Thinking of getting a gecko as a pet? Great choice. These fascinating little reptiles have a way of charming even the most die-hard dog or cat lovers. But while geckos might not fetch your slippers or purr on your lap, they absolutely make up for it with their unique behaviors, vibrant colors, and relatively low-maintenance lifestyle.
That said, “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” Like all pets, geckos have very specific needs—especially when it comes to their environment, diet, and handling. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reptile keeper, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to take care of a pet gecko.
Popular Pet Gecko Species
Not all geckos are created equal. Some are easygoing and beginner-friendly, while others need more advanced care. Here are the most popular species you’ll find in the pet gecko trade:
Leopard Gecko
- Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
- Lifespan: 10–20 years
- Size: 7–10 inches
- Temperament: Docile, easy to handle
- Best For: Beginners
Leopard geckos are often the first choice for new reptile owners. They don’t require high humidity, are active during dusk and dawn (crepuscular), and they’re generally very tolerant of handling.
Crested Gecko
- Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Size: 8 inches
- Temperament: Curious and gentle
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate keepers
Crested geckos are known for their expressive faces and sticky toe pads that let them climb glass. Unlike leopard geckos, they thrive in a more humid environment.
Tokay Gecko
- Scientific Name: Gekko gecko
- Lifespan: 10–20 years
- Size: 10–14 inches
- Temperament: Aggressive, not ideal for handling
- Best For: Experienced keepers
Bright blue with red spots and a serious attitude, Tokay geckos are stunning but not the best cuddle buddies. Their bite is no joke, so hands-off admiration is key.
Gargoyle Gecko
- Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus auriculatus
- Lifespan: 15–20 years
- Size: 8–10 inches
- Temperament: Generally calm
- Best For: Intermediate keepers
These geckos are named for the bony bumps on their heads, resembling—you guessed it—a gargoyle. They’re arboreal and do well in tall, humid enclosures.
Day Gecko
- Scientific Name: Phelsuma spp.
- Lifespan: 6–10 years
- Size: 4–12 inches, depending on species
- Temperament: Active and visual, but fragile and not suitable for handling
- Best For: Display-focused reptile enthusiasts
Day geckos are known for their gorgeous neon colors and diurnal lifestyle—they’re most active during the day, making them a delight to observe. However, their delicate skin and high stress levels mean they’re more of a “look but don’t touch” pet. They require high humidity and UVB lighting.
Common House Gecko
- Scientific Name: Hemidactylus frenatus
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
- Size: 3–6 inches
- Temperament: Flighty and skittish
- Best For: Beginner reptile keepers looking for low-cost care
Often found climbing walls in warmer climates, common house geckos are adaptable and hardy. While not the most interactive pet, they’re fun to watch and fairly easy to care for. They do best in a vertical enclosure with places to climb and hide, and moderate humidity levels.
Gecko Behavior: What to Expect
Understanding your gecko’s behavior helps you create a better home and bond more easily. Here are a few things you might notice:
- No eyelids: Most geckos (except leopard geckos) lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist.
- Tail dropping (autotomy): If threatened or stressed, some species may drop their tail. It’ll grow back, but it’s a stressful experience for them.
- Nocturnal or crepuscular: Most geckos are active at night or during dawn and dusk.
- Wall-crawling: Thanks to special toe pads, many geckos can climb vertical surfaces, including glass.
Housing Your Gecko
Each species has its preferences, but there are a few universal housing rules.
Enclosure Size
- Leopard Geckos: 20-gallon tank minimum for 1 adult
- Crested & Gargoyle Geckos: 18x18x24” vertical terrarium
- Tokay Geckos: 20-gallon tall tank or larger
- Day Geckos: 18x18x24” or larger vertical terrarium with dense foliage and vertical surfaces
- Common House Geckos: 10–20-gallon vertical tank or 12x12x18” terrarium for a single gecko
Substrate Options
- Safe Options: Paper towels (for quarantine or simple cleaning), reptile carpet, coconut fiber, or bioactive substrates with a drainage layer
- Avoid: Sand (especially for leopard geckos), cedar or pine shavings, or any substrate that can cause impaction
Hides and Decor
- Leopard Geckos: Ground-level hides and a moist hide
- Crested, Gargoyle, Tokay, Day, House Geckos: Branches, cork bark, vines, hanging plants, vertical and horizontal hiding spaces
Day geckos and house geckos especially benefit from a lush, naturalistic setup. Live plants, vertical cork rounds, and lots of leafy coverage help reduce stress.
Heating and Humidity
Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to regulate body temperature. Getting the heat and humidity right is crucial.
Temperature Gradient
| Species | Day Temp | Basking Spot | Night Temp |
| Leopard Gecko | 88–92°F | 90–95°F | 70–75°F |
| Crested/Gargoyle | 72–78°F | Not needed | 65–72°F |
| Tokay Gecko | 80–90°F | 95°F | 70–75°F |
| Day Gecko | 75–85°F | 88–92°F | 70–75°F |
| House Gecko | 75–85°F | 90°F | 70–75°F |
- Day geckos and house geckos are diurnal and require UVB lighting
- Use a low-wattage heat bulb or ceramic heat emitter for basking spots in arboreal setups
Humidity
| Species | Ideal Humidity |
| Leopard Gecko | 30–40% |
| Crested/Gargoyle | 50–70% |
| Tokay Gecko | 60–80% |
| Day Gecko | 60–80% |
| House Gecko | 60–70% |
- Misting once or twice daily helps maintain humidity for arboreal species
- A hygrometer is a must-have to ensure levels stay in range
- For dry climates, consider a small reptile fogger or live plants
What Do Geckos Eat?
Geckos are either insectivores or omnivores, depending on the species.
Insectivores
Leopard, Tokay, House Geckos
- Staples: Crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae
- Occasional treats: Waxworms, mealworms, superworms
- Supplement: Dust with calcium (no D3 5x/week, with D3 2x/week) and a multivitamin once a week
House geckos and Tokays are very quick hunters—feeding them at night often mimics their natural hunting instincts.
Omnivores
Crested, Gargoyle, Day Geckos
- Staples: Commercial powdered diets like Repashy or Pangea (formulated for fruit-eating geckos)
- Fruit Treats: Mashed mango, banana, or peach (occasionally)
- Insects (Optional): Small crickets or roaches 1–2x per week for enrichment
Day geckos tend to lap up fruit mixes and nectar more than insects, but they’ll still chase a cricket now and then. Just be mindful of feeder size—they have delicate mouths.
Handling Your Gecko
Geckos aren’t cuddlebugs, but many species tolerate or even enjoy gentle handling—if done right.
Tips for Successful Handling:
- Always wash your hands first and avoid strong scents
- Let your gecko walk on your hand rather than grabbing it
- Start with short sessions and build trust over time
- Never pull a gecko by the tail—some species will drop it as a defense mechanism
Leopard geckos are the most handle-friendly. Crested geckos are jumpers, so always be prepared. Day and house geckos are best treated as display pets and not handled unless absolutely necessary.
Common Health Issues
A healthy gecko is alert, eats regularly, and sheds in one piece. Watch out for the following red flags:
- Impaction: Often caused by eating loose substrate or undigestible food. Look for bloating and lack of poop.
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency. Signs include limb deformities, lethargy, and tremors.
- Stuck Shed: Happens when humidity is too low. Stuck skin on toes or tail can lead to loss of digits.
- Parasites: Weight loss and lethargy despite eating may signal internal parasites.
If you spot anything unusual, consult a reptile-savvy veterinarian—regular dog and cat vets may not be equipped to help.
Final Thoughts: Is a Gecko Right for You?
Geckos are captivating, low-noise, and space-efficient pets that fit into many lifestyles. They’re especially ideal for people who want a pet but have limited space or time. But like any animal, they deserve proper care, attention, and respect for their unique needs.
If you’re willing to invest in the right setup, stick to a feeding and heating routine, and handle them with patience, geckos can make absolutely wonderful companions.
Quick Gecko Care Checklist
- Choose the right species for your experience level
- Provide proper housing with heat gradient and humidity
- Feed appropriate insects or prepared food with supplements
- Handle gently and consistently (depending on species)
- Watch for signs of illness and provide vet care as needed