Geckos are considered one of the most desirable species of pet lizards. They are really interesting to look at, and most of them are very easy to care for, especially for someone who is just beginning their interest in reptiles. You might be wondering, given that there are 1,800+ different kinds of geckos around the world, which of these gecko species is best suitable for keeping as a pet?
Leopard Geckos or Leos are considered one of the best species of geckos that may be kept as a pet. It is because these geckos are the most popular and easy-to-care-for pet reptiles.
Because they’re so common, it’s easy to learn how to care for them. In addition to being robust and easy to care for, this makes them among the finest geckos for beginner reptile owners.
Continue reading to find out which of these Geckos’ requirements align most closely with yours and which would make the most suitable pet gecko for you!
What Does a Gecko Look Like?
Geckos are stout, fairly sized lizards with smooth skin, huge heads and eyes, and moderately sized bodies. A lot of species can climb straight up because their feet are sticky. There are many gecko species, and many like climbing trees, walls, and cliffs.
The vast majority of species are nocturnal, which implies that they are awake throughout the night but sleep during the day. Because of this, their eyes are so large, which gives them an advantage when it comes to seeing in the dark.
Gekkonidae is a family of wall-climbing species that may be discovered in every region of the planet. There are more than 900 species within this family of lizards, including tokay, day, and house geckos.
The Eublepharidae family comprises eyelid geckos and may be discovered on every planet. This family contains Chinese Cave, Leopard, and African fat-tailed geckos.
There are just approximately 25 different species that belong to the family Eublepharidae, yet they are one of a kind because they have eyelids that can close. Stone and wall-climbing animals have a spectacle that prevents them from blinking. Instead, they clean their eyes by licking them with their long, round tongues.
Even though there are hundreds of incredible geckos worldwide, only a few are suitable for keeping as pets. Each species has specific requirements for its care in captivity and may tolerate varying degrees of interaction with humans.
Below is a list of some of the best geckos to keep as pets, how to take care of them, and which is best suited.
The Best Geckos as Pets
Terrestrial animals live on land, and some dwell underground. Terrestrial geckos have bodies designed for land. They don’t have “sticky” toe pads like their cousins who live in trees. Instead of toes, they have tiny claws on the bottoms of their feet.
Geckos that live on land need cages that are wider or longer than big. They should have hides, longs, and other exciting items in their enclosures to run, climb, and investigate.
Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are the lizards that everyone loves the most. This is because they make great pets, particularly for beginners and youngsters seeking their very first pet lizard.
These cute tiny geckos are simple to care for, entertaining to play with, and will chirp and squeak to grab your attention when they need something. Additionally, they have cute tiny faces, and it is a delight to watch them run about their cage having fun or hunt the live feeders there for them.
Because of their high demand, leopard geckos have been subjected to selective breeding to produce various morphs. They can have an almost transparent color: yellow with black markings, white with black markings, solid colored with no markings, or solid colored and white with black patterns.
Crested Gecko
The crested gecko is the second most common gecko to own after the leopard gecko, which is very popular. They are charming little creatures who would make excellent pets because of their high level of interaction. Their names come from the little crests running down their bodies’ sides and around the edges of their eyebrows.
They are nocturnal geckos and adore running and jumping about in their habitat. You will like handling them since they move slowly until when they jump. If you’re not cautious, they’ll hop from one hand to the next or even from one hand to your face.
Crested geckos are simple to care for and require simple setups and substrate, making them perfect for beginners. However, for them to obtain most of the water they require, they need to have a daily misting of lukewarm water applied.
African Fat-tailed Geckos
The fat-tailed gecko is a species that can only be found in West Africa. Some of these geckos have a white stripe along the length of their bodies. They are calm and move slowly, making them perfect pets.
The reputation of the fat-tailed gecko as a species that is more wary than other types of gecko is well-deserved. In contrast to other gecko species, these geckos do not often exhibit jerky movements; as a result, younger children may find it easier to handle them. It is not necessary to offer a UVB lamp for fat-tailed geckos; rather, they should be shielded from sunlight.
This species does not climb very high; thus, the cage height is not a concern. However, the relative humidity should be kept between 50 and 70%. As with leopard geckos, fat-tailed geckos can be fed insects coated with calcium or mineral powder.
Frog-Eyed Gecko
At first sight, Frog-Eyes appear to be extremely similar to the Leopard Gecko, which is more well-known. On the other hand, they are more robust and do not include bright designs.
They often have a coloration that is between yellow-tan and white. They have brown and pale skin spots all over their backs and heads. In order to maintain their health and happiness, a beginner will have to maintain their cage at a temperature ranging from 84 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you get this animal as a pet, you’ll soon find out that it likes to run to the edge of its cage and look out at the world. Their owners highly regard this aspect of their personality.
Chinese Cave Gecko
Chinese cave geckos are becoming more popular as pets. This is because they make beautiful pets. The only distinguishing feature between them and leopard geckos and African fat-tailed geckos is the coloration of their bodies.
These geckos look awesome, almost like the cool cousin of the goofy leopard gecko. They are available in various colors, such as gray with yellow and black banding, speckled gray and black with red markings, solid black with red patterns, and so on. These geckos are works of art in terms of their appearance.
They are simple to care for, consume the same food as leopard geckos, and have the same handling needs as leopard geckos. The most notable distinction is the cost because they are not as widely available.
Choosing the Most Appropriate One for You
Leopard and African Fat-tailed geckos are by far the most friendly species.
Some infants require a little more attention to become comfortable handling, but they rapidly bond with adults and make wonderful pets. Geckos like these don’t bite very often, and their movement is lovely and leisurely. Because of this, they are great for families with kids who want to teach them about reptiles.
The one drawback is that they may lose their tails if held too firmly; thus, youngsters need to be taught how to hold them properly, so they do not lose their tails.
Crested and Leopard geckos are the most common types of pet geckos.
Both species may be purchased for less than $100 at most pet stores. They are available in various colours and patterns, giving you a wide range of options. Finally, both species have an average lifespan of over 20 years! It is a gratifying experience to have a cute little pet for a considerable amount of time.
A leopard gecko will win over anyone wary of reptiles. Everyone likes them because of their big, round eyes and constant smile. The African fat-tail is a good choice if you want a pet gecko that isn’t as common as the Leopard species but is still calm and easy to care for.