Is it easy to care for a gecko?
For the species that we work with at Luna Geckos, the answer is generally yes with Leopard and African Fat Tailed Geckos being among the easiest reptiles to maintain. However, there are varying degrees of care associated with the many types of geckos available for captive keeping. In order to be a responsible keeper, you should do research on the care needs of the individual species that you wish to keep.
Do geckos make good pets?
Here at Luna Geckos, we do not have firsthand knowledge of all gecko species. However, for the species that we keep and breed at Luna, the answer is yes. They are generally calm and docile animals that don't mind human interaction. They are not dogs, so petting gives you more joy than it does them. They have unique individual personalities and come in all shapes and sizes. They are fun to watch and hold occasionally.
What do I need as far as housing goes?
Both Leopard and African Fat Tailed Gecko housing is very similar. You need a container with a lid that has the floor dimensions of at least a 10 gallon aquarium, but a 20L is recommended. You will need a food dish, a water dish, a moist hide (mist this hide every few days or as needed based on your individual location), a second hide, substrate such as reptile carpet/newspaper/paper towels/tile/slate/Eco Earth type/etc. Loose substrate such as sand is not recommended as the gecko may eat it and become impacted. Most importantly, you MUST have proper heating. Belly heat via heat tape or under tank heat pads (UTH) is what we use and recommend at Luna. DO NOT use heat rocks! Also overhead light is not necessary, but if you choose to add, low wattage LED on a day/night timer is recommended.
Our adult New Caledonian Geckos are kept in bioactive vivariums. As arboreal species, they need enclosure height and things to climb on and places to hide. Here at Luna our Crested Geckos are housed singularly in 18x18x24 enclosures, our Gargoyle and Sarasinorum Geckos are housed singularly in 18x18x18 enclosures and our Eurydactylodes Geckos are housed in 1.2 groups (1 male and 2 females) in 12x12x18 enclosures. All have full spectrum light (for plant growth) with UVB and are maintained at room temperature of between 72 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our adult New Caledonian Geckos are kept in bioactive vivariums. As arboreal species, they need enclosure height and things to climb on and places to hide. Here at Luna our Crested Geckos are housed singularly in 18x18x24 enclosures, our Gargoyle and Sarasinorum Geckos are housed singularly in 18x18x18 enclosures and our Eurydactylodes Geckos are housed in 1.2 groups (1 male and 2 females) in 12x12x18 enclosures. All have full spectrum light (for plant growth) with UVB and are maintained at room temperature of between 72 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I keep more than one gecko together?
This applies to the species we keep and breed at Luna Geckos. Males absolutely not! They will likely fight and harm or kill each other. Females perhaps, but we recommend housing them singularly. If you do choose to house females together, be sure that they are of similar size and closely monitor their behavior and eating habits to ensure that all are flourishing. At Luna, we house all of our geckos individually, with Eurydactylodes being the exception. Our Eurydactylodes are kept in 1.2 groups (1 male and 2 females) in 12x12x18 bioactive vivariums.
What temperature should I keep the enclosure?
Both Leopard and African Fat Tailed Geckos are similar. Although, African Fat Tailed Geckos like a little more humidity and a couple less degrees than Leopard Geckos. Generally speaking, keep the hot side of the enclosure around 90 - 92 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side in the low to mid 80s. Our New Caledonian Geckos are maintained at room temperature, which generally ranges between 70 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What do I feed my gecko?
Our Leopard Geckos eat almost exclusively Mealworms with an occasional Hornworm, Silkworm or Dubia Roach as a treat. Fussy hatchlings may start out on small Dubia Roaches or Crickets, but are switched to Mealworms as soon as possible. Our African Fat Tailed Geckos start on small Dubia Roaches and baby Crickets. As they grow, they tend to eat Crickets most of the time. Be sure to gut load your feeders and provide calcium and vitamin supplements via dusting!
Our New Caledonian Geckos eat primarily Pangea Complete Diet. We vary the flavors of their Pangea weekly, and we also provide appropriately sized live insects (usually Crickets).
Our New Caledonian Geckos eat primarily Pangea Complete Diet. We vary the flavors of their Pangea weekly, and we also provide appropriately sized live insects (usually Crickets).
How often should I feed my gecko?
Depends on the gecko, but we feed adults every 2 - 3 days. Hatchlings have food available daily. The amount and type of food depends on the gecko. Generally speaking, the quantity of food increases and frequency decreases as they grow.