Gecko

A Gecko is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The life span for a gecko is five to nine years, if it is cared for properly.

Typical Behavior

Geckos are nocturnal; therefore, they will sleep during the day and be awake at night.

Geckos are very hard to catch because they move fast. It is important that you do not pull on the tail of a gecko because it will detach and could cause harm to the gecko.

Care Requirements

A gecko needs daily attention. Its enclosure should be cleaned daily of any feces.  Food not eaten needs to be removed from its enclosure within 24 hours and fresh water should be provided.  Geckos and their habitats also should be misted with water daily.

Once a week, a gecko’s entire habitat needs to be scrubbed clean. To clean your gecko’s home, you can use a solution of three percent bleach and water. It is important that you thoroughly rinse the tank and any accessories so there is no indication of the bleach smell.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

There are many different species of reptiles, each having different growth rates and daily survival needs.  We recommend that you contact a reptile specialist to determine the best habitat and habitat maintenance requirements for your species.

Generally, geckos need a large habitat with a secure lid.  You will need to outfit the habitat with non-toxic plants, branches, or logs to give your gecko hiding areas.  You will also need to keep your gecko’s habitat at a proper level of humidity and outfit it with a heat source to keep the environment at the proper temperature.   Geckos also need exposure to fluorescent light 10 to 12 hours a day.

Never keep two or more males or different reptile species together in one habitat.

Dietary Requirements

An adult gecko only needs to eat every other day, while a young gecko should received food daily.

A gecko’s diet consists of crickets, small mealworms, butter worms, and wax worms. A vitamin/mineral and calcium supplement should be provided once a week to promote healthy development.

Financial Considerations for a Gecko:

Veterinary

As long as a gecko is properly cared for, it will not need to been seen by a veterinarian on a regular basis. It is recommended that you take your gecko annually for an examination by a veterinarian to make sure there are no underlining health problems.

Geckos are considered an exotic pet and require a veterinarian who specialized in geckos.  This could mean that you pay a little more.

Grooming

There are no costs associated with grooming.

Animal Sitter

Choosing an animal sitter for your gecko is no easy task. It is recommended that you find a sitter that specializes in geckos so they know what to look for if your gecko is in distress.

Food

Crickets and worms can be purchased at your local pet store for an average of $5 per week.

Interesting Facts about Geckos:

• There are over 900 species of geckos.
• An adult gecko can range in size anywhere from, three-quarters of an inch to 14 inches long.
• Many geckos have transparent eyelids, which gives the illusion that geckos do not have eyelids.
• Geckos are the only reptile that have the ability to use their voice. They will chirp, bark or make cracking sounds to communicate.
• Geckos are a sign of good luck in Hawaii.