Geckos as Pets: Types, Care Tips & Why They’re Perfect for Beginners
When people think of beginner-friendly reptiles, geckos are often at the top of the list as pets. These small, hardy lizards are known for their gentle temperament, fascinating appearance, and relatively easy care requirements compared to other reptiles. For families, first-time reptile keepers, or even experienced herpetology enthusiasts, geckos offer a unique combination of low-maintenance care and engaging behavior.
According to PetMD, geckos are one of the most commonly kept reptiles in the United States due to their docile nature and adaptability in captivity. With more than 1,500 species worldwide, only a handful are regularly kept as pets, each offering unique traits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular gecko species for beginners, essential care tips, health considerations, and why geckos are considered one of the best starter reptiles.
For readers considering reptiles for the first time, it’s helpful to also explore small-pet care, like our guide on small pets that make great companions.
Popular Types of Pet Geckos
Not all geckos are ideal for beginners. Here are the most commonly recommended pet species:
Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
- Why they’re popular: Hardy, easy to handle, and thrive in simple setups.
- Size: 7–10 inches.
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care.
- Special trait: Unlike most geckos, they have eyelids, making them easier to observe and care for.
Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
- Why they’re popular: Arboreal (tree-dwelling), don’t require live insects daily due to powdered diets.
- Size: 7–9 inches.
- Lifespan: 15–20 years.
- Special trait: “Eyelash-like” projections above their eyes.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
- Why they’re popular: Similar to leopard geckos but with a thicker tail.
- Size: 8–10 inches.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- Special trait: Calmer temperament, ideal for handling.
Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
- Why they’re unique: Striking blue-gray skin with bright orange spots.
- Size: 10–12 inches.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- Special trait: Beautiful but less beginner-friendly due to aggression.
For families with children considering reptiles, it’s also wise to review our guide on gentle dog breeds to balance reptile and mammal pet dynamics in a household.
Gecko Care Basics for Beginners
Caring for geckos is straightforward if you understand their basic needs:
Housing & Environment
- Tank Size: 10–20 gallons for smaller geckos (Leopard, Crested), larger for arboreal species.
- Temperature:
- Leopard & African Fat-Tailed: 88–90°F basking spot, 75–80°F ambient.
- Crested: 72–78°F, no heating required in most homes.
- Humidity:
- Leopard: 30–40%.
- Crested: 50–70%, with daily misting.
- Substrate: Reptile carpet, paper towels, or bioactive setups for advanced keepers.
Diet & Feeding
- Leopard & Fat-Tailed Geckos: Primarily insectivores (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches).
- Crested Geckos: Special commercial gecko diet (powdered mix) plus occasional insects.
- Tokay Geckos: Insect-heavy diet with occasional pinky mice.
Always dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.
For more detailed nutrition guidance, visit our article on feeding your fur babies, which covers broader pet dietary essentials.
Health Considerations for Pet Geckos
Like all pets, geckos can experience health issues if not properly cared for.
Common Health Problems
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium deficiency. Prevent with supplementation and UVB lighting when needed.
- Parasites: Often contracted from unsanitary feeder insects or improper tank hygiene.
- Respiratory Infections: Usually caused by low temperatures or excessive humidity.
Signs of Illness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen limbs or crooked spine (MBD)
- Wheezing or mucus around the nostrils (respiratory infection)
If these symptoms occur, seek immediate veterinary care. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, early intervention significantly improves recovery outcomes in reptiles.
You may also want to read about Is Gabapentin Safe for Dogs? Vet-Approved — different species, but both highlight how subtle symptoms can indicate larger health problems.
Why Geckos Are Perfect for Beginners
- Low Maintenance: Require less daily care than mammals.
- Docile Temperament: Most are calm and tolerate handling.
- Affordable Care: Basic setup and feeding costs are manageable.
- Educational Value: Great introduction to reptile biology and responsibility.
Veterinarian Dr. Susan Donoghue, co-author of Reptile Medicine and Surgery, notes:
“Species like leopard and crested geckos are among the best reptiles for novice keepers due to their manageable size, diet, and housing needs.”
For households already managing multiple pets, our article on large breed dogs for families can help you choose companions that coexist well with reptiles.
Conclusion
Geckos are an excellent choice for beginners thanks to their manageable size, gentle nature, and straightforward care requirements. By choosing beginner-friendly species like the leopard or crested gecko, new reptile keepers can enjoy years of companionship from these fascinating lizards.
With the right environment, nutrition, and veterinary support, geckos can thrive for over a decade, making them a rewarding long-term commitment.
Explore more pet care insights and safety tips at I Am Pet Lovers.
FAQs About Geckos as Pets
Yes, leopard and crested geckos are gentle and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for supervised children.
Most live 10–20 years with proper care, depending on the species.
Leopard geckos do not require UVB, but providing low-level UVB can improve health. Crested geckos thrive without it, but benefit from natural light cycles.
They eat a mix of insects (like crickets and mealworms) or commercial gecko diets, depending on the species.
No. Initial setup costs range from $100 to $200, and ongoing care is more affordable compared to other exotic pets.
