HOUSE GECKO
- Common house geckos reach an adult length of 3-5 inches (total length).
- Their color varies from a yellowish tan color with darker spots or blotches in the light to a pale greyish-white; they often appear paler at night.
- They have specialized toe pads that allow them to effortlessly move along vertical surfaces and upside down.
- Typically live 5-10 years in captivity.
Diet
A house gecko’s diet will consist mainly of small crickets and mealworms. Juvenile house geckos should eat four to five small crickets every day. Adults can be fed a few more crickets per feeding three or four times per week. Mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and other small insects and worms may be fed as a treat.
A calcium/vitamin D3 supplement should be dusted over the crickets at least twice a week to ensure proper vitamin intake for your gecko. Prey should also be gut loaded before feeding to your pet.
Though house geckos prefer to drink water droplets from plants and other decor, a dish of fresh water should still be available at all times.
Housing
A ten gallon tank is sufficient for one to two adult house geckos. These geckos are mostly arboreal and like to spend their time in trees and shrubbery so provide plenty of decorations such as plants, cork bark, drift wood, and rocks to give your house gecko areas to climb and hide.
A daytime temperature gradient of 75-90 degrees should be provided, with a drop at nigh to 65-75 degrees. Heat can be provided via a ceramic heat element, a reptile heat lamp, or heat mat under the terrarium. A red night time bulb can be used for heat at night. House geckos are nocturnal and do not require UVB lighting, but it is still recommended for the overall health of your pet.
House geckos need a moderate to high humidity level; aim for 60-75 percent relative humidity (use a hygrometer to measure). Provide humidity with regular misting; the geckos will likely drink from water droplets left from the mist.
Handling & Care
House geckos are mild mannered and will tolerate small amounts of handling, though they may squeak in protest while being held. They will easily drop their tail if handled incorrectly. Be careful to keep a good hold on them though! They are masters of climbing and are easily lost if dropped.
Spot cleaning by removing feces once a week will ensure a healthy, clean environment but bedding should be thrown away and the entire cage and decorations wiped clean once every month.
Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap after handling any animal.
Health
House geckos are prone to gastro-intestinal diseases caused by internal parasites, symptoms including runny or smeared stool around the vent area. Metabolic bone disease and respiratory problems can also cause problems in house geckos. Be sure to contact your local vet if you’re concerned about your gecko’s health.
