Before purchasing your first gecko, you should familiarize yourself with the proper care routines it will need. Geckos make wonderful pets, and they're especially good for people who lack familiarity with lizards in general. Geckos can live for a long time and develop bonds with you. But you have to make sure they're comfortable, healthy, and happy.
1. Different Types of Geckos May Require Different Types of Care
Before you begin, understand there's various types of geckos out there. If you're new to the world of geckos, your best bet is to start with the leopard gecko. The leopard gecko is the most common species, and arguably the easiest to take care of.
2. Create a Home for the Size the Gecko Will Grow Into
Different species of geckos have different size requirements. Make sure you research your gecko species to see what size terrarium will work best. For a leopard gecko, 10- to 20-gallon tanks will work. They can comfortably accommodate one or two full sized leopard geckos.
The larger tank size will also give your pets more room to move around. This becomes helpful if you create different environments in the tank.
3. Understand How Your Gecko Feeds
Understand from the start that your gecko will need live food. Some people may have strong feelings about this fact. Geckos do not eat plant life.
Crickets are the most common food source for geckos, with mealworms coming in at a close second. It's up to you to keep the crickets alive and gut loaded before feeding them to your gecko.
4. Geckos Require an Adjustment Period
You may want to handle your gecko immediately, but there's a process. It takes a few days before your gecko will become accustomed to touch. You shouldn't handle the gecko too often at all if it's still half a foot long or smaller.
Let your gecko grow a little. Even then, it's best to let the gecko crawl over your hands rather than you trying to handle the gecko. Let it do that for a few minutes each day, and it will become accustomed to your touch.
5. Gecko Tails Fall Off and Grow Back
If you're unfamiliar with geckos, it may come as a surprise when your pet drops its tail. This can occur because the gecko feels threatened or stressed. If you handle the gecko too often too early, the gecko may drop its tail. This can also occur if you try to grab the gecko by its tail.
Tail dropping is normal, but it's best avoided. The open wound left behind on the gecko can become infected. So try to avoid frightening your gecko.
Ask the Seller for More Tips
Vendors with reptiles for sale often have a lot more specific information about the proper care of the reptiles they sell. If you're unsure about anything, ask the seller for clarification and tips before you purchase your gecko. It's true that a gecko can make a great pet, but like any other pet, you will have to do your part as well.
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