Geckos are fascinating, low-maintenance pets that can bring joy to both beginner and experienced reptile owners. However, like any pet, they require proper care to thrive. If you’re a gecko owner—or considering becoming one—you might be wondering how to meet their specific needs. From diet to habitat, this guide will give you practical, vet-reviewed tips to keep your gecko happy and healthy.

🩺 Vet Recommendations

Caring for a gecko involves understanding their unique requirements as reptiles. Unlike mammals, they have specific needs for diet, temperature, and humidity that mimic their natural habitats. Here are the essentials every gecko owner should know:

• Geckos are insectivores, so their diet primarily consists of live insects like crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches.
• They are cold-blooded animals and require an external heat source to regulate their body temperature.
• Proper humidity levels are crucial for hydration and shedding. This varies by species but is generally around 30-40% for leopard geckos and higher for tropical species like crested geckos.
• Geckos need a clean and secure enclosure with hiding spots, climbing surfaces, and safe substrate.

Meeting these basic needs can prevent many common health issues and help your gecko live a long, happy life.

📋 Care Tips

Here’s a deeper dive into the key aspects of gecko care to ensure your pet thrives in your home:

1. Set Up the Right Enclosure

A gecko’s habitat should replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. Use an appropriately sized tank (a 20-gallon tank is ideal for most adult geckos) with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Include the following:

• Two temperature zones: a warm side (88-92°F) with a heat source and a cooler side (70-75°F).
• UVB lighting for species that require it, like crested geckos, to help with calcium absorption.
• Hiding spots on both the warm and cool sides of the tank for security.
• A shallow water dish for hydration and humidity.
• A safe substrate such as reptile carpet, paper towels, or tile. Avoid loose substrates like sand, which can cause impaction if ingested.

2. Feed a Balanced Diet

Geckos are primarily insectivores, and their diet should include live, gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. Feed your gecko the appropriate insect size—generally no larger than the space between their eyes. Here’s a feeding schedule to follow:

• Baby geckos: Feed daily.
• Juveniles: Feed every other day.
• Adults: Feed 2-3 times per week.

For geckos like crested geckos, you can also offer commercially prepared gecko diets, which include powdered mixes you can rehydrate. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry parasites or pesticides.

3. Maintain Proper Humidity

Humidity plays a vital role in your gecko’s health, particularly for hydration and successful shedding. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in their enclosure:

• Leopard geckos: 30-40% humidity.
• Crested geckos: 50-70% humidity.

Mist the enclosure as needed to maintain the correct levels. Always provide a moist hide with damp sphagnum moss or paper towels to help with shedding.

4. Keep the Tank Clean

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent bacterial growth and keep your gecko healthy. Spot-clean the enclosure daily by removing waste and uneaten food. Perform a deep clean every 2-4 weeks by disinfecting all surfaces with a reptile-safe cleaner.

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

When caring for your gecko, keep these key do’s and don’ts in mind:

• Do handle your gecko gently and infrequently, especially when they’re young or shedding.
• Do provide a temperature gradient in their enclosure for thermoregulation.
• Do use calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.
• Don’t use heat rocks, as they can cause burns.
• Don’t house multiple geckos together unless you’re experienced with their social dynamics.
• Don’t feed insects that are too large, as this can cause choking or digestive issues.

💡 Expert Advice

Geckos are hardy pets, but they’re not entirely maintenance-free. Pay attention to your gecko’s behavior and appearance to catch early signs of illness. Common red flags include lack of appetite, lethargy, difficulty shedding, or abnormal stool. If you notice any of these issues, consult a veterinarian experienced in reptile care as soon as possible.

Remember that each gecko species has unique needs, so research your specific gecko to tailor their care accordingly. By providing the right diet, environment, and attention, you’ll give your gecko the best chance to thrive for years to come.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my gecko’s tank?
A: Spot-clean daily to remove waste and uneaten food, and perform a deep clean every 2-4 weeks by disinfecting all surfaces with a reptile-safe cleaner.

Q: What should I do if my gecko isn’t eating?
A: First, check their environment to ensure the temperature, humidity, and lighting are correct. If the issue persists, consult a vet to rule out underlying health problems.

Q: Can I handle my gecko every day?
A: It’s best to handle your gecko infrequently, especially if they’re young, shedding, or stressed. Over-handling can lead to anxiety or injury.

Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.

References

• PetMD
• ASPCA
• VCA Animal Hospitals
• NRC – Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
• Dial A Vet – Blog Library