How Do I Care for a Baby Gecko?

Proper care of a baby gecko is extremely important, as the majority of gecko deaths occur during the first year of life. The young gecko will need to be fed more often than an adult gecko, with at least one feeding per day. Crickets are typically the primary source of food for a gecko, although meal-worms are often a favorite treat. A small enclosure is needed for the baby gecko and can range from a small plastic container to a 10-gallon tank, but nothing larger should be used. The baby gecko should not be handled any more often than necessary, as it usually takes about a year before this type of pet will calm down well enough to be safely handled.

Feeding is an important aspect of caring for a baby gecko. While adult geckos can go two or three days between feedings, the young gecko needs to be fed at least once per day. The really young baby gecko should be fed two or more regular-sized meal-worms per day, as crickets are too difficult for the gecko to catch. As the baby begins to mature, crickets can be given at meal time, and the meal-worms can be used as occasional snacks. The meal-worms should be dusted with calcium powder before feeding them to the gecko in order to ensure proper nutrition.

A small enclosure is essential when caring for a baby gecko. This ensures the safety of the gecko and makes it easier to care for the small pet. A small plastic container with holes cut into the lid so that the gecko can breathe is ideal, although a slightly larger enclosure is acceptable. A 10-gallon aquarium is the largest enclosure that should be used for the young gecko. Paper towels should be used as the substrate bedding for the young gecko, as the bedding materials typically used for an adult gecko may not be safe.

A baby gecko is aggressive by nature and should not be handled any more often than necessary for the first several months of life. By having the gecko in a small enclosure, it will gradually become accustomed to humans, because human hands will be invading the enclosure for feeding and cleaning purposes. By one year of age, most geckos can be safely handled, although care should always be taken to avoid causing the gecko to feel nervous or threatened in any way.

A baby gecko thrives in a warm, humid environment that mimics its natural habitat. A terrarium with a temperature gradient of 75-90°F and humidity levels around 70-80% is ideal. Include hiding spots and non-toxic plants to provide shelter and maintain humidity. According to the Herpetological Conservation and Biology journal, proper thermal gradients are crucial for thermoregulation in reptiles.

Baby geckos should be fed daily due to their rapid growth. Offer a diet of small insects like crickets or mealworms dusted with a calcium supplement. The Journal of Herpetology suggests that a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1 is vital for preventing metabolic bone disease, a common issue in captive geckos.

Yes, baby geckos need a cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. While UVB lighting is not always mandatory, it can benefit their overall health and well-being. A study in the Veterinary Record indicates that UVB assists in vitamin D3 synthesis, which is essential for calcium metabolism in reptiles.

Handle baby geckos gently and infrequently to minimize stress. Let the gecko walk onto your hand rather than grabbing it, and avoid holding it by the tail, as this can cause injury. Research from Applied Animal Behaviour Science emphasizes the importance of gentle handling to prevent stress-related health issues in reptiles.

A healthy baby gecko is alert, has clear eyes, a full tail, and a well-rounded body. Regular shedding and a strong appetite are good signs. Monitor its feces for consistency and watch for any changes in behavior. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends regular health check-ups with a reptile veterinarian to ensure optimal health.

Maintain cleanliness by removing uneaten food and feces daily. Disinfect the habitat with a reptile-safe cleaner weekly, and replace substrate as needed to prevent mold and bacteria growth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a clean habitat is essential to prevent the spread of Salmonella and other zoonotic diseases.