The common house gecko is a small, agile lizard known for its distinctive physical features. They are native to Southeast Asia but also spread to tropical and subtropical regions. They are commonly found in countries like India and Sri Lanka and throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. House geckos, because of their high adaptability, can be found in many other areas, including parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and the southern United States.
The common house gecko has a slender, elongated body covered in smooth, granular scales that vary in color from light brown to gray. Their head is broad and flat, with large, expressive eyes that possess vertical pupils, which provide excellent night vision. They have padded toes that allow them to climb walls and ceilings easily. They have a long, whip-like tail that can detach if threatened. Hemidactylus frenatus is the scientific name for the common house gecko. They are also known as house lizards, Turkish geckos, Mediterranean geckos, or moon lizards. They are primarily insectivores, feeding on a diet consisting of various insects such as crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies.
Common House Gecko Size
The size of the common house gecko ranges from 4 to 6 inches long, including the tail. They typically weigh between 10 to 30 grams (0.35 to 1.06 ounces), depending on factors such as age, size, and overall health. It is small in size in comparison to a leopard gecko.
Common House Gecko Lifespan
Common house geckos can live up to 5 to 6 years in captivity with proper care, attention, and diet.
Male vs. Female Common House Gecko
| Feature | Male Common House Gecko | Female Common House Gecko |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally smaller (4-5 inches) | Typically larger (4-8inches) |
| Weight | Lighter, around 10-25 grams | Heavier, around 15-30 grams |
| Coloration | Often brighter with more vivid patterns | Usually more muted in color |
| Head Shape | More pronounced, broader head | Slightly narrower head |
| Tail Characteristics | Thinner and more elongated | Thicker and less elongated |
| Behavior | More territorial and vocal | Less territorial, often more reserved |
| Reproductive Organs | Presence of enlarged hemipenes (in males) | Presence of eggs in the abdomen |
| Mating Call | Produces loud calls to attract females | Generally silent |
Common House Gecko Behavior and Temperament
Common house geckos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, foraging for insects. These geckos are not aggressive as compared to other gecko species. They tend to be more skittish and comfortable around humans. They can also detach their tails if they feel any danger, especially from predators; it serves as a defense mechanism for them. Males can be territorial and vocal, especially during the breeding season, where they produce loud calls to attract females and establish dominance over other males.
How to Care for a Common House Gecko?
To maintain your pet common house gecko’s health, you need to be careful with their requirements, whether it’s diet, grooming, housing, or exercise.
Common House Gecko Food
Common house geckos are insectivorous, meaning they thrive on a diet that consists mainly of small insects. Insects include crickets, mealworms, fruit flies, and various other soft-bodied insects that they can easily capture. These geckos are adept hunters; they can use their keen eyesight and swift movements to snatch prey, often at night when they are most active. Also, in addition to insects, you can add some small spiders and other invertebrates, which contribute to their role as natural pest controllers in both indoor and outdoor environments. You should ensure to provide all the essential nutrients for their good health.
You can offer regular calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to support their well-being and promote healthy growth. Moreover, feed them in the evening. You can feed newborn geckos daily, but adults can be fed every other day. Always provide a small shallow water dish with clean and fresh water. You need to clean the water daily to ensure their health.
Common House Gecko Enclosure
If you want your common house gecko to stay healthy and strong, free from health issues, you have to keep the necessities for caring for common house gecko in mind, like their enclosure. The enclosure of a common house gecko is similar to that of a leopard gecko.
Common House Gecko Tank Size
The common house gecko tank size should be a 10-gallon terrarium as a minimum. But if you can provide a much larger enclosure, like a 20-gallon tank for more space and comfort, it would be beneficial to your gecko. The terrarium should have enough vertical space because house geckos are arboreal. A tank with a taller structure or a vertical orientation is ideal. You need to ensure the tank has proper ventilation to maintain airflow, as they thrive in well-ventilated spaces that prevent excess humidity buildup.
If you are thinking of keeping more than one gecko, increase the tank size to give each one enough room. A 20-gallon tall enclosure can comfortably house 1-2 geckos, but a larger tank is required for three or more. You can also add some branches, driftwood, and silk or live plants, as house geckos love climbing. Moreover, you should provide some hiding spots at various heights to mimic a natural habitat.
Temperature for Common House Gecko Tank
Keeping the right temperature for the common house gecko tank is important to make sure they’re healthy and comfortable. Since these little reptiles love warmth, try to keep the daytime temperature between 75°F and 85°F, with a cozy basking spot around 90°F where they can warm up. This setup lets your gecko move between warmer and cooler areas, just like they would in nature.
At night, you can let the temperature drop to about 70°F, mimicking the natural cool-down they’d experience in the wild. A low-wattage heat lamp or an under-tank heater works great for this, and using a thermometer will help you keep everything just right. This stable warmth not only helps their metabolism and digestion but also makes them feel comfortable at home.
Common House Gecko Humidity Level
Common house geckos thrive easily in a moderately humid space, ideally with humidity levels between 50% and 70%. The right common house gecko humidity level helps them stay hydrated, shed easily, and maintain healthy skin. To reach this level, you can try misting the enclosure lightly once or twice a day, especially if the air around is dry. A small water dish in the tank also adds a bit of humidity and gives them a freshwater source. You can use a hygrometer to help you keep an eye on the levels and make any needed adjustments.
Common House Gecko Light Setup
Common house geckos are nocturnal and don’t require as much specialized UVB lighting as diurnal reptiles. However, many experts recommend using a UVA/UVB light bulb during the day to mimic natural sunlight, as this can still benefit the overall health of nocturnal animals that are inactive during daylight hours.
Common House Gecko Substrate
Choosing the right common house gecko substrate goes a long way in keeping them comfortable and safe. You can use coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or even paper towels, as they’re soft, easy to clean, and safer if accidentally ingested. Coconut fiber is especially helpful as it holds humidity well, making it a great choice for geckos that thrive in a slightly humid space.
It’s best to avoid loose materials like sand, gravel, or wood chips, which can lead to health issues like impaction if swallowed and can quickly make the tank unsanitary. You need to regularly clean or replace the substrate, which also helps keep odors and bacteria in check.
How to Handle a Common House Gecko?
Handling a common house gecko needs patience and time. Since common house geckos are small and can be a bit skittish, it’s a good idea to let them get used to your hand while they’re still in their enclosure before trying to pick them up. Take your time and move slowly to avoid startling them. Once they seem relaxed, you can gently scoop them up from underneath, making sure to support their body with your hand.
You need to be careful not to hold them too tightly; this can stress them out or even cause them to drop their tail as a defense mechanism. In the beginning, you should keep your handling sessions short so they feel secure and can gradually learn to trust you. With a bit of patience and a soft touch, your gecko will likely become more comfortable being handled over time.
Exercise For Common House Geckos
Keeping your common house gecko active through exercise is important for their health and happiness. These curious little creatures love to climb and explore, so it’s essential to create an engaging environment for them. You can consider adding some branches, rocks, and plants to their habitat; these features will allow them to climb and navigate different surfaces, encouraging them to move around more.
You may create hiding spots and areas to explore, which can also keep their minds stimulated. Plus, changing up the layout of their enclosure from time to time can make things exciting and provide new challenges that spark their curiosity. While they don’t require structured exercise routines like some pets, giving them plenty of space to roam and play will help ensure they stay fit and content.
Health Issues of a Common House Gecko
Common house geckos can be prone to some common health issues like some other pets. Common house geckos can face several health issues that pet owners should be aware of to ensure their well-being. Dehydration can occur if humidity levels are too low or if they do not have access to fresh water. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, and wrinkled skin.
Another common issue is metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is caused by inadequate calcium and UVB exposure. This condition can lead to weakened bones, making the gecko more prone to fractures and deformities. Symptoms of MBD include a soft or rubbery jaw, swollen limbs, and difficulty moving.
Respiratory infections are also a concern, particularly if the enclosure is too cold or damp. Symptoms can include wheezing, labored breathing, and discharge from the nose or mouth.
Parasites, such as mites or internal worms, can affect a gecko’s health, leading to weight loss, lethargy, or abnormal behaviors. You should maintain regular veterinary check-ups, proper husbandry, and a clean environment because these can prevent these health issues and ensure your gecko lives a long, healthy life.
Grooming of Common House Gecko
Grooming your common house gecko is a vital part of keeping them happy and healthy. These little geckos are self-sufficient when it comes to cleanliness, as they usually take care of their grooming on their own. However, it’s a good idea to check their skin regularly for any signs of shedding problems or parasites. To help them out during shedding, you can provide a moist hide, which creates a nice humid spot that makes it easier for them to shed their skin completely. Keeping their enclosure tidy is also super important. You need to be sure to remove any uneaten food and waste to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain a healthy environment. If you spot any stubborn shed stuck on their toes or tail, a gentle misting or a damp paper towel can help loosen it up.
Where to Buy
When purchasing a common house gecko, you should learn about the species’ needs, such as its diet, environment, and health problems. You can purchase them from a reputable pet shop. Additionally, please make sure the store is hygienic and sanitary for their reptiles. Another option is to purchase from a respectable Gecko breeder. Breeders can offer comprehensive details regarding the gecko’s ancestry, medical background, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, you can contact online breeders to choose the ideal common house gecko for you.
It would help if you looked for indications of good health before buying a common house gecko. Check for appropriate body weight, healthy skin free of discolorations or blemishes, and clear eyes. The average cost of purchasing a common house Gecko is around $10 to $40, depending on age, size, and where you buy it. However, more rare morphs or those with unique colorations may cost upwards of $500 or more.
Reproduction and Breeding
Reproduction and breeding of common house geckos can be fascinating to observe, as these reptiles have some interesting characteristics when it comes to mating. Common house geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Breeding typically occurs during warmer months, when environmental conditions are more favorable.
During mating, males engage in courtship behaviors, which may include tail waving and vocalizations to attract females. Once a pair has successfully mated, the female will lay one to two eggs at a time, usually in a hidden spot within their enclosure, such as under leaves or behind decorations, to protect them from predators. The eggs are generally oval-shaped and have a leathery texture.
The incubation period for these eggs can vary but typically lasts about 30 to 60 days, depending on temperature and humidity levels. Once hatched, the baby geckos, called hatchlings, are miniature versions of adults and are independent from birth. You should provide a suitable environment with proper temperatures, humidity, and hiding spots for the health and growth of the hatchlings.
Related Species
- Crested gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)
- Green anole (Anolis carolinensis)
- Golden Gecko (Gekko ulikovskii)
Interesting Facts About a Common House Gecko
- Common house geckos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
- Common house geckos are known for their distinctive chirping sounds, which they use to communicate with each other, especially during mating season.
- Common house geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces, including walls and ceilings.
- Common house geckos’ coloration can range from light brown to gray, with some having distinct patterns, which help them blend into their surroundings.
- Common house geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving live birth.
- A female house gecko can lay one or two eggs at a time, often hiding them in crevices or behind objects for protection.
- Common house geckos are insectivores, feeding on a diet of insects, including crickets, flies, and moths.
- If threatened, these geckos can drop their tail as a defense mechanism, which can distract predators and allow them to escape.
- While their tails can regenerate, the new tail may differ in color and texture from the original.
- Common house geckos have excellent night vision, which aids them in hunting for food in low-light conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the ideal habitat for a common house gecko?
Answer: A well-structured enclosure with climbing surfaces, hiding spots, and a temperature range of 75°F to 85°F is ideal for their comfort.
Question 2: What do common house geckos eat?
Answer: These little reptiles are insectivores, meaning they enjoy a diet primarily of insects.
Question 3: How often should I feed my common house gecko?
Answer: Young geckos should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. Always provide fresh food and remove any uneaten insects to maintain a clean habitat.
Question 4: Do common house geckos need a special light setup?
Answer: While they are nocturnal and don’t require intense UVB lighting, providing a low-level UVA/UVB light during the day can benefit their overall health.
Question 5: How can I keep my common house gecko’s tank clean?
Answer: Regularly remove uneaten food, waste, and shed skin. Changing the substrate and cleaning decorations with a reptile-safe disinfectant will keep their environment healthy.
Question 6: How can I encourage exercise in my common house gecko?
Answer: Creating an enriching habitat with climbing structures like branches and rocks allows your gecko to explore and exercise naturally.
Question 7: How do I help my common house gecko shed properly?
Answer: Providing a humid hide can assist during shedding, making it easier for your gecko to remove old skin.
Question 8: What substrate is best for common house geckos?
Answer: Coconut fiber, reptile carpets, and paper towels are great options. They are easy to clean and help maintain humidity without posing a risk of impaction.
Question 9: Can common house geckos live with other geckos?
Answer: While they can coexist, it’s important to monitor for territorial behavior and provide ample space with hiding spots.
Question 10: Where can I buy a common house gecko?
Answer: While they are commonly found in pet stores, you can also consider adopting from local rescue organizations or breeding facilities to ensure you’re supporting ethical practices.
Conclusion
In the end, Common House gecko care requires attention to their specific needs for housing, diet, temperature, and health. By providing a well-maintained habitat with appropriate heat, lighting, and humidity, you can ensure your geckos thrive. Gentle handling and grooming can help to build a bond and keep your gecko in good condition. They are adorable reptiles, so keep them safe to ensure a happy, healthy living life for many years.
