Geckos are true humble Pets that are perfect even for those who have never had an animal. They are silent, odorless, do not require complicated care, take up a minimum of space and are completely non-allergenic. And they are also adorable: large eyes without eyelids, velvet tail and plastic movements, which you want to watch for hours.
The most popular for keeping at home is the leopard gecko. He is small (up to 20-25 cm), mottled, tame and very calm. Unlike many reptiles, is not frightened of people, can sit on the palm of your hand, study the space and even recognize its owner. In addition, it leads an evening and nocturnal lifestyle – so it will be a particularly pleasant companion for “owls”.
What a gecko needs to live
A large terrarium is not necessary for comfortable keeping of a gecko – a volume of 40-50 liters with horizontal placement is enough. Inside there should be a warm zone with heating (thermocover or lamp), where the temperature is 30-32°C during the day and decreases to 22-24°C at night. This allows the animal to choose its own comfortable temperature.
As a substrate, it is better to use coconut soil or a special mat. Sand is not recommended – it can cause digestive problems. In the terrarium must necessarily be two shelters (in the warm and cool part) and a moist shelter for molting – with moss or moistened paper. The humidity in this shelter should be high (60-80%), while the total humidity in the terrarium should be moderate, about 40-50%.
A bowl of water, a place for calcium and cleanliness of the space are also mandatory. If you adhere to these simple conditions – the gecko will feel calm, will be active and healthy.
What to feed and how to care for
Feeding a gecko is one of the key points of care, but it’s actually quite simple if you know the basic rules. In nature, geckos are predators: they hunt small insects, focusing on movement. That’s why in home conditions they need live food that stimulates natural behavior and provides a healthy appetite.
Crickets form the basis of the diet – they are the most nutritious, available, mobile and well digested. Turkmen or marbled cockroaches, mealworms, wax moths or white grub worms (superworms) may also be offered. Some species of geckos may also eat fruit puree or special gecko mixes from time to time (especially eublepharans are rarely interested in non-coma), but for the leopard gecko, live food is the base.
Insects can be bought in pet stores, ordered online, or grown on your own – for example, keep a small colony of crickets or cockroaches at home. Before giving food to a gecko, it should be sprinkled with a special vitamin-calcium powder. This is extremely important – without calcium, the gecko quickly develops metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal. It is better to alternate two types of supplements: one day – pure calcium, the other – calcium with vitamin D3.
Feed the gecko 3-4 times a week, depending on age, temperature in the terrarium and appetite. Young individuals – more often, adults – less often. If the gecko is full, it will simply not react to insects. All food remains should be removed after 10-15 minutes to avoid stress for the animal (e.g. if crickets crawl on it at night).
Water must be available at all times. To do this, use a shallow bowl with clean water, which is changed daily. Water should be at room temperature, without chlorine – it can be filtered or filtered water.
As for hygiene – everything is simple. Gecko does not need walking, combing or bathing. He molts on his own – and for this he only needs a wet stash. It is important to keep the terrarium clean: clean the excrement daily, change the water, wash the bottom and accessories every few weeks. By following these simple rules, your gecko will be healthy, active and happy for years to come.
Gecko character and behavior
Gecko does not bark, does not meow, does not chew and does not disturb – but carefully observes everything that happens around. This is a calm, non-conflict animal that does not show aggression even in stressful situations. Bites or scratches are rare, and then only in the case of rough treatment or fear. In most cases, the gecko behaves restrained, cautious, even a little phlegmatic.
He quickly gets used to the presence of man, recognizes the smell of hands and can sit quietly on the palm, crawl on the sleeve or shoulder. But it is important to remember: the gecko does not need daily contact. It is not social in the classic sense, like a dog or parrot. It should be perceived as a small intelligent neighbor – who will be grateful for warmth, care and a little space, but will not impose communication when you are tired or busy.
What’s especially appealing about geckos is their ritualistic nature: slow exploration of space, quiet movement, and elegant behavior at night. In the evening, the gecko can watch you from the terrarium, like a small guard, and in the morning peacefully sleep in your favorite hiding place. It doesn’t make noise, doesn’t smell, doesn’t get dirty and doesn’t require attention – perfect for people with busy schedules or those who appreciate peace and quiet in the home.
Geckos are good even for children (under adult supervision) – they arouse curiosity, teach neatness and responsibility, and are absolutely safe. Most importantly, they will never betray trust if treated with respect. It is a silent but deep friendship that requires no words.
Conclusion
Gecko is living minimalism. Restrained, beautiful and self-sufficient. It will decorate the room, expand the idea of the animal world and give a special sense of calm. If you want a pet that asks nothing, but sincerely pleases – try a gecko. And, perhaps, it is he who will become your unique friend.
