Are you looking to bring home a new pet gecko but don’t know where to start? With so many species and morphs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you.
Geckos are fascinating creatures that make great pets for beginners. With their unique personalities, ease of care, and diverse array of species and morphs, geckos can be a wonderful addition to any household. However, not all geckos are created equal, and some require more specialized care than others.
So, to answer your question..
The best gecko for beginners is generally considered to be the leopard gecko. They are easy to care for, have a docile temperament, and are widely available in the pet trade.
In this blog post, we will explore the best geckos for beginners and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll cover the most popular species for beginners, including their care requirements, temperament, and overall suitability as pets. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each species and provide you with tips on how to create the best possible environment for your new gecko.
Owning a Gecko As Beginner
Owning a gecko can be a rewarding experience for beginners interested in keeping reptiles as pets. However, before bringing a gecko home, it’s important to do your research and prepare properly. Some important things to consider include the type of gecko you want to own, their specific needs and requirements for housing, heating, lighting, and feeding, and any potential health concerns that may arise.
To prepare for owning a gecko, beginners should invest in the right equipment and supplies, such as a properly sized terrarium or vivarium, a heating and lighting setup, and the appropriate substrate and decorations for their gecko’s habitat. It’s also important to establish a regular feeding schedule and to have a basic understanding of your gecko’s nutritional needs. Additionally, it’s recommended to find a reputable veterinarian who specializes in reptile care in case your gecko develops any health issues.
Best Geckos for Beginners
Geckos are a popular choice for beginner reptile owners due to their low maintenance requirements and docile temperament. However, with so many different types of geckos to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which species is best suited for you. In this article, we will discuss the most popular geckos for beginners and why they are a great choice.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular gecko species kept as pets. They are relatively easy to care for, have a calm temperament, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Leopard geckos are also hardy, making them a great choice for first-time reptile owners.
Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are another popular choice for beginner reptile owners. They are easy to care for, have a gentle temperament, and are known for their distinctive, crested appearance. Crested geckos are also nocturnal, making them a great choice for those who work during the day.
Gargoyle Gecko
Gargoyle geckos are similar to crested geckos in appearance and temperament, making them a great choice for beginners. They are also hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Leopard Gecko Characteristics
Leopard geckos have a distinctive, spotted pattern on their skin, which gives them their name. They are typically yellow or tan in color with black spots, and some leopard geckos may have a pink or orange hue. Leopard geckos are relatively small, typically growing to between 8-10 inches in length.
When it comes to temperament, leopard geckos are generally docile and easy to handle, making them a great pet for first-time reptile owners. Moreover, leopard geckos are primarily active at night and tend to sleep during the day. They prefer to hide in crevices or under rocks during daylight hours. One thing you should know too is that leopard geckos have the ability to shed their tails as a defense mechanism when threatened. This allows them to escape predators.
Leopard Gecko Care
Leopard geckos need a habitat that is at least 20 gallons in size. They prefer a temperature range of 75-85°F during the day, with a drop to around 70°F at night. The enclosure should include a hiding place, a water dish, and a heat source such as an under-tank heating pad.
The substrate (material lining the bottom of the enclosure) should be soft and easily digestible. Suitable options include coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or paper towels. Also, leopard geckos do not require UVB lighting, but they do benefit from a source of heat and light, such as a basking bulb.
Leopard Gecko Feeding
Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means they mainly eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Adult leopard geckos should be fed every other day, while younger geckos may require daily feedings. It’s essential to dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement before feeding them to your leopard gecko. Don’t forget to provide fresh water in a shallow dish and change it daily.
Crested Gecko Characteristics
Crested geckos are a small to medium-sized species of gecko, typically growing up to 8 inches in length. They are known for their distinctive, crested appearance, which runs down the length of their body and along their head. Crested geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns, with some specimens even having bioluminescent stripes. They are nocturnal and prefer to spend their days hiding in cool, dark places.
Crested Gecko Care
Crested geckos require a terrarium or vivarium with plenty of hiding places, such as branches, plants, and caves. A substrate of coconut fiber or sphagnum moss should be used, as it helps maintain humidity levels in the enclosure. Crested geckos thrive in temperatures between 72-80°F during the day and 65-75°F at night, with a humidity level of 50-70%.
Crested Gecko Feeding
Crested geckos are omnivorous, meaning they eat both insects and fruits. A diet consisting of commercially available crested gecko diet, supplemented with insects such as crickets or mealworms, is recommended. Fresh fruits, such as mangoes or bananas, can also be offered as a treat. Juvenile crested geckos should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day.
Gargoyle Gecko Characteristics
Gargoyle geckos are medium-sized lizards, typically growing to between 7-10 inches in length. They have a distinctive, bumpy texture to their skin and come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and green. Gargoyle geckos are primarily nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. During the day, they prefer to hide in crevices or under rocks to avoid direct sunlight.
Also, Gargoyle geckos are known for their calm and gentle demeanor. They are relatively easy to handle and rarely show aggression towards humans. Like all reptiles, gargoyle geckos shed their skin periodically. This is a natural process that helps them to grow and stay healthy.
Gargoyle Gecko Care
Gargoyle geckos require a habitat that is at least 20 gallons in size. The enclosure should have a hiding place, a water dish, and a heat source such as an under-tank heating pad. The temperature should be between 72-80°F during the day and drop to around 65-70°F at night. Moreover, the substrate (the material lining the bottom of the enclosure) should be soft and easily digested, such as coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or paper towels.
Also, Gargoyle geckos do not require UVB lighting, but they do benefit from a source of heat and light, such as a basking bulb.
Gargoyle Gecko Feeding
Gargoyle geckos are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms, as well as fruit. Remember, adult gargoyle geckos should be fed every other day, while younger geckos may require daily feedings. Offer a variety of insects and fruit to ensure they receive a balanced diet.
Difference of Gargoyle, Leopard and Crested Geckos
Leopard geckos are known for their distinctive, spotted pattern on their skin, while crested geckos have a more smooth, scaled appearance and come in a variety of colors. Gargoyle geckos have a bumpy texture to their skin and also come in a variety of colors.
Size
Leopard geckos are relatively small, typically growing to between 8-10 inches in length. Crested geckos are slightly larger, growing to around 8-12 inches, while gargoyle geckos are similar in size to crested geckos.
Temperament
Leopard geckos and crested geckos are generally docile and easy to handle, making them a great pet for first-time reptile owners. Gargoyle geckos are also docile, but may be more easily stressed than other species.
Diet
Leopard geckos are insectivores and mainly eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Crested and gargoyle geckos are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes live insects, as well as fruit and a prepared diet.
Housing
Leopard geckos need a habitat that is at least 20 gallons in size, while crested and gargoyle geckos require a slightly larger enclosure. The temperature and humidity requirements vary between species.
Care
Each species has specific care requirements, such as substrate type, lighting, and humidity levels. It’s important to research and understand these requirements before bringing a gecko home as a pet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several gecko species that are suitable for beginners, each with their unique characteristics and care requirements. However, the leopard gecko is often considered the best choice for beginners due to its docile temperament, relatively easy care needs, and small size. Leopard geckos are insectivores and require a habitat with a heat source, hiding places, and a substrate that is easy to clean.
Additionally, they are relatively easy to handle and rarely show aggression towards humans. Ultimately, it’s important for beginners to do their research and choose a gecko species that aligns with their lifestyle and interests to ensure a happy and healthy pet-owner relationship.
Read More:
