How to Care for a Tokay Gecko

If you're looking for a pet that's fascinating to watch but that does not have to be handled, a Tokay Gecko might be the pet for you. They're fairly low maintenance and easy to care for, but are unbelievably ferocious when handled. We're going to look at a few tips that will help you and your Tokay Gecko reach an arrangement that will benefit you both.

Things You'll Need

  • A Tokay Gecko
  • A habitat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Like many reptiles, a Tokay Gecko needs to have a proper habitat, first and foremost. An aquarium is well-suited to the gecko, and while a 10-gallon tank will work for a single animal, a minimum of a 20-gallon tank should be used for a pair. You should never keep two male geckos in the same enclosure, as they will fight.

    • 2

      Make sure your geckos are warm enough. Heating pads are sold in most pet stores, and will need to be put underneath the tank on one side. During the day, the hot side of the habitat should be between 75 and 85 degrees; drop the temperature at night, to around 70 degrees. The humidity should also be kept fairly high to maintain the proper conditioning for your gecko's skin.

    • 3

      Your gecko should have plenty of places to hide in his habitat, on both the side with and without the heating unit. They will also need to have plenty of branches and shelves to climb on.

    • 4

      A gecko can be fed mainly on wax worms, meal worms and crickets, with crickets being the staple of the diet. Adult geckos should be fed 5 days a week, and feedings should be supplemented with a vitamin powder.

    • 5

      It is possible to get a Tokay gecko accustomed to being handled, but don't plan on getting to that point easily and without getting bitten a few times. If you have this in mind for your gecko, the younger they are when you begin handling them the better off you both will be. Always use gloves when reaching into the habitat.