Tokay Gecko

• ExerciseModerate

  Likes to roam and climb — give the enclosure room to explore.

• GroomingRoutine husbandry

  Routine enclosure cleaning plus a humidity boost at shedding time.

• Living spaceCompact terrarium

  A modest terrarium is all the home they need.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment10–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Metabolic bone disease · Skin conditions · Respiratory issues

Tokay geckos are large, powerful arboreal lizards that need a tall, planted terrarium with plenty of vertical cork bark and dense foliage to feel secure. Provide a warm gradient of 26–30°C with a basking area, humidity of 60–80% from daily misting, and a low-level UVB tube, which benefits their bones even though they are chiefly nocturnal. Feed a variety of appropriately sized insects — crickets, roaches and the occasional larger prey item — dusted with calcium and vitamins, every 2–3 days for growing geckos and 3–4 times a week for adults. Provide a shallow water dish and mist for droplet drinking. This is a look-don't-handle species: tokays are bold, territorial and deliver a genuinely painful, tenacious bite, so interact through enclosure maintenance rather than holding. Admire the vivid colours and listen for the territorial call. Keep humidity and calcium correct to avoid metabolic bone disease and shedding problems, and ventilate well to prevent respiratory infection.

• How active is a Tokay Gecko?

  Moderate. Likes to roam and climb — give the enclosure room to explore.

• How demanding is Tokay Gecko care?

  Routine husbandry. Routine enclosure cleaning plus a humidity boost at shedding time.

• What enclosure does a Tokay Gecko need?

  Compact terrarium. A modest terrarium is all the home they need.

• Is a Tokay Gecko a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Tokay Gecko live?

  10–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Tokay Gecko?

  Keep an eye out for Metabolic bone disease, Skin conditions, Respiratory issues. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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