As owners, we seem to be obsessed with keeping weird and wonderful creatures as pets. I would say that lizards fall into the ‘unusual’ pet category and as a lizard owner myself, they can make fantastic pets. There are a broad spectrum of different types of geckos, with each requiring specalised care, depending where they originate from in the wild.
So, let’s have a look at the different types of geckos that are available to be housed as pets and compare the different environments that they require in order to thrive.
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Types of geckos
There are many different types of gecko that can be kept as pets. When looking to share your home with any animal, ensure that you carry out plenty of research so that you understand how to provide them with the best possible care.
Among the different types of gecko available, I’ve selected two popular species that require different husbandry as they originate from different parts of the world. Their natural habitat should be replicated as closely as possible to ensure a happy and healthy gecko.
Leopard gecko
This lovely gecko is one of the most common lizards kept as a pet. The Leopard gecko is docile, friendly and easy to handle. They are primarily nocturnal and are available in a number of striking colours and patterns. Leopard gecko’s also live around 15 – 20 years, so ensure that you are committed for the long run!
Leopard geckos are originally from South Asia in countries such as India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Their natural environment is hot, rocky and arid with minimal vegetation and this is easily replicated in captivity.
How to keep in captivity
The leopard gecko is a terrestrial species, meaning that it is a ground dweller and does not climb high. Therefore, a large vivarium that has more length instead of height is more favourable.
A heat lamp should be available allowing the Leopard Gecko to bask and regulate its own body temperature. The vivarium should consist of a warmer side and a cooler side so that the gecko can move between the two. The hot side of the vivarium should be maintained around 90 degree’s fahrenheit in the day and drop to around 70 degree’s fahrenheit in the evening. The cool side of the vivarium should not drop below 70 degree’s fahrenheit.
Substrates can vary depending on the vivarium. Bioactive enclosures are becoming more popular and this is where the vivarium maintains its own cleanliness. Reptile safe soil is often used which contains a “clean up crew” – usually consisting of springtail insects and isopods. These tiny insects help to keep the vivarium clean by ingesting mould and faeces.
Alternatively, reptile carpets or tiles can be used for easy cleaning and maintenance. Just be sure to avoid loose substrates, such as sand, which could be accidentally ingested and cause a blockage.
Leopard geckos should be given hides to allow for sheltering, one of which should be a moist hide. Usually, this moist hide contains damp moss. This raises the humidity within the hide and can help the Leopard Gecko to shed its skin.
Due to the arid nature of their natural habitat, Leopard Gecko’s do not require constant humidity. A humidity level of around 20% – 40% is ideal and often their terrarium only needs a couple of mists with a water spray bottle twice daily.
As with any animal, a fresh water bowl that is easy to bathe in and drink from should be available at all times.
Crested gecko
The Crested Gecko is also a popular type of pet lizard. In contrast to the Leopard Gecko, Crestie’s are arboreal, meaning that they like to spend the majority of their time climbing and exploring the canopy above. The Crestie can be skittish, but can be easily tamed through regular handling. With the proper care, Crestie’s can live for up to 20 years in captivity.
The Crested Gecko is originally from New Caledonia, which is a humid and tropical environment. It has an abundance of rainforest which Crestie’s love to explore. Thanks to their adhesive toe pads, Crestie’s can easily scale trees and obstacles.
How to keep in captivity
With Cresties being arboreal, a tall vivarium is ideal in comparison to the vivarium of a Leopard Gecko. This allows for adequate climbing and jumping space.
A heat source should be provided for a Crestie so that they can climb to the top of their enclosure to bask or move closer to the bottom of the vivarium for a cooler temperature.
Cresties prefer a temperature of around 82 degree’s fahrenheit in the hotter side of the vivarium and 72 degree’s fahrenheit in the cooler end.
There should be plenty of vegetation, hiding spaces and logs for Crestie’s to run, jump and explore in. A bioactive vivarium made up of an active soil and a clean up crew makes a perfect environment for a Crestie, plus it saves you as an owner having to clean their enclosures!
With Crestie’s originating from the rainforest, they appreciate a high humidity environment. The vivarium should maintain a humidity of around 60% – 80%. Regular misting throughout the day is required, either through a manual spray or an automatic misting system.
Fresh water should always be available for Crestie’s to drink from as required.
Final thoughts on gecko husbandry
Lizards make a great and unusual pet to look after and care for. If you are needing veterinary care for your lizard or exotic animal, use the VetHelpDirect vet locator tool.
Depending on the species of gecko that you have will determine what environment that they require. It would be useless housing a Leopard Gecko in a Crested Gecko enclosure and vice versa due to the different environments that they originate from.
Gecko husbandry should not be underestimated and plenty of research should be carried out before deciding to share your home with one of these marvellous reptiles.
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