Gecko Pet: Keeping Geckos as Pets
Geckos have become increasingly popular pets in the reptile world, known for their unique features, brilliant colors, and relatively manageable care requirements. Whether you’re considering your first reptile pet or adding to your collection, geckos offer an intriguing and rewarding pet ownership experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping geckos as pets.
Do Geckos Make Good Pets?
Before bringing a gecko home, it’s important to understand what to expect from these reptiles as pets. Geckos can make excellent companions, but they’re quite different from traditional pets like cats and dogs.
As one reptile enthusiast on Reddit explains: “It depends on what you’re looking for in a pet. If you want a pet that you can cuddle and hang out with any time of day, geckos aren’t really for you.” Geckos are primarily observational pets rather than interactive ones. While some species can become accustomed to gentle handling, they generally don’t seek affection in the way mammals do.
Geckos are ideal for people who:
– Appreciate observing natural behaviors
– Have limited space for pet keeping
– Enjoy creating and maintaining specialized habitats
– Prefer pets that don’t require daily walks or constant attention
– Are interested in reptiles but want a relatively low-maintenance species
Popular Types of Pet Geckos
There are numerous gecko species kept as pets, each with unique care requirements and characteristics. Here are the most popular options:
1. Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are perhaps the most common pet gecko species, especially for beginners. They’re relatively hardy, docile, and available in numerous color morphs. Unlike many gecko species, leopard geckos don’t have sticky toe pads and can’t climb smooth surfaces. They’re terrestrial, ground-dwelling geckos that typically live 10-20 years with proper care.
2. Crested Geckos
Crested geckos have gained immense popularity since their rediscovery in the late 1990s. These arboreal (tree-dwelling) geckos are known for their distinctive crests and relatively simple care requirements. They don’t require live insects and can thrive on commercially prepared powder diets. Their docile nature makes them good candidates for occasional handling.
3. African Fat-Tailed Geckos
Similar in appearance to leopard geckos, African fat-tailed geckos are known for their docile temperament and interesting patterns. They require slightly higher humidity than leopard geckos but otherwise have similar care requirements.
4. Gargoyle Geckos
These geckos are named for their distinctive bumpy head that resembles gargoyles in architecture. Like crested geckos, they can thrive on prepared powder diets and are relatively easy to care for.
5. Day Geckos
Day geckos are known for their stunning bright green coloration with red accents. Unlike many gecko species, they’re diurnal (active during the day). While beautiful, most day gecko species are not ideal for handling and are best enjoyed as display pets.
6. Tokay Geckos
With their beautiful blue-gray coloration and orange spots, Tokay geckos are visually striking. However, they’re known for their aggressive temperament and loud vocalizations, making them better suited for experienced keepers rather than beginners.
Essential Gecko Care Requirements
When buying a gecko as a pet, you’ll need to prepare proper housing and care items before bringing your new reptile home.
Housing
Contrary to some myths, geckos generally benefit from appropriately sized enclosures. As one Reddit user points out: “There’s a myth that big enclosures are bad, but as long as you provide plenty of hiding spots, a larger enclosure is better.”
The specific enclosure requirements depend on the species:
– Terrestrial species like leopard geckos need horizontal space with floor area prioritized
– Arboreal species like crested geckos need vertical space for climbing
– Most adult geckos require at least a 20-gallon tank or equivalent
Temperature and Lighting
Most geckos require:
– A temperature gradient with a warm side and cooler side
– A heat mat or ceramic heat emitter for appropriate temperatures
– UVB lighting (requirements vary by species, with some needing more than others)
Diet and Supplements
Gecko dietary needs vary by species:
– Insectivorous geckos (like leopard geckos) require live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches
– Omnivorous geckos (like crested geckos) can eat commercially prepared powdered diets mixed with water, supplemented with insects
– All geckos benefit from calcium supplements, typically dusted on their food
Habitat Enrichment
Creating a stimulating environment includes:
– Multiple hiding spots (at least one on the warm side and one on the cool side)
– Climbing branches for arboreal species
– Appropriate substrate (depends on species)
– Plants (live or artificial) for security and enrichment
Choosing Your First Gecko
For beginners, the two most recommended species are leopard geckos and crested geckos. As one Reddit user advises: “I’ll keep it down to the two most common pet geckos: cresteds and leopards. There are other good species for beginners, but these two are the most readily available and have the most care information available.”
When selecting your gecko:
– Purchase from reputable breeders rather than large chain stores when possible
– Look for alert, active animals with clear eyes and healthy skin
– Avoid geckos that appear lethargic or show signs of illness
– Consider adopting an adult gecko from a rescue if you’re uncertain about raising a juvenile
Legal Considerations
Before acquiring a gecko, research local regulations. In some regions, certain gecko species may be protected or regulated. Conversely, in areas where geckos are invasive, like Hawaii, some species may be legal to keep as pets because they’re already established invasive species. As one Reddit user noted about a gecko in Hawaii: “Yes, I googled reptiles/geckos in Hawaii and found it, it’s invasive and legal to keep as a pet.”
Conclusion
Geckos can make fascinating and rewarding pets for the right owner. They offer the opportunity to observe interesting natural behaviors and can live for many years with proper care. While they may not provide the same interactive experience as a dog or cat, their unique characteristics and relatively manageable care requirements make them excellent choices for reptile enthusiasts.
Before bringing home a gecko, ensure you’re prepared for the commitment of specialized care and habitat maintenance. With the right setup and attention to their needs, geckos can thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment as distinctive and charming pets.