Low Maintenance Pets: Geckos

While pet geckos do require a particular type of enclosure when kept as pets – specifically a heated terrarium that has an indoor temp rate between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit – they are still widely considered to be one of the world’s top low maintenance pet varieties.

With lifespans that could run as long as twenty years, geckos stand to be one of the most misinterpreted creatures in the animal kingdom, typically viewed as slimy lizards – which are descriptions that are truly far from the real non-slimy physical characteristics of geckos.

As nocturnal creatures, they don’t require a lot of exercise and upkeep, and can be given a steady diet composed of crickets and/or worms – two easy to find pet feed types in pet stores and pet specialty venues. With different types of geckos known to be – from “leopard” variety to the “green skinned” variety – potential pet owners can easily find a gecko type that fits with their pattern and color particulars.

Generally viewed as pets that are ideal for children 10 years old and older, persons with allergies to fur can find a companionable pet in a gecko, apart from greatly reaping from its low maintenance needs and particulars.

 

Though there may be issues pertaining to a gecko’s enclosures and dietary needs, they are – all in all – not all that difficult to maintain as pets, perfect for those who aren’t keen on keeping a furry buddy in the house, as well as ideal for those who are in search for an exotic pet that isn’t challenging to keep.

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So Finally You’ve Decided to Get a Gecko!

So, finally, you’ve decided to get a gecko as a pet! After careful deliberation, you got one and that’s great! Having geckos in the house, according to tradition, create good omen. Well, whatever favor and luck it could give, sure makes this one a good-buy. Geckos can make excellent pets, exotic as they are, these reptiles are convenient to keep, inexpensive to maintain and easy to take care compared to other pets.

Now, that you have one or are still planning to buy one, geckos are easily sold at pet shops and do not require so much space. Before anything else, it is best to know a little something about these reptilian creatures.

Millions of years ago, along with dinosaurs, all but four of the reptiles were wiped-out from the earth’s existence. Among the four that remained, the largest of which are these cold-blooded animals called lizards. They thrive in the environment and are practically dependent of heat from its habitat. Today, lizards have about 3,000 species ranging from the smallest size of a Caribbean Dwarf Gecko at 35mm to the biggest size of a Komodo dragon at 3 meters. Although it would be daunting to have a Komodo dragon as a pet, the wisest choice there is to have a gecko!

You can tuck them in anywhere with a relative small space requirement in your home and they wouldn’t require constant bathing, no feathers or hair that continually shed and best of all, they do not need to be walked and trained given hectic schedules. Essentially, geckos live on the ground given the ability to climb, but with some limitations. Geckos that are smaller are soft and delicate, so it takes proper care and correct handling while those that are bigger are much easier to handle. Life span of most geckos is up to 20 years, so that sounds a through-thick-and-thin kind of care taking. They feed on meal worms, crickets and other locusts and by the way, geckos are nocturnal creatures and are most hyped-up when almost everyone has cooled down.

Although lizards in general tend to be intimidating and threatening because of their rough scales, mysterious bright eyes, fat tails, strong legs and reptilian stance, there are still a growing number of reptile enthusiasts that keep coming back for more reptiles to keep as pets, particularly geckos. There are five popular gecko varieties that are equally great choices for beginners and these are:

1.  Giant day gecko

2. White – lined gecko

3. Leopard gecko

4. Crested gecko

5. Fat-tailed gecko

6. House gecko

7. Tokay gecko

Pet 101 - Geckos

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