Geckos can be found in a variety of habitats on every continent except for Antarctica. For several decades now, they have been one of the most popular exotic pet reptiles around the world thanks to their unique looks, vibrant colors, and generally docile temperaments.
Geckos are not poisonous or venomous (yes, there’s a difference) and can make excellent pets for those that are willing to gain knowledge of these creatures and are equipped to handle their specific care needs. Keep reading to learn more about geckos as pets and what makes an animal poisonous versus venomous.
The Difference Between Poisonous and Venomous
Geckos are neither poisonous nor venomous, but it is important to know the difference 1 between the two terms because though they involve dangerous toxins, they are different. Knowledge is power, after all.
You often hear the term “poisonous snake” when someone is referring to a Copperhead or a Rattlesnake, but the truth is, these animals are venomous, not poisonous. On the other hand, Poison Dart Frogs and Pufferfish are two examples of poisonous animals. So, what’s the difference exactly?
Poison
Poison is a toxin that gets into the body through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. It can occur naturally in a variety of plants and animals but can also be synthetic, or manufactured. The Poison Dart Frog secretes a poison as a defense against predation in the wild. The poison is absorbed through the skin and can paralyze and kill potential threats.
The Pufferfish is dangerous when touched or eaten because they contain the deadly toxins tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin which can cause severe illness and death when consumed.
Venom
Venom is a natural type of poison that is used to kill prey or as a defense mechanism. It is injected into the body and enters into the bloodstream through a bite or a sting. Envenomation can range from mild to severe, depending on the species. There are different types of venom, with each affecting the body systems differently.
Neither venomous or poisonous animals should be kept as pets due to the risks to both humans and other animals. Only experienced, well-trained keepers and conservationists should be involved with the care of these species, as they have no place being family pets.
Tips for Keeping Your Pet Gecko Healthy and Happy
1. Know Your Species
As mentioned, Geckos can be found on every continent except for Antarctica and they live in a wide variety of climates and habitats. When choosing a pet gecko, you need to research the species that you plan on keeping because you will need to meet their unique care requirements to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.
Some species may be great for beginners while others are best suited for advanced keepers. Improper care and husbandry can lead to serious health issues and a shortened lifespan for the gecko.
2. Most Common Gecko Species in the Pet Trade
There are numerous species of geckos in the world. The most common species you’ll come across in the pet trade include but are not limited to those listed below. While these may be the most common types, there are plenty of others out there, so you will want to get care information for the type you plan on keeping as a pet.
Set Up the Proper Environment
A proper habitat is going to be essential for your gecko’s health. Housing reptiles requires very specific care requirements that will vary by each unique species. This is why knowing your species is the most important part of care and husbandry.
Enclosure
Depending on the type of gecko you have, you will need to provide a secure enclosure that is suitable for their size and best mimics their natural environment. Some species are arboreal, meaning they spend a lot of time in trees, while others are considered terrestrial, meaning they remain on the ground and hide in burrows, rocky outcrops, or within logs and dead vegetation.
Substrate and Furnishings
The substrate and furnishings within the enclosure are other important aspects of the gecko’s environment. You may need to provide branches, vines, rocks, or other furnishings that allow them to burrow, but this will depend on what species you own. This is why research is so important for new keepers.
Temperature, Humidity, and Lighting
Keeping your gecko’s home at the correct temperature and humidity and providing necessary lighting are going to be vital to your gecko’s health and well-being. Since these needs vary across the different species, you must ensure you are providing your unique species exactly what they need. Failing to do so will result in a sick gecko and they can easily die if not kept properly. Provide a proper basking area for them.
Feed a Nutritious Diet
The majority of geckos are insectivores, meaning they require a diet of various insects and worms. Prey items such as crickets, waxworms, earthworms, mealworms, fruit flies, moths, crickets or grasshoppers should be offered every 2 to 4 days on average. This will depend on the type of gecko you have, their age, and their size. Being nocturnal creatures, gut-loaded insects and other food are ideally served at night time when they come out to look for food. They should also have access to fresh, clean water at all times. They do not usually drink from bowls but lap up condensation or dripped water. Always speak to your exotic animal veterinarian about your gecko’s recommended diet or if you have any questions or concerns over what to feed them.
Handle Gently and Safely
Different species of geckos will be more tolerable to handling than others. Some are more outgoing, while others may be timid and solitary. Handling can significantly stress out most reptiles, so it’s important to handle them gently and in an area where they are safe from harm. To keep them tame, it’s a good idea to handle them regularly for short periods.
Try your best to avoid stressing them out too much and be mindful of your gecko’s temperament. Always give a brand new gecko at least a week or two to decompress and adapt to their new environment before handling them.
Get Established with an Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Any gecko or reptile keeper should be established with an exotic animal veterinarian in their area. When fed a proper diet and given the right care and husbandry, these animals can be fairly hardy and low maintenance, but like anything else, they are susceptible to health conditions that will need to be treated by a medical professional. They are also good at hiding illness hence it is recommended that they get routine veterinary check-ups twice a year.
Understand Potential Health Problems
Geckos are not immune to health problems, and while most health concerns pop up as a result of improper care practices or neglect, these things can happen at any time, so it’s important to know and understand what potential health problems could affect your pet.
Respiratory Infection
Wheezing, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, weakness, and drooling are all potential signs that a gecko has a respiratory infection. These are often caused by low temperatures or incorrect humidity levels within the enclosure.
Parasites
Geckos are susceptible to both internal and external parasites. Pinworms, coccidia, hookworms, and mites are the most common among pet geckos. External mites are often visible on the surface of the skin and can lead to irritation. Internal parasites may cause gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, and lethargy.
Dysecdysis
This term refers to when a reptile has trouble shedding its skin. This is often due to dehydration and improper humidity levels inside the enclosure, so it’s important to know what range your species requires. If you notice your gecko is having shedding problems, humidity should be the first thing you check, which can be easily monitored by a hygrometer.
Stomatitis
Commonly referred to as mouth rot, stomatitis is a bacterial infection of the mouth that can cause redness, discoloration, open sores, and pus. Stomatitis can occur due to a compromised immune system which can be related to high-stress levels and improper husbandry practices.
Tail Dropping
Geckos use their tails for balancing and storing fat but can detach them when they feel threatened as a way to prevent being eaten. Tail dropping often occurs when they perceive danger during handling but can also happen as a result of health issues or if they’ve become stuck. This is why you will sometimes see geckos with long tails and others with blunt, shorter tails. This may be a natural process, but tail dropping is stressful on the Gecko and it can take time to regrow.
Conclusion
Geckos are neither poisonous nor venomous and can make rewarding pets when in the right environment. Because there are so many different types of geckos with origins all over the world, a potential keeper should be familiar with the species they are interested in keeping. Geckos are exotic animals that will have varying husbandry requirements and proper veterinary care to have the best chance to live a happy and healthy life.
Featured Image Credit: Kefca Shutterstock
