Arid Geckos: A Great First Pet for People Who Like Lizards

Looking for a pet Lizard that won’t grow too large or be difficult to care for? An Arid Gecko might be the right pet for you. Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers carry two of the most popular Arid Gecko species: Leopard Geckos and Panther Geckos. Their average length ranges from 4” to 9”, so their habitat doesn’t need to be large.

With a comfortable habitat, healthy diet, and proper care, the Gecko lifespan can be 10 to 20 years. The Uncle Bill's team can answer any questions you have about our Arid Geckos for sale, as well as help you select the reptile supplies you’ll need to create a healthy home for your pet.

Arid Gecko Habitat

Multiple females of the same Gecko species may be kept together, but male Geckos should not be housed together or with other reptiles. The size of your Arid Gecko habitat will depend on the pet’s size as well as how many are to be kept in a single enclosure, but for a single Gecko, a tank that’s between 20 and 40 gallons is generally appropriate.

The enclosure should have a tight-fitting cover so Geckos can’t escape. Line the enclosure with reptile substrate – typically forest bedding or calcium sand. If Geckos attempt to eat substrate, a safe substrate alternative is reptile carpet, such as Zoo Med Eco Carpet (and it can be removed and washed).

These Lizards love to hide, so they need plenty of non-toxic plants, branches, and logs or bark pieces that provide cover. The enclosure should have a humidity level of around 50%+ with regular misting, along with a temperature gradient: About 85-90°F for the warmer end of the tank and 78-80°F for the cooler end. Fluorescent lights should be on for 10 to 12 hours daily, and an incandescent bulb may be used for basking times during the day. Arid Geckos usually need UVB light if they are diurnal (active during the day); a ceramic or black light heater may be used for any hours of the night or day, too.  

Geckos are known to shed their skin regularly, and stable humidity promotes healthy shedding. A shallow container of warm water may help the Gecko shed skin on its toes.

Arid Gecko Diet

Young geckos eat every day while adults will eat about every other day. Geckos do not eat plants, and their diet is fairly simple: crickets and worms, vitamin/calcium supplements, and clean, de-chlorinated water. Keep the water at the cooler end of the tank so it doesn’t evaporate.

Are Arid Geckos Right for Me?

Leopard Geckos and Panther Geckos are fairly easy to care for and can make great pets for beginners as well as experienced pet parents. Though some Geckos may tolerate minimal handling, frequent contact is stressful for them and potentially harmful. If grabbed by the tail, or if under extreme stress, Geckos may drop their tail in defense. Geckos, like most reptiles, may carry diseases such as Salmonella, so always wash your hands after touching your pet or any of its habitat items/substances; small children and pregnant women should not handle these pets or any of their habitat items.

The Arid Gecko is easygoing and rather simple to provide for once set up. It can become a wonderful, and with time possibly affectionate, cold-blooded companion for many years with the proper care! If you’re interested in adopting a Gecko, please call your nearest Uncle Bill’s location to ask about available Geckos for sale.