How to Take Care of a Skunk Gecko

Skunk geckos are small geckos that get their name from the single white stripe that runs up their back and crests in a V-shape behind each ear. The rest of their body is a green or brown color, and skunk geckos have special sticky toe pads that allow them to climb various surfaces including glass. Skunk geckos are also called white-lined geckos and are easy to take care of, with the enclosure set-up and high humidity being the most vital aspect of their care.

Things You'll Need

  • 25-gallon tank with secure screen lid
  • Coconut fiber bedding
  • Decorations
  • 2 Heat lamps
  • Red night bulb
  • Thermometer
  • Mister
  • Hygrometer
  • Insects and worms
  • Supplements
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a clean, 25-gallon tank with a secure screen lid. Because skunk geckos are expert climbers, a secure lid is necessary to prevent them from escaping. The screen lid will also allow for adequate ventilation in the gecko enclosure, allowing the gecko to breathe and reducing odors and bacteria. A 25-gallon tank is big enough for two or three female skunk geckos or a pair of skunk geckos; males shouldn't be kept together because they could fight.

    • 2

      Cover the enclosure's bottom with coconut fiber. Coconut fiber is sold in dense bricks at pet stores and garden centers. One brick is enough, because the brick will expand to three times its size when it is moistened as per directions.

    • 3

      Place decorations throughout the tank. Decorations can include branches or logs, as well as artificial plants. Skunk geckos like to climb, so they should have plenty of tall decorations to climb on and hide in or under.

    • 4

      Put the two heat lamps on the lid on the same side of the cage. One heat lamp should have a red night bulb instead of a regular heat bulb. The regular heat lamp should be on during the day to keep the temperature between 82 and 85 degrees. The red night bulb should be turned on at night to keep the skunk gecko warm but without the extra light. At night, the temperature should be between 70 and 75 degrees. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.

    • 5

      Provide a basking area directly under the heat lamp. The gecko will need a branch under the heat lamp where it can lay for warmth.

    • 6

      Mist the skunk gecko heavily with water every night. A heavy misting will leave droplets on the glass of the cage, moisten the coconut husk and allow water to settle in the crevices of your decorations. These droplets are how the skunk geckos will drink, and it will also keep the humidity high. Humidity can be measured with a hygrometer. Skunk geckos need high humidity between 65 and 75 percent.

    • 7

      Feed the skunk geckos every other day; every day if they are babies. The skunk gecko can be fed crickets, roaches, silk worms or mealworms. Once each week the insects should be dusted with a supplement that provides the gecko with calcium and vitamins.