidity at 80% or higher
10) Have a clean, safe, and sanitary enclosure
11) Keep the shed clean and dry
12) Hide any food you don’t want your gecko to eat
13) Provide water and a water bowl
Geckos are usually small to medium-sized lizards native to warmer parts of the world. There are more than 1,600 different species of geckos, but not all of them are generally considered pets.
Geckos, which are commonly kept as pets, are usually up to a foot long and live from
Due to their small size and longevity, geckos have become very popular as pets, but their care can still vary from species to species.
Popular Pet Gecko Species
A handful of gecko species have grown in popularity as pets:
- Leopard geckos
- African fat-tailed geckos
- Crested geckos
- Common house geckos
- Tokay geckos
- Day geckos
Of course, there are many other species of geckos both in nature and as pets, but these other species are not as common as those mentioned above.
Gecko selection
If you want a pet gecko, it’s best to buy a captive-bred breeder. If you take a gecko caught in the wild, you won’t know what diseases or ailments it can have.
Look for a gecko whose eyes are clear, skin free of dry spots, all toes, toes and tail, as well as a healthy appetite.
Gecko behaviour
While there are many species of geckos, some of them have similar temperaments and behave similarly. Geckos are usually nice, obedient pets, but most of them don’t want people to treat them too often because it can cause them stress.
Activity: Most geckos, including the popular leopard geckos, tufted geckos, tokaya geckos, and African geckos, are nocturnal, so they will be most active at night, but there are some species of geckos that are also active during the day. aptly named the gecko of the day.
Vocal or sound: They’re not very loud, but some geckos make sounds like chirp, bark, and crackle when defending their territory or pulling a friend. Geckos are usually completely silent.
Temperament: Geckos are generally not aggressive reptiles unless the two males are kept together. For this reason, it is best to distinguish between gecko males, as they can attack each other with little warning.
It is rare for a gecko to bite a human, but there are certain species that are more likely to do so, such as the Tokaj gecko.
Caring for a Pet Gecko
Maintenance requirements will vary from species to species, but geckos will generally need to be housed in enclosures with climbing branches, a water bowl, a shelter, and reliable covers.
Geckos can escape through small holes, so an aquarium with a sealed lid is recommended for storing geckos.
Most geckos only need a 10 or 20-gallon aquarium because they are small reptiles, but larger species will need more space.
To line the gecko’s cage, use a substrate such as a coconut shell or orchid bark, both of which retain moisture and will not harm your gecko if swallowed in small amounts.
Paper towels and newspapers can also be used, but some worries about the bleaching and death of these paper products are forcing reptile owners to choose more natural options.
Geckos Need Heating and Humidity
While most geckos like temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees, others require greater basking temperatures in the 100’s.
Heat lights and heating pads are used to reach these elevated temperatures.
A suitable temperature gradient should be provided in the temperature range suited for the gecko species you are caring for. This generally results in one side of the enclosure being in the ’70s and the other in the ’90s or 100’s.
UVB-emitting bulbs are normally not required for nocturnal species, however gecko species that are active throughout the day will require this specific light.
UVB rays are invisible but critical for many reptiles’ growth, hunger, and activity.
There are numerous types of UVB, heat, and light bulbs available, and some may be more ideal for your particular type of gecko than others.
However, regardless of the bulbs used, the enclosure should be illuminated according to a normal day and night cycle. Even if it does not emit heat or UVB rays, white light must be visible during the day to prevent your gecko from being stressed and disoriented.
The humidity level in a gecko’s enclosure should be between 70% and 80%.
The most popular technique of obtaining this percentage is to mist the enclosure with water, but having a large water dish would also assist. A hygrometer can be used to determine the humidity level in a gecko enclosure.
Geckos Feeding
Because most geckos do not consume plants or vegetables, you must be comfortable with live insects if you wish to keep a gecko.
There are various insect alternatives, and some gecko species prefer certain insects over others. The most frequently fed insects are:
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- Superworms
- Waxworms
Geckos typically feed on crickets and flour worms, although superwigs and wax worms are more delectable. Certain species of geckos consume fruit and are frequently fed a tailored diet that matches their unique nutritional requirements.
Feeding schedules will vary according to the gecko’s age and species and maybe daily or weekly.
Prior to feeding geckos, insects must be offered a balanced diet. This will suffocate the insects, allowing them to feed the gecko more efficiently. Additionally, calcium powder should be sprayed on insects to replenish geckos’ calcium stores.
Management of geckos
Never grab a gecko by the tail, as they frequently lower it (natural protection against predators).
However, if it occurs, there is no reason to panic. It will grow, however, it’s the shape and/or colour may change. Until the tail grows, the gecko must be well fed and kept completely separate from its cage companions.
Health Problems affecting Gecko
Geckos are not protected from health problems. Some of the most common ailments include:
Stomatitis: Also known as mouth rot, stomatitis is as severe as it seems and needs to be treated as soon as possible. You will notice a pink colour around the gecko’s mouth and possibly pus that looks like curd.
Respiratory problems: A wheezing or salivating gecko may have a respiratory infection. This is usually caused by drafts or low temperatures in the housing.
Parasites: Both internal and external geckos also often suffer from parasitic infections. Faeces may contain worms and microscopic eggs and small ticks on the surface of the skin.
Parasitic infections on the skin will look like a red rash or you may find it difficult for your gecko to excrete, and internal parasites can cause lethargy, changes in appetite, and abnormal stools.
Dysecdysis: This intricate word for spill problems is a major problem for geckos that do not have adequate humidity in their enclosures.
Questions People also ask.
Are geckos suitable as first-time pets?
If you’re seeking to expand your family with reptiles, geckos are an excellent and popular alternative. They are excellent starter pet lizards. Not only are geckos fascinating pets with their unusual appearance—some could even call them adorable—they are also reasonably low-maintenance.
What requirements do house geckos have?
Geckos in the house require a moderate to a high level of humidity; aim for 60-75 per cent. Utilize a humidity gauge to ensure that the levels are accurate. Regular misting should maintain the proper humidity level. Provide branches, driftwood, and silk or live plants to allow house geckos to climb.
Do geckos enjoy being held?
While geckos dislike being held, they enjoy exploring new locations in a safe atmosphere. Allowing your gecko to explore on their own terms as you handle them will help them associate you with fun and new experiences.
Are geckos have to have a heat lamp?
Leopard geckos manage their body temperature through their environment. That is why a ‘thermogradient’ is necessary, with a heat bulb at one end and a colder area at the other.
What kind of food do gecko eat?
Food for Leopard Geckos – What do Leopard Geckos Eat? Crickets and mealworms are the ideal insects to feed your Leopard Gecko.
You can, however, give him waxworms, butterworms, silkworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sowbugs, and cockroaches as well. Because waxworms and super worms are heavy in fat, they should be eaten as a treat.
Do geckos require special attention?
These brightly coloured critters are compact, require little care, and maybe left alone for several days if necessary. Additionally, they are silent, odourless, and require little upkeep. Leopard geckos are readily accessible at pet stores and breeders.
Why do geckos lick their victims?
Licking is a way for animals to smell or taste their environment. Licking enables leopard geckos to have a better sense of their environment, which is especially beneficial while they are hunting, pursuing a mate, hiding, or reproducing. Thus, when geckos lick you, he is essentially getting to know and understand you a little bit better.
What is the most sociable lizard to have as a pet?
Bearded Dragons, Leopard and Crested Geckos, and Blue-Tongue Skinks are all excellent selections for a hobbyist seeking an easy-to-handle pet.
If you’re looking for a little lizard, the Gold-Dust Day Gecko, Green Anole, Crested Gecko, and Long-Tailed Gecko are all excellent possibilities.
Is it necessary for geckos to have a basking light?
Leopard gecko nighttime lighting should be distinct from daytime lighting. Geckos require heat solely at night but require both lights and heat during the day.
Are leopard geckos’ bites painful?
Second, leopard gecko bites are rarely painful. If an adult leopard gecko bites you, you may feel a pinch or a little sting. Baby geckos are unlikely to cause much discomfort if they bite you. Leopard geckos rarely draw blood, and a visit to the veterinarian is unnecessary.
