Gecko Pet Types
Geckos are excellent pets for beginners. They don’t require a lot of maintenance and can survive in a wide variety of climates. However, they do have their own set of challenges. Here are some of the most common gecko pet types and their pros and cons.
Are geckos good pets?
Geckos are great pets for people looking for something easy to care for. They aren’t picky eaters, so you can usually find something that they’ll eat. They’re also easy to transport, making them great candidates for first-time owners. However, they do have their own set of requirements and considerations.
How to choose a gecko
The most difficult part of choosing a gecko is choosing which one you want to get. There are more than 1500 species of geckos, so how do you pick? The first thing you need to know is that most people who keep geckos start with small, inexpensive geckos that don’t eat much. If you’re interested in getting a species of gecko that requires a lot of care, then you should probably start with a larger species. The size of the gecko you select will determine how much care and attention you have to give it. Also, you’ll need to do some research on the gecko to ensure that it’s safe with children and any other pets you have. This means reading up on the species you’re interested in, so you can learn more about it.
Top 5 most common geckos kept as pets
Leopard Geckos
The leopard gecko is a popular pet choice because of its beautiful spotted camouflage. They’re also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for beginners. However, they do require a large enclosure, which can be expensive. They also eat a lot, which can be problematic for people with small apartments. When you’re buying a leopard gecko, be sure to look for one that is mature and has a healthy appearance. A healthy gecko will be robust and energetic.
Crested Geckos
Crested geckos are another popular pet gecko choice. They’re very easy to care for, and they’re inexpensive. However, they’re not as long-lived as the leopard gecko. Their lifespan can be as little as a year or as much as 10 years, so it’s important to do research to make sure that you get a gecko that is right for you. Crested geckos are very social, so make sure you get a gecko that will tolerate being around people and other animals. Also, be sure to get a mature gecko so that it has plenty of experience and is robust enough to handle being handled.
Fat-Tailed Geckos
The fat-tailed gecko is another popular pet gecko choice. They’re very easy to care for and very inexpensive. This makes them an excellent option for the beginner. However, unlike the leopard gecko, the fat-tailed gecko does not require a large enclosure. It also doesn’t eat as much as the leopard gecko, and they don’t tend to live as long. They can get aggressive, so it’s essential to make sure that you get a gecko that is calm and submissive before getting one as a pet. Also, be sure to get a fat-tailed gecko that has been bred in captivity, as wild-caught fat-tailed geckos tend to be more aggressive.
Gargoyle Geckos
The gargoyle gecko is a good option for the experienced gecko keeper. They’re large, which makes them a good choice for those with large apartments. They’re also easy to care for, which makes them a popular choice for those who are experienced with geckos. However, like the fat-tailed gecko, geckos of this species do not require a large enclosure, although you’ll need to provide a larger one than you would for a leopard gecko. Gargoyle geckos tend to be more aggressive than the other pet gecko species, so it’s important to be careful when handling one.
Frog Eyed Geckos
The frog-eyed gecko is another popular choice for the experienced gecko keeper. They’re a bit more expensive than the other species, but they have a more interesting appearance, making them a good choice for those who like unique pets. They also require a larger enclosure than most other gecko species, so they’re not a good choice for those with small apartments. When you’re buying a frog-eyed gecko, be sure to get one that is mature and robust.
Housing your gecko
You need to provide good housing for your gecko, which will be anything from a large enclosure to a simple plastic container. The size of the enclosure will depend on the size of the gecko. For example, a mature leopard gecko will need an enclosure that is at least 3 feet (91.44 cm) by 3 feet (91.44 cm), while a fat-tailed gecko will need a larger enclosure to accommodate its larger size. The type of enclosure you use will also depend on what the gecko eats and whether you plan to use it for passive or active living. Some gecko species, such as the fat-tailed gecko, are excellent jumpers, so you’ll want to ensure that your enclosure is tall enough to accommodate its jumping needs.
Feeding your gecko
You will need to provide a healthy diet for your new gecko, which will include small insects, crickets, and a variety of fish and meaty treats. Feeding your gecko will depend on its species. For example, the leopard gecko requires a lot of food, while the fat-tailed gecko only requires a small amount every week. Your gecko’s diet will also depend on whether it’s a single-housed animal or a social animal. Both species of gecko eat more when they’re single-housed. Also, be careful not to feed your gecko too much, as it can get aggressive when it’s overfed and overstuffed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geckos make for great pets and I have talked a bit about the most common ones, but there are many more available. If you are interested in getting a gecko as a pet, I would recommend starting with a fat-tailed gecko. They are easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They are also very inexpensive, which makes them a great choice for those who are inexperienced with owning pets. If you have more questions. Please leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it as soon as possible.
