The Pros & Cons of Geckos as Pets by Species–8 Popular!

Geckos can make excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts due to their small size, relatively low maintenance, and fascinating behaviors. However, it’s essential to research and consider the specific requirements of each species before deciding on which gecko to get for a pet. This article tackles 8 different popular species that people keep as pets, and gives you the pros and cons for each! See the Table of Contents below for what I am featuring!

Table of Contents

Keeping geckos as pets comes with both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, geckos are often docile and have relatively low maintenance, making them great choices for small pets. Their colors, patterns, and behaviors can be fascinating to observe. However, there are challenges too. Gecko species also have care requirements, and providing suitable enclosures, heating, lighting, and diet can be demanding. It’s essential to weigh these pros and cons carefully before deciding to bring a gecko into your home!

Before getting a gecko as a pet, make sure to research its specific care requirements, including habitat setup, temperature and humidity needs, diet, and potential health issues. It’s essential to provide a proper and comfortable environment for your pet gecko to ensure its well-being and happiness. Additionally, consider adopting reputable breeders or rescue organizations to support responsible pet ownership and avoid contributing to the illegal wildlife trade.

But now that you know there are pros and cons, it’s time to get shopping for your next fascinating small pet! Read on to see the pros and cons of each of 8 popular Gecko species.

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Leopard Geckos

Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are popular as pets for several reasons, making them excellent choices for reptile enthusiasts. Here are some of the key reasons why they make good pets:

Pros for choosing a Leopard Gecko as a pet:

1. Docile Nature: Leopard geckos have a generally calm and docile temperament. They are less likely to be aggressive or bite, making them a great option for beginners and families with children.
2. Easy to Handle: Due to their gentle nature, leopard geckos are easy to handle and can become comfortable with human interaction over time. This makes them enjoyable pets to interact with and handle.
3. Low Maintenance: Compared to some other reptiles, leopard geckos have relatively straightforward care requirements. They are not as demanding as certain species in terms of enclosure setup, lighting, and humidity levels.
4. No Need for Live Prey: Leopard geckos are insectivores and primarily eat live insects like crickets, mealworms, and roaches. Unlike some other reptiles, they do not require a diet that includes live rodents, which can be more challenging for some pet owners.
5. Colorful and Attractive: Leopard geckos come in a variety of attractive colors and patterns, which makes them visually appealing to many reptile enthusiasts.
6. Long Lifespan: With proper care, leopard geckos can live for 15 to 20 years or even longer, providing long-term companionship for their owners.

So, there are great reasons for going with a Leopard Gecko as a new pet, but also consider some possible downsides you may encounter:

Cons for choosing a Leopard Gecko as a pet:

1. Nocturnal: Leopard geckos are primarily nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the night. This might be less suitable for individuals who prefer diurnal (day-active) pets.
2. Specialized Heating Requirements: While leopard geckos have relatively simple care requirements, they still need a proper heating setup to maintain their health and well-being. This includes providing a temperature gradient within their enclosure.
3. Tail Dropping: When threatened or stressed, leopard geckos may drop their tails as a defense mechanism. While the tails will regrow, it’s best to avoid causing undue stress to your pet to prevent this from happening.
4. Housing Considerations: Leopard geckos require an appropriately sized enclosure with specific substrate, hiding spots, and climbing opportunities. Ensuring the enclosure meets their needs can be a bit of an investment initially.
5. Long Lifespan: I know! This one is a pro too! But, while the long lifespan of leopard geckos can be a pro, it’s also essential to consider the long-term commitment and responsibility required to care for them throughout their lives.

Overall, leopard geckos are well-suited for many reptile keepers, particularly those who are looking for a gentle, low-maintenance, and visually appealing pet. As with any pet, it’s crucial to do thorough research and be prepared to meet their specific care requirements to ensure they thrive in their environment.

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Crested Geckos

Crested Geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are popular as pets for several reasons, making them excellent choices for reptile enthusiasts. Here are some of the key reasons why they make good pets:

Pros for choosing a Crested Gecko as a pet:

1. Low Maintenance: Crested geckos are relatively low-maintenance reptiles. They do not require complex heating setups like some other reptiles, making them easier to care for, especially for beginners.
2. Docile and Tolerant: Crested geckos generally have a gentle and calm temperament. They are usually tolerant of handling, making them suitable for those who want to interact with their pets.
3. Nocturnal: Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, which means they are active during the evening and night. This can be beneficial for individuals who are away during the day or prefer to observe their pets during the evening hours.
4. Arboreal Nature: Crested geckos are arboreal, which means they spend much of their time climbing and exploring in the vertical space of their enclosure. This behavior can be entertaining to observe and allows for creative enclosure setups.
5. Unique Appearance: Crested geckos come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing to many reptile enthusiasts. They also have distinctive features like the fringed crest along their head and back, which adds to their charm.
6. No Need for Live Prey: Like leopard geckos, crested geckos are insectivores. They primarily eat powdered fruit-based diets, eliminating the need to handle live insects for feeding.

Cons for choosing a Crested Gecko as a pet:

1. Fragile Tail: Crested geckos have a delicate tail that can easily break if mishandled or threatened. While the tail will not grow back like some other gecko species, it’s not essential for their well-being.
2. Jumping Behavior: Crested geckos can be jumpy and might be more challenging to handle than other gecko species. Some individuals may not enjoy frequent handling, so interaction should be done with care.
3. Nocturnal Activity: The fact that they are primarily active at night might be a downside for those who prefer diurnal pets or want to observe their pets during the day.
4. Vocalization: Crested geckos are capable of making various vocalizations, including chirping or barking sounds. While this behavior can be interesting for some owners, it might be bothersome to others, especially if they keep their gecko in their bedroom.
5. Enclosure Considerations: While cresties are relatively small, they still require an appropriately sized enclosure with suitable climbing opportunities. Providing an enriched and comfortable environment can take some effort and investment.

Overall, crested geckos can be wonderful pets for those interested in a visually appealing, low-maintenance, and unique reptile companion. As with any pet, it’s essential to do thorough research and provide the appropriate care to ensure their health and well-being. Additionally, consider the pet’s individual needs and temperament to determine if it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.

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Gargoyle Geckos

Gargoyle Geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) are popular pets among reptile enthusiasts, and they have several characteristics that make them excellent choices for pet owners. Here are some reasons why gargoyle geckos make good pets:

Pros for choosing a Gargoyle Gecko as a pet:

1. Docile Temperament: Gargoyle geckos are generally calm and docile, making them easy to handle and interact with, even for beginners.
2. Low Maintenance: Gargoyle geckos have relatively simple care requirements. They do not require complex heating setups and can thrive in moderate temperatures.
3. Arboreal Nature: Gargoyle geckos are primarily arboreal, meaning they love to climb and explore vertical spaces. This behavior makes them interesting to watch and allows for creative enclosure setups.
4. Unique Appearance: Gargoyle geckos have a distinctive appearance with a bumpy texture, fringed crests over their eyes, and prehensile tails. Their diverse color patterns and morphs add to their visual appeal.
5. Nocturnal: As with other crested gecko species, gargoyle geckos are primarily nocturnal, which means they are most active during the evening and night. This makes them suitable pets for individuals who are away during the day.
6. Easy Diet: Gargoyle geckos are insectivores and can thrive on a diet of commercially available powdered fruit-based diets, along with occasional live insects.

Cons for choosing a Gargoyle Gecko as a pet:

1. Fragile Tail: Like other gecko species, gargoyle geckos can drop their tails as a defense mechanism. While this does not harm them, it’s best to avoid stressful situations to prevent tail loss.
2. Jumpiness: Gargoyle geckos can be skittish and jumpy, especially when they feel threatened. Frequent handling may not be suitable for all individuals.
3. Nocturnal Activity: The fact that they are primarily active at night might be a downside for those who prefer diurnal pets or wish to interact with them during the day.
4. Enclosure Considerations: Gargoyle geckos require a properly sized enclosure with appropriate hiding spots and climbing opportunities. Setting up a suitable habitat can require some effort and investment.
5. Long Lifespan: While a long lifespan can be a pro, it’s also important to consider the long-term commitment required to care for these geckos throughout their lives.

Overall, gargoyle geckos can make fascinating and rewarding pets for reptile enthusiasts who appreciate their unique appearance and arboreal behaviors. As with any pet, it’s crucial to research their specific care requirements and be prepared to meet their needs to ensure they live healthy and fulfilling lives in captivity. If you are considering getting a gargoyle gecko as a pet, make sure you are ready to provide them with a suitable environment and attentive care for their well-being.

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Day Geckos

Day Geckos (genus Phelsuma) are a group of diurnal (day-active) geckos that are popular as pets for several reasons. Here are some factors that make day geckos good pets:

Pros for choosing a Day Gecko as a pet:

Cons for choosing a Day Gecko as a pet:

1. Fragile: Day geckos have delicate bodies and limbs, making them prone to injury if not handled with care. They are best observed and appreciated without frequent handling.
2. Fast and Skittish: Day geckos are often fast and skittish, which can make them challenging to handle. They may become stressed or try to escape when handled, so interaction should be minimized.
3. Specific Care Requirements: Different species of day geckos have varying care requirements. Some may need specific humidity levels, temperatures, and UV lighting to thrive in captivity. Researching the needs of specific species is crucial for their well-being.
4. Space Requirements: Despite their small size, day geckos need a spacious enclosure that provides ample climbing opportunities. Setting up and maintaining a suitable habitat can require some effort.
5. Lifespan: Day geckos, like other reptiles, have relatively long lifespans compared to other common pets. Be prepared for a long-term commitment when considering a day gecko as a pet.

Overall, day geckos can be captivating pets for experienced reptile keepers who appreciate their beauty and diurnal behaviors. Due to their fragile nature and specific care requirements, they may not be ideal pets for beginners or those seeking frequent handling. If you are interested in keeping a day gecko, make sure to research the specific species you plan to keep and provide them with a suitable and enriching environment to ensure their health and well-being.

But, wait! One more very important thing about Day Geckos! In all likelihood, it seems the Geico gecko character was modeled specifically after the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Species! To me, this adds one more pro to owning a Day Gecko! How cool it would be to say you have the Geico gecko at home as a pet?!

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Banded Geckos

Banded Geckos (Coleonyx spp.) are a group of small, desert-dwelling geckos that can make good pets for reptile enthusiasts. Here are some factors that make banded geckos good pets:

Pros for choosing a Day Gecko as a pet:

1. Small Size: Banded geckos are relatively small, making them suitable for keeping in smaller enclosures. Their compact size also means they require less space compared to larger reptiles.
2. Diurnal and Nocturnal Activity: Banded geckos are crepuscular, which means they are active during both the day and night, making them interesting pets to observe during different times of the day. See the picture below that was captured of a Western Banded Gecko in the wild hunting for termites at night!
3. Low Maintenance: Banded geckos have relatively simple care requirements. They are well-suited for beginner reptile keepers due to their hardiness and adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions.
4. Docile Temperament: Banded geckos are generally docile and relatively easy to handle. They are not as skittish as some other gecko species, making them suitable for gentle interaction.
5. Omnivorous Diet: Banded geckos have an omnivorous diet, which means they eat a combination of insects and fruits. This diversity in their diet allows for a varied and interesting feeding routine.
6. Desert Aesthetics: Banded geckos have a unique and attractive appearance, with bands and patterns that blend well with desert-themed enclosures.

Cons for choosing a Day Gecko as a pet:

1. Fragile Limbs: Banded geckos have delicate limbs that can be prone to injury if not handled carefully. They are best observed and appreciated without frequent handling.
2. Limited Availability: Depending on your location, banded geckos might not be as readily available in the pet trade as some other gecko species.
3. Specific Environmental Requirements: Banded geckos have specific environmental needs, particularly when it comes to temperature and humidity. Maintaining the proper conditions can be essential for their health and well-being.
4. Nocturnal and Crepuscular Activity: While their activity pattern can be a pro for some, it might not be ideal for those seeking a fully diurnal (day-active) pet.
5. Lifespan: Banded geckos, like other reptiles, have relatively long lifespans compared to more traditional pets like cats or dogs. Be prepared for a long-term commitment when considering a banded gecko as a pet.

Overall, banded geckos can make fascinating and rewarding pets for reptile enthusiasts who appreciate their unique desert aesthetics and active behaviors. However, as with any pet, it’s crucial to research their specific care requirements and be prepared to provide a suitable environment and proper care to ensure their health and well-being. If you are interested in keeping a banded gecko, consider adopting from reputable breeders or rescue organizations to support responsible pet ownership and avoid contributing to the illegal wildlife trade.

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African Fat-Tailed Geckos

African Fat-Tailed Geckos (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) are fantastic pets with unique qualities that make them stand out in the reptile world! Here are some reasons why African Fat-Tailed Geckos make excellent pets:

Pros for choosing an African Fat-Tailed Gecko as a pet:

1. Docile Disposition: These geckos are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them wonderful pets for both beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts alike!
2. Easy to Handle: African Fat-Tailed Geckos are generally comfortable with human interaction and can be easily handled, enhancing the enjoyment of owning them.
3. Compact Size: Their moderate size makes them ideal for indoor housing, even if space is limited!
4. Nocturnal Habits: Their nocturnal activity means they’re active and engaging during the evening hours, making them perfect companions for those who are home at night!
5. Fascinating Appearance: African Fat-Tailed Geckos have distinctive markings and a chunky build that sets them apart from other gecko species, making them visually captivating!
6. Varied Diet: These geckos have a varied diet, consisting of insects, worms, and even some fruit. Their diverse tastes add excitement to feeding time!
7. Relatively Long Lifespan: With proper care, African Fat-Tailed Geckos can live for many years, offering a lasting companionship and rewarding ownership experience!

Cons for choosing an African Fat-Tailed Gecko as a pet:

1. Nocturnal Activity: While their evening antics can be enjoyable, their nocturnal nature might not be suitable for individuals seeking a pet that’s active during the day!
2. Humidity Requirements: Maintaining the right humidity levels in their enclosure can be crucial, which might require some attention to detail and adjustments.
3. Enclosure Considerations: African Fat-Tailed Geckos still need appropriately sized enclosures with hiding spots and temperature gradients, which means setting up a suitable habitat!
4. Tail Dropping: Just like other geckos, they may drop their tails if stressed or handled roughly, although these tails don’t regenerate like some other species.
5. Long-Term Commitment: As with any pet, their relatively long lifespan means they’ll be with you for a significant period, requiring a sustained commitment to their care and well-being!

In conclusion, African Fat-Tailed Geckos offer a charming combination of temperament, appearance, and manageable care requirements that can make them wonderful additions to your household. Just remember to do thorough research and provide them with the proper environment to ensure a happy and healthy life for your gecko friend!

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