Geckos are unique and fascinating reptiles that make great pets for beginner and experienced owners alike. With over 1500 species, geckos come in a huge variety of colors, sizes, and personalities. When looking for the right gecko pet, there are several factors to consider so you can find the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
How to Pick the Best Gecko Breed
The first thing to think about is what size gecko you want. Some gecko species like leopard geckos stay small at around 8-10 inches long while others like tokay geckos can grow over a foot long. Smaller geckos require less space and are easier to handle.
You’ll also want to consider the temperament of the different gecko breeds. Crested geckos are good starter pets since they are generally docile and easy to tame. More aggressive species like tokay geckos require experienced owners and don’t like frequent handling.
Certain gecko species like the crested gecko are arboreal which means they like to climb and prefer tall enclosures. Terrestrial geckos such as leopard geckos do best in wide tanks with plenty of floor space. Pick a gecko suited for their natural habitat.
Some gecko species thrive when housed together like African fat-tailed geckos while others like leopard geckos do best housed singly. Do your research to find a social or solitary gecko based on your preferences.
You’ll also need to factor in how much maintenance the gecko breed requires. Crested geckos only need misting for hydration while other species need daily water changes. Hardy beginner species like leopard geckos are great if you want a lower maintenance pet.
Best Gecko Species for Beginners
When researching your first gecko pet, start with these great beginner species:
- Leopard Gecko
- Crested Gecko
- African Fat-Tailed Gecko
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet geckos due to their friendly personality, easy care requirements, and wide range of colors and patterns. These terrestrial geckos only grow 6-10 inches long and do well in simple ground habitats. Leopard geckos make excellent pets for children and adults.
Crested geckos are an ideal choice for first-time owners looking for a friendly gecko. These gentle lizards grow up to 8-10 inches long and thrive in naturalistic planted terraiums. Crested geckos just need misting for hydration and are easy to tame. Their low maintenance care makes them a top pick.
African fat-tailed geckos are another great choice. These docile geckos reach 5-7 inches long and tolerate regular handling well. Their care is straightforward like leopard geckos but they have the added benefit of being able to be housed together.
Best Pet Gecko Species for Intermediate Owners
Once you gain some experience caring for geckos, try these options that need a bit more specialized care:
- Gargoyle Gecko
- Mourning Gecko
- Tokay Gecko
Gargoyle geckos are close relatives of crested geckos but come in more earthy tones of gray, brown, and red. They require the same basic care but are not as handled as often as crested geckos since they are more skittish.
Tiny mourning geckos only grow to 4 inches long but make up for their size with big personalities! These social geckos do great housed in groups. They are bold and active but their small size makes them better suited to experienced keepers.
Bold and spirited tokay geckos have distinctive bluish skin and a signature call. These large geckos can reach 14 inches long and are better suited to dedicated owners who have the space and commitment to care for their demanding needs.
Picking Your Gecko Enclosure
Geckos require specific temperature, humidity, and habitat setups depending on their species. Here are some basic gecko enclosure guidelines:
| Gecko Type | Enclosure Size | Temperature | Substrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard Gecko | 20 gallon tank | 88-92°F hot side | Paper towel, reptile carpet, slate |
| Crested Gecko | 20 gallon tall tank | 70-78°F | Eco earth, moss |
| African Fat-Tailed Gecko | 10 gallon tank | 88-92°F hot side | Sand, fine gravel |
Always research the specific heating, lighting, humidity, tank décor, and substrate needs for any gecko species you get. Provide several hiding places and ample climbing areas for arboreal geckos. Read up on proper gecko nutrition and feed the appropriate diet for your species.
Handling and Taming Your Gecko
Most gecko species will become accustomed to gentle handling if started young. Follow these gecko handling tips:
- Let new geckos settle for a week before handling
- Move slowly and don’t make sudden movements
- Support all of the gecko’s body, not just the tail
- Start with short 5-10 minute handling sessions
- Establish a routine and always wash hands before and after
With regular, gentle handling from a young age, species like leopard geckos and crested geckos will become quite docile and tolerant of their owners. More advanced species like tokay geckos may never enjoy being handled.
Potential Gecko Health Issues
Geckos tend to be fairly hardy reptiles but they can still develop health issues you need to watch for:
- Metabolic bone disease from lack of calcium
- Infections from stuck shed or wounds
- Parasites like cryptosporidiosis or pinworms
- Mouth rot from poor nutrition or injury
Prevent health problems by following proper gecko care guidelines for housing, lighting, nutrition, and more. Quarantine new geckos for at least 30 days. Schedule annual checkups with an exotics vet.
Are Pet Geckos the Right Choice?
Geckos make excellent reptile pets, especially for beginners. Their small size, simple care needs, and docile temperaments (for some species) make them more easily adaptable to family and home life compared to other reptiles. Make sure you choose the gecko species that best fits your experience level, needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
With so many gecko species to choose from, it is important to do your research to find the best gecko match for you. Factors like size, temperament, socialization needs, enclosure type, heating and humidity requirements, handling ease, and general care needs all come into play. But with the proper setup, most geckos make rewarding and unique pets.
