Care of Geckos

Geckos make entertaining pets.

Geckos have many interesting traits and can be found in a variety of brilliant colors. They can cling to a smooth surface and walk along upside down. Geckos are commonly found throughout warm regions all over the world. Therefore, there are hundreds of different types of geckos, many of which can be kept as fascinating pets. Geckos are relatively easy to care for, compared to other types of lizards or reptiles. However, you should take some steps to ensure that your gecko will remain healthy in your care.

Things You'll Need

• Terrarium
• Under-tank heater
• Hide box
• Vermiculite
• Plants
• Driftwood or bark
• Insects
• Vitamin supplements
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Provide your gecko with a terrarium. Geckos do not need a large enclosure, and, in fact, often fare better in a smaller terrarium. For one or two geckos, choose a terrarium that is between 10 and 20 gallons. The terrarium should have a screen top, which will keep the gecko in while providing ventilation.

2. Place a hide box in the terrarium. The hide box is an enclosed box with an entrance hole cut in one side, where the gecko can go to feel secure. It will also be the place where the gecko sheds its skin. The hide box can be made of any sturdy box, such as a plastic storage box. It should be filled with vermiculite, which is a type of granulated gecko bedding. It can be found at a reptile store. The vermiculite should be kept moist.

3. Install an under-tank heater on the terrarium. This will allow you to keep the terrarium warm enough for your gecko. Keep the terrarium between 73 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The hide box should be warmer, between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's often best to place the heater under the area where the hide box is.

4. Decorate the rest of the terrarium with live or fake plants and pieces of driftwood or bark. This provides places for your gecko to explore and makes the terrarium look more appealing. You can also provide a substrate, such as newspaper, turf or gravel.

5. Place a shallow water dish in the terrarium. Fill this dish every day. Make sure the dish is not too deep, as this may cause an accidental drowning.

6. Feed your gecko insects such as crickets or meal worms. Feed the gecko twice a week, giving as many insects as can be consumed in about 20 minutes. Geckos younger than seven month should be fed more often, up to twice a day. Never feed them insects that are larger than the gecko's head.

7. Add vitamin supplements to your gecko's diet. You can either provide a dish of these supplements or you can dust the supplements on the gecko's food.

8. Mist the terrarium with a water spray bottle every day in order to keep it moist.

9. Clean the terrarium as often as possible, keeping it as clean as possible. Removr waste often, as much as once a day.

References

• Gecko Care: Gecko Care
• Gecko Care: Housing a Pet Gecko
• Gecko Care: Health
• Gecko Care: Feeding a Pet Gecko
• Leopard Gecko: Leopard Gecko Care