You have made the decision to keep reptiles as pets, but you are unsure how to select the appropriate gecko as a companion. Even though there are over 1,500+ distinct species of geckos across the globe, only a tiny selection of those gecko species can be kept as pets or in captivity.
However, there are so many options that it can be challenging to choose, and individuals frequently make their decision based solely on what they see at the pet shop rather than giving careful consideration to whether or not a particular species is compatible with their way of life. The following is a list of some of the best geckos to keep as pets, as well as points to consider while choosing and information on how to handle geckos.
- Leopard Gecko
- Crested Gecko
- African Fat-tailed Gecko
The leopard gecko is rated as one of the top three best gecko species to keep as a pet. One of the many reasons why these geckos are so remarkable is the fact that they are one of the most well-liked and easy to care for species of pet reptiles.
Due to the fact that they are so widespread, they are acquiring knowledge regarding how to care for them properly is a piece of cake. This, in addition to the fact that these geckos are fairly hardy and simple to care for, makes them one of the best geckos for new reptile enthusiasts.
They remain relatively little throughout their lives and aren’t the easiest animals to handle for extended periods of time, but they are excellent specimens to have on display.
Although leopard geckos do not require a very huge enclosure, the more area you provide them, the more you will be able to enjoy watching them move around. These geckos are most active in the nights and mornings, which not only makes them ideal pets for individuals who are preoccupied during the day but also makes them convenient for people who work during the day.
1. Leopard geckos
Unlike most of the other gecko species on this list, cannot climb vertical surfaces. They spend their time at the bottom of their box, making it much simpler to maintain their environment.Care for a leopard gecko does not require a lot of money, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Some morphs come at a higher cost than others, but ultimately, deciding which morph to purchase is up to you. One drawback of leopard geckos is that they have a propensity to lose their tails more frequently than other species.
This indicates that you must use caution when handling them and take measures to ensure that nothing in their terrarium topples over. Having said that, you won’t have to worry about this issue if you practice good husbandry. In the event of an accident in which its tail is severed, it will regrow, and the animal will not be harmed as a result of this in the long run.
In general, leopard geckos are considered to be one of the greatest pet geckos that can be purchased, making them an excellent choice to kick off this list.
2. Crested Gecko
Before its rediscovery in 1994, it was believed that this particular gecko species had become extinct. These one-of-a-kind lizards are now widely available from various breeders and pet retailers because they were bred successfully in captivity. Because they can be maintained at room temperature and have a stunning appearance, as well as a variety of color patterns, crested geckos are an excellent choice for first-time owners of lizards as pets.
Crested geckos are surprisingly tolerant of being handled. However, despite their size, these lizards are excellent climbers. Crested geckos have microscopic hairs called setae covering the bottom of their tails and all of their toes, which gives them the ability to grip smooth surfaces. Crested gecko tails are also covered in setae. Because of this, they need a very tall aquarium with lots of branches in it so that they can climb.
Their habitat requirements are simpler than those of the vast majority of other species often kept as pets. It is possible to keep crested geckos at room temperature; however, it is recommended to avoid keeping them in extremely hot or cold temperatures. This species does not require UVB light. Despite this, they still need to take a calcium pill and multivitamin powder in addition to the live insects that make up their diet.
3. African Fat-tailed Geckos
The fat-tailed gecko is endemic to West Africa. These geckos have a pattern on their bodies consisting of beige and brown bands, and some of them have a white stripe that runs the length of their body. They have placid attitudes and move more gradually when being handled, making them ideal candidates for keeping as pets.
The fat-tailed gecko has a reputation for being more skittish than other species of gecko. Because they do not generally make jerky movements, these geckos might be better suited for youngsters to handle than other species of geckos. There is no need to provide a UVB light for fat-tailed geckos; they should be kept out of direct sunlight.
The height of the cage is not a worry for this species because it does not climb very high; nonetheless, the relative humidity in the enclosure should be kept between 50 and 70 percent at all times. A meal of insects that have been coated with a calcium or mineral powder can be used to feed fat-tailed geckos, precisely as it is used to feed leopard geckos.
Is a Gecko Complicated Pet to Care for?
Have you thought about whether you will be able to provide the necessary care for a gecko before you begin to consider the species of the gecko to bring into your home? Even though they don’t need as much care as dogs or cats, true reptiles nevertheless need to be managed daily. They won’t mind being left alone at all, unlike a dog, even if you have to leave for work in the middle of the day. Nevertheless, even taking a short trip for a few days can be challenging because of them. A neighbor may be more than willing to look after your plants or a hamster, but they may be reluctant to look after a lizard that you have. Since most geckos require a diet that contains a significant amount of live insects, you will need to stock your home with live crickets or roaches. In addition, highly young children are not the best candidates for keeping geckos as pets.
If you are certain that you will be able to devote the time and energy necessary to care for a reptile, then you will need to select one species of gecko from among the many that are discussed above.
Is It Possible to Tame the Gecko?
Reptiles, including geckos, are not the same as cats or dogs; therefore, you cannot really treat this as a pet that you may play with or hug. It is preferable to leave them in their terrariums and observe them from a safe distance. However, if you genuinely want to be able to hold your pet or if you are acquiring it for a child, then a leopard gecko may be the appropriate gecko for you. Leos tolerate a light amount of touching and will generally sit calmly on your hand if you take care not to startle them.