Geckos are fascinating lizards that come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. Some species of geckos make great pets, being docile, hardy and relatively easy to care for. When considering getting a pet gecko, one of the most important factors is temperament – you want a calm, friendly gecko that enjoys human interaction. But with over 1500 species of geckos to choose from, how do you know which is the friendliest?
Factors that influence gecko temperament
There are a few key factors that impact a gecko’s disposition and likelihood of bonding with humans:
– Size – Smaller gecko species tend to be more handleable and interact better with their owners. Large, bulky geckos can be clumsy to handle and some may perceive handling as threatening.
– Habitat – Arboreal geckos that live in trees are typically calmer and easier to tame than terrestrial, ground-dwelling geckos which are more skittish and prone to sprinting away.
– Activity level – Slow moving, docile gecko species often make better pets than fast, hyperactive ones that are stressed by confinement.
– Captive bred vs wild caught – Geckos bred in captivity are accustomed to human presence from birth and usually very amenable to handling. Wild caught geckos may be skittish or aggressive.
– Diurnal vs nocturnal – Diurnal geckos that are awake during the day are easier to interact with than nocturnal geckos that sleep during the day.
The top 5 most docile gecko species
Based on factors that contribute to a friendly personality, these 5 geckos tend to be the most calm, mellow and people-friendly:
| Gecko | Size | Habitat | Activity Level | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crested Gecko | Small, 4-8 inches | Arboreal | Slow moving | Beginner |
| Leopard Gecko | Small, 8-10 inches | Terrestrial | Slow moving | Beginner |
| African Fat-Tailed Gecko | Small, 5-8 inches | Terrestrial | Slow moving | Beginner |
| Madagascar Giant Day Gecko | Medium, 6-10 inches | Arboreal | Moderately active | Intermediate |
| Gold Dust Day Gecko | Small, 4-6 inches | Arboreal | Active | Intermediate |
Crested Gecko
Native to New Caledonia, crested geckos are one of the most popular pet geckos today. These cute lizards get their name from the spiky crest that runs from head to tail. Crested geckos are small, growing 4-8 inches long. They are arboreal, living in trees and palms, and are slow moving and docile by nature. Hand raised captive bred babies quickly become very tame and enjoy climbing onto their owner’s hand. Their calm demeanor, manageable size, simple care requirements and longevity of 15-20 years make them an ideal gecko for both children and adults.
Leopard Gecko
Originally from Afghanistan, Iran and India, the leopard gecko has yellow and white spots resembling a leopard’s markings. They reach 8-10 inches in length. Though terrestrial, preferring to stay on the ground, leopard geckos move slowly and deliberately, rarely sprinting away when startled. They tolerate regular handling very well. Their placid nature, hardiness, small size and long 15-20 year lifespan make leopard geckos one of the best gecko species for beginners and children.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
As their name suggests, fat-tailed geckos have a distinctively wide, fat tail which stores fat and water reserves. Native to West Africa, they grow 5-8 inches long. Fat-tails are ground dwelling geckos that move slowly and feel secure when their entire body is in contact with a surface, making them very easy to handle. Calm by nature, they will sit calmly on their owner’s hand or shoulder for extended periods. Their docile nature and undeserved reputation as a “beginner” gecko make them an excellent choice for a friendly pet.
Madagascar Giant Day Gecko
One of the most colorful and striking geckos, Madagascar giants hail from the tropical forests of Madagascar. They can reach 6-10 inches in length. Living in trees and bushes, these geckos are agile climbers but move at a slower, calmer pace than many other day geckos. Bold and inquisitive, they enjoy watching activity outside their enclosure and tolerate gentle handling well when correctly acclimated. Their bright colors and engaging personalities make them delightful to observe.
Gold Dust Day Gecko
Native to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands off East Africa, the gold dust day gecko is named for the speckled golden flecks dotting its bright green body. A small gecko growing just 4-6 inches long, the gold dust day gecko is active and alert in nature, yet not prone to skittish sprinting like many day gecko species. Its smaller size makes it easily handled and its stunning coloration is truly eye catching. An arboreal species that enjoys climbing through branches and leaves, the gold dust day gecko interacts well with calm and deliberate handlers.
Important factors for a friendly gecko
While species disposition is key for a docile, handleable gecko, proper care and handling practices also go a long way in building a gecko’s trust and sociability with its human caretakers:
Proper enclosure
Geckos are less likely to be fearful or aggressive if they live in an appropriate sized enclosure with proper lighting, heating, humidity and enrichment. Make sure any pet gecko has a habitat that suits its needs.
Regular feeding
Well-fed geckos are content geckos! Provide your gecko a nutritious diet on a predictable schedule.
Gentle handling
Acclimate geckos to handling gradually. Scoop or guide them gently rather than grabbing at them. Restrain them minimally once in hand and never drop or injure them.
Frequent interaction
The more often calm, gentle interactions a gecko has with its owner, the more it will learn to trust that it is safe in your hands. Aim to handle your gecko daily if possible.
Minimizing stress
Avoid intrusions into your gecko’s habitat when it is sleeping or shedding. Don’t tap on glass enclosures. Keep handling sessions brief at first. Let your gecko become active on its own and enter your hand voluntarily if possible.
Conclusion
When searching for the most friendly, docile gecko to keep as a pet, priority should go to naturally calm, slow moving species known for tolerating human interaction versus skittish, jittery species prone to biting and sprinting. Hand raised captive bred geckos also tend to be more sociable when acquired as juveniles and frequently handled. Even typically gentle species can become unfriendly if cared for improperly, so be sure to provide an ideal habitat and gentle handling to help your new gecko companion feel safe and content. With a little luck and the right approach, bringing home one of the friendliest gecko species can reward you with an interactive, tame pet gecko that enjoys curling up in your hand.