Key Takeaway:
- Tokay geckos are good pets for beginners in the world of reptile keeping because they are relatively easy to care for, have a docile temperament, and do not require a large enclosure.
- Proper care is still essential for Tokay geckos, including providing a suitable enclosure with appropriate temperature and humidity levels, a balanced diet, and regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Tokay geckos are primarily insectivores but can eat a balanced diet that includes insects, fruit, and commercial diets, as well as supplements such as calcium and vitamin D3.
Tokay geckos are fascinating pets that have gained popularity among reptile enthusiasts in recent years.
These small lizards, which are native to New Caledonia, require minimal care and can be housed in small spaces, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced reptile owners alike.
If you’re considering getting a tokay gecko, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary supplies to provide them with a safe and healthy environment.
From the right type of enclosure to the appropriate food and supplements, there are a few essential items that every tokay gecko owner should have on their shopping list.
In this article, we’ll go over the most critical items you’ll need to get started with your tokay gecko, including information on each item’s purpose, what to look for when shopping, and how to use them to ensure your gecko’s well-being.
Enclosure & Space
When it comes to tokay gecko enclosures, there are a few things to consider. The first is the size of the enclosure.
Tokay geckos can be kept in relatively small enclosures, but it’s essential to make sure that the enclosure is large enough to provide them with enough space to move around and explore comfortably.
The recommended minimum size for a single adult tokay gecko is a 12x12x18-inch terrarium.
However, if you plan to house multiple geckos together, you’ll need a larger enclosure.
The general rule of thumb is to add an additional 4-6 inches to the enclosure’s height and width for each additional gecko.
The next thing to consider is the type of enclosure. Glass terrariums with a screen top are a popular choice, as they provide a clear view of your gecko and offer good ventilation.
However, some owners prefer plastic or acrylic enclosures, which are lightweight and less breakable than glass.
It’s also important to provide your tokay gecko with plenty of hiding spots and climbing opportunities.
You can achieve this by adding live or artificial plants, branches, and other decor items to the enclosure.
Lastly, make sure to place the enclosure in a quiet area away from direct sunlight and other pets that may cause stress to your gecko.
A temperature of 72-78°F during the day and a slight drop to 68-75°F at night should be maintained inside the enclosure.
Finally, isopods should be included in the enclosure.
Lighting & Heating
Lighting and heating are important factors to consider when setting up an enclosure for your tokay gecko.
These reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that they require external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
One of the best ways to provide heat and light to your tokay gecko is by using a heat lamp.
A heat lamp will provide both heat and light to the enclosure, allowing your gecko to bask and absorb UVB radiation.
UVB radiation is essential for tokay geckos to synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for proper calcium absorption and overall health.
A 25-40-watt bulb is usually sufficient to provide heat and light to a small tokay gecko enclosure.
Make sure to use a fixture with a ceramic base and a dome-shaped reflector to prevent overheating and to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly.
It’s also important to monitor the temperature inside the enclosure using a thermometer.
A temperature gradient should be created inside the enclosure, with one side of the enclosure being warmer than the other.
This will allow your gecko to move between the warmer and cooler areas to regulate their body temperature.
In addition to a heat lamp, you may also want to consider using a ceramic heat emitter or under-tank heating pad to provide additional heat.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using any heating devices.
Remember, tokay geckos are nocturnal animals, which means they don’t require bright light like some other reptiles.
Instead, they prefer low to moderate light levels, and they can see well in the dark.
A low-wattage red or blue bulb can be used at night to provide some ambient light without disturbing their natural sleep patterns.
Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity level is crucial for the health of your tokay gecko.
These reptiles require a humid environment to support their respiratory health, aid with shedding, and maintain overall hydration.
The ideal humidity level for tokay geckos is between 60-80%. You can achieve this by misting the enclosure with water once or twice a day.
Make sure to use a spray bottle that’s designated only for your gecko’s enclosure and not for any other use to prevent contamination.
You can also provide a humid hide in the enclosure, which is a small hideout filled with a moist substrate or sphagnum moss.
The gecko can enter the hideout to regulate their humidity levels and aid in shedding.
To measure the humidity level, use a digital hygrometer to monitor the humidity level inside the enclosure.
If the humidity level is too low, you can increase it by misting more frequently or adding more moist substrate.
If the humidity level is too high, you can increase ventilation by opening the enclosure’s screen top or reducing misting frequency.
Remember that maintaining the correct humidity level is crucial to your tokay gecko’s health and well-being.
A lack of proper humidity can lead to dehydration, respiratory infections, and other health issues, so make sure to monitor and adjust humidity levels regularly.
Substrate
Choosing the right substrate is important when setting up an enclosure for your tokay gecko.
The substrate should be absorbent, provide traction for your gecko’s feet, and be easy to clean.
One of the most popular substrates for tokay geckos is coconut fiber, which is also known as coir.
This substrate is highly absorbent and provides excellent traction for your gecko. It’s also easy to clean and can be reused multiple times.
Another option is paper towels, which are easy to clean and provide a smooth surface for your gecko to walk on.
However, they are not as absorbent as other substrates and will need to be changed more frequently.
Avoid using a loose substrate such as sand, gravel, or walnut shells, as they can cause impaction if ingested by your gecko.
Whatever substrate you choose, make sure to spot-clean the enclosure daily and do a full substrate change every 2-4 weeks, depending on the humidity level and the size of your gecko.
You can also add natural decor items such as live or artificial plants, branches, and rocks to the enclosure to provide additional hiding spots and climbing opportunities for your gecko.
Just make sure that any items you add to the enclosure are safe and cannot be ingested or pose a risk to your gecko’s health.
Plants
Adding live plants to your tokay gecko’s enclosure can provide a more natural and stimulating environment for your pet, while also contributing to the enclosure’s overall humidity levels.
Live plants can help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and they can also provide hiding places and climbing opportunities for your gecko.
Some of the best plants for tokay geckos include pothos, spider plants, bromeliads, and ferns.
When choosing plants, make sure to select non-toxic varieties that are safe for your gecko.
Avoid plants that are known to be toxic to reptiles, such as ivy, philodendron, and aloe vera.
You can either plant the plants directly in the substrate or place them in pots filled with appropriate soil.
Make sure to choose a substrate that’s suitable for the plant species you’ve chosen, and make sure the pots are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
Plants require proper lighting, so make sure to provide adequate lighting for them to thrive.
You can use full-spectrum lighting that provides UVB radiation to simulate natural sunlight or fluorescent lights that mimic daylight.
Remember to monitor the humidity levels in the enclosure, as live plants can contribute to increased humidity levels.
You may need to adjust your misting schedule or use a dehumidifier to prevent the enclosure from becoming too humid.
Adding live plants to your tokay gecko’s enclosure can provide many benefits, but make sure to research the specific care requirements for each plant species and ensure they are safe for your gecko before adding them to the enclosure.
Decorations
Decorations can add a lot of interest and stimulation to your tokay gecko’s enclosure.
They can also provide hiding places and climbing opportunities for your gecko, which can help to reduce stress and promote a more active lifestyle.
When choosing decorations, make sure to select items that are safe for your gecko and won’t pose a choking hazard or harm your pet in any way.
Avoid decorations with sharp edges, small parts, or toxic materials.
Here are some decoration ideas for your tokay gecko’s enclosure:
- Hides: Hides are an essential part of any reptile enclosure, as they provide a safe and secure place for your gecko to retreat to when they want privacy or to rest. You can purchase commercial hides or make your own using natural materials like bark or rocks.
- Branches and vines: Branches and vines provide climbing opportunities for your gecko and can help to create a more natural-looking enclosure. Make sure to choose sturdy branches that won’t break under the weight of your gecko and avoid any sharp edges.
- Rocks: Rocks can provide hiding places and basking spots for your gecko, as well as help anchor plants and decorations in the enclosure. Make sure to choose rocks that won’t shift or fall over easily and avoid any with sharp edges.
- Artificial plants: If you don’t want to use live plants, artificial plants can be a good alternative. They can provide similar benefits to living plants, such as hiding places and climbing opportunities, without requiring the same care and maintenance.
- Backgrounds: Adding a background to your enclosure can help to create a more natural-looking environment and provide additional hiding places for your gecko. You can purchase commercial backgrounds or make your own using materials like cork bark or foam.
Food & Supplements
Tokay geckos are omnivores, which means they eat a combination of insects and fruit.
A well-balanced diet is important for their health and well-being and should consist of a variety of foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
Insects
Some of the best insects to feed your tokay gecko include crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and waxworms. Insects should be gut-loaded with a nutritious diet before feeding to your gecko.
You can also dust them with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure your gecko receives adequate calcium.
Fruit
Fruit should make up about 10% of your tokay gecko’s diet. Some of the best fruits to feed your gecko include bananas, mango, papaya, figs, and apricots. Make sure to remove any pits or seeds before feeding.
Commercial diets
Commercial diets specifically formulated for tokay geckos are also available and can be used as a supplement to fresh fruit and insects.
Make sure to choose a high-quality commercial diet that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D3 are important supplements for tokay geckos, as they help to maintain strong bones and prevent metabolic bone disease
Dust insects with a calcium supplement 2-3 times a week and provide a vitamin D3 supplement once a week.
Make sure to provide fresh food and water daily and remove any uneaten food to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Additionally, ensure the feeding dish is shallow and easy to clean to prevent your gecko from accidentally ingesting substrate.
Is A tokay Gecko Good For Beginners?
No, tokay geckos are not generally considered a good choice for beginners in the world of reptile keeping.
They are not relatively easy to care for, have an aggressive temperament, and may bite if you get too close.
As with any pet, it’s essential to do your research and ensure you can provide a suitable and stable environment before bringing a tokay gecko into your home.
Additionally, while they are generally aggressive, individual tokay geckos can have different personalities and may require patience and gentle handling to become comfortable with human interaction.
Overall, tokay geckos can make excellent pets for experienced reptile owners as long as their basic needs are met, and their care is taken seriously.
Summary
Tokay geckos can make great pets for those interested in keeping reptiles, especially for beginners.
They are relatively easy to care for, have a docile temperament, and do not require a large enclosure.
However, proper care including providing a suitable enclosure, a balanced diet, and temperature and humidity regulation is still essential to ensure they thrive in captivity.
