Gecko Pet Care

Geckos would have to be close to the cutest reptiles alive, especially the hatchlings. I find the way they continuously lick their eyes clean to be both bizarre and appealing.

There are over 800 species and the range of size, shape and color is startling.

It's hardly surprising that many people want to keep them as pets. There are many colorful and decorative species that do well in captivity. On the other hand they are not easily tamed and do not respond a great deal to regular human contact.

Cage Requirements

Geckos are a great choice for display pets. Their cage requirements are similar to that of other land dwelling reptiles, though the nocturnal species do not require UVB light. A well set up enclosure can be very low maintenance and provide your pet with a minimum stress life.

The cage needs of your pet will change slightly with age so make sure to give a new pet the right enclosure to avoid health problems.

Diet

Feeding these animals is a far less gross affair than feeding pythons, alligators or some of the larger lizards such as monitors. Almost all available pet species feed on insects and crickets are easily available at just about any pet shop. Other food items include wax worms, meal worms and fruit for some kinds. The needs of each species are different.

Because of their small size and delicate skin, it is possible for crickets to chew on your pet if left in the cage after feeding time. This can cause injury and infections.

Good Pet Species

Some species are easier to look after than others. Here are some of the better choices.

Leopard Gecko

These animals are strikingly beautiful and readily available in most pet stores. They are also relatively hardy and easy to maintain, so they are an ideal choice for the less experienced pet owner.

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