Tokay Geckos are fascinating reptiles known for their distinctive call and bright, beautiful colours. These geckos are popular pets due to their unique appearance and low-maintenance requirements. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Tokay Gecko care, including their natural habitat, diet, housing requirements, health concerns, handling, breeding and reproduction.
Tokay Gecko in The Wild
Before we delve into Tokay Gecko care, it is essential to understand their natural habitat and characteristics. Tokay Geckos are native to Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. They are typically found in forests and jungles, living in hollow trees, crevices, and rock crevices.
Here are some characteristics of the Tokay Gecko:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 12 inches (ca. 30 cm) in length, including their tail |
| Weight | Up to 200 grams, with males being slightly larger than females |
| Colour | Distinctive blue-gray body with bright orange spots |
| Latin Name | Gekko gecko |
| Original Habitat | Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar |
| Lifespan | Up to 20 years in captivity |
| Enclosure Size | Minimum enclosure size 45cm x 45cm x 60cm (18in x 18in x 24in) |
| Diet | Carnivorous and mainly feed on insects and other small invertebrates |
| Humidity Range | Require a humidity level of 60-80% in their enclosure |
| Reproduction | Reach sexual maturity between 18-24 months of age and can lay up to two eggs every 30-45 days |
| Other | Nocturnal and have a loud, distinctive call that sounds like “to-kay, to-kay!” |
Keeping Tokay Gecko as a Pet
Owning a Tokay Gecko can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. These stunning creatures are renowned for their vibrant colours, unique vocalisations and impressive size. As pets, they need special care and attention to thrive, but once you’ve provided them with the right environment and food, they can become loyal and friendly companions. It’s important to note that Tokay geckos are not for everyone, as they have specific housing requirements and can be challenging to handle. However, with patience and dedication, you may be able to build a bond with your Tokay Gecko that will last a lifetime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low maintenance | Aggressive and may bite if provoked |
| Fascinating appearance | Loud vocalizations can be disturbing |
| Long lifespan | Requires specific temperature and humidity levels |
| Relatively easy to care for |
Compared to Leopard Geckos and Crested Geckos, Tokay Geckos are known for their feisty temperament and are less handleable. However, they are larger in size and have a more unique appearance, making them a great choice for experienced reptile owners looking for a more challenging and rewarding pet.
Tokay Gecko Care: Housing Requirements
When it comes to Tokay Gecko care, providing the right housing is crucial. Here are some key things to consider when setting up your gecko’s enclosure:
Enclosure
Your Tokay Gecko will need a spacious enclosure to move around and explore. A minimum enclosure size for an adult Tokay gecko is 45cm x 45cm x 60cm (18in x 18in x 24in). However, remember that bigger is always better when it comes to housing your gecko. The enclosure should be made of glass or plastic with a secure mesh lid to ensure adequate ventilation.
Substrate
The substrate you choose should be able to retain moisture and provide a suitable environment for your gecko. Avoid using pine or cedar substrates as they may be toxic to your gecko. Some suitable substrates include coconut fibre, peat moss or reptile bark.
Temperature and lighting
Tokay geckos are tropical animals that require specific temperature and light conditions to thrive. The temperature in their enclosure should be maintained between 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and 20-25°C (68-77°F) at night. A basking area with a heat lamp should be provided to help regulate their body temperature. They also need access to UVB light for 10-12 hours a day to help them synthesize vitamin D3.
Furnishings
Furnishing your Tokay Gecko’s enclosure is an important part of providing a comfortable and stimulating environment. Here are some tips on how to choose the right furnishings:
Live plants
Adding live plants to your gecko’s enclosure not only looks great, but can also provide hiding places and a source of moisture. Some suitable plants include pothos, bromeliads and spider plants. Just be careful not to use plants that are toxic to your gecko, such as ivy or philodendron.
Hiding spots
It is important to provide hiding spots in your gecko’s enclosure to help them feel safe and reduce stress. Some suitable materials for hiding places are cork bark, coconut shells and reptile burrows. These materials should be securely anchored and placed in a location that won’t be disturbed by your gecko’s movements.
Decorations
Adding decorations to your gecko’s enclosure can make it look more aesthetically pleasing, but be sure to choose materials that won’t harm your gecko. Some suitable decorations include non-toxic artificial plants, rocks, and pieces of driftwood. Avoid decorations with sharp edges that could injure your gecko.
Remember that your gecko’s safety and well-being should always be your first consideration when decorating their enclosure.
Tokay Gecko Care: Feeding and health
Feeding schedule
Tokay geckos are insectivores, which means that their diet consists mainly of insects. Commonly fed insects include crickets, mealworms and dubia cockroaches. It’s important to offer your gecko a variety of insects to ensure a balanced diet.
Juvenile Tokay geckos should be fed daily, while adult Tokay geckos can be fed every other day. It’s important to adjust the feeding schedule according to your gecko’s appetite and weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Watering requirements
In addition to food, Tokay geckos need access to fresh water. You can provide a shallow water bowl or mist the enclosure to increase humidity. Be sure to change the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Health concerns
As with any pet, it’s important to monitor your Tokay gecko’s health regularly. Signs of illness include loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss and abnormal behaviour. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a reptile vet as soon as possible.
Tokay geckos are prone to certain health problems, including metabolic bone disease and respiratory infections. These can be caused by poor nutrition, incorrect temperatures and poor husbandry. To prevent these health problems, provide a balanced diet, maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels, and clean the enclosure regularly.
Tokay Gecko Handling
Although Tokay geckos are fascinating creatures to watch, they are not typically thought of as “easy” pets. They are known for their feisty temperament and can bite if they feel threatened or stressed. However, with patience and gentle handling, some Tokay geckos can become more comfortable with human interaction over time.
When handling your gecko, it’s important to support its body and avoid grabbing its tail. The tail can easily break off and will not grow back. It’s also important to handle your gecko in a calm and stress-free environment.
Breeding and reproduction
Breeding Tokay geckos requires a considerable amount of research and preparation. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the breeding process, as well as the potential risks and complications.
Female Tokay geckos typically lay clutches of 2-3 eggs at a time. Eggs should be incubated at a temperature between 80-85°F (27-29°C) and a humidity level of around 80%. The incubation period is typically 60-70 days.
It’s important to note that breeding Tokay geckos can be challenging and may not be suitable for all owners. It’s important to consider the responsibility and commitment required before attempting to breed your geckos.
What we’ve learned
In conclusion, keeping Tokay geckos requires a considerable amount of research, preparation and commitment. Proper housing, substrate, temperature and lighting, furnishings, feeding and health care are all essential aspects of providing a happy and healthy environment for your gecko.
Although Tokay geckos may not be the easiest pet to handle, they make fascinating and unique pets for experienced reptile owners. Their bright colours, distinctive patterns and vocalisations make them a truly unique addition to any reptile collection.