The common house gecko has adapted to human dwellings in tropical regions where both humidity and insects are ubiquitous in the environment. When these animals become pets In more temperate latitudes, however, they need extra care from their owners to provide for their dietary and environmental needs. All geckos can develop a metabolic bone disease MBD , which is the result of insufficient dietary calcium and vitamin D.
Geckos with MBD have a poor appetite, exhibit tremors, and sometimes, they can even develop painful limb deformities. These geckos also get respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
If your gecko is drooling or wheezing or has excess mucus around its nasal passages, these symptoms likely indicate a respiratory infection. Seek out an exotic animal veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and especially lizards. Most geckos will recover from these maladies if they are treated in the early stages.
Owners of pet common house geckos should be careful not to contribute to the invasive species problem by releasing them into the wild in foreign zones. But if you catch a house gecko in North America to keep as a pet, you won't be doing harm to the species overall.
Due to climate change, their range is increasing northward, and the reach of this urbanized species that lives symbiotically with humans is predicted to spread on many additional continents beyond their native southern Europe and northern Africa.
Before you acquire a common house gecko, inspect its skin for any sign of dry patches, which could indicate problems shedding. If possible, arrange to watch the animal eat to ensure it has a healthy appetite before taking it on as your pet. If you're interested in other small pet lizards, check out:. Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your pet! Mediterranean gecko. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Species Profile: Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus.
House Gecko Care. Wilmette Pet Center. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.
If you want a pet gecko, it's best to acquire a captive-bred one from a reputable breeder. If you take in a wild-caught gecko you won't know what diseases or ailments it may be carrying. Look for a gecko that has clear eyes, skin without dry patches, all its fingers, toes, and its tail, as well as a healthy appetite. Even though there are many kinds of geckos, some of them have similar temperaments and exhibit similar behaviors. For the most part, geckos are pleasant, docile pets but most of them prefer not to be handled by humans too frequently as it can be stressful for them.
Care requirements will vary some from species to species but for the most part, geckos need to be kept in enclosures that have branches available for climbing, a water bowl, a hiding place, and secure lids.
Geckos can escape through small holes so an aquarium with a tight fitting lid is recommended for housing geckos. Most geckos only require a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium since they are small reptiles but larger species will need more space.
To line your gecko's cage, use a substrate such as coconut husk or orchid bark, both of which retain moisture and will not be harmful to your gecko if ingested in small amounts. Paper towels and newspaper can also be used but some concerns with the bleaching and dying of these paper products lead reptile owners to more natural options. The ideal temperature range for most geckos is between 70 and 90 degrees but some require higher basking temperature areas into the 's.
These high temperatures are achieved through the use of heat lights and heating pads. A proper temperature gradient should be provided in the appropriate temperature range for the specific species of gecko you are caring for. This typically means one side of the enclosure will be in the 70's while the other side will be in the 90's or 's.
For nocturnal species, no UVB-emitting bulbs are typically necessary but gecko species that are active during the day will need this special light. UVB rays are invisible but very important to the growth, appetite, and activity of many reptiles.
Many different kinds of bulbs exist for UVB, heat, and light and some may be more appropriate for your specific kind of gecko than others. But regardless of what bulbs you choose, a proper day and night cycle should be followed to illuminate the enclosure. White light, even if it isn't providing heat or UVB rays, needs to be visible during the day or your gecko may become stressed and confused. Humidity in a gecko's enclosure should be kept between 70 and 80 percent.
Misting the enclosure with water is the most common method of achieving this percentage but providing a large water bowl will also help. What does a Gecko symbolise? That is to say that: Not only is a Gecko considered lucky, but it is also said to protect the house. How can I tell if my leopard gecko is dying?
Hatchling geckos should be kept in smaller enclosures for the first 6 months. It is important that the enclosure has sufficient ventilation as well as a secure, lockable door or lid. The enclosure can be furnished with a hide, artificial plants, timber or rock ornaments and a small water bowl.
Table of Contents.
0コメント