Many new reptile owners start with geckos because they’re cute, small, and usually easy to care for. However, not every gecko species is appropriate for inexperienced keepers. For example, the popular Tokay gecko is quite aggressive and not recommended for newcomers to reptile-keeping. Luckily, there are many other great options, so let’s check them out!
1. Leopard Geckos Make Great Starter Reptiles
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles. These cute little critters have an adorable appearance with their colorful, spotted bodies. There are also different morphs available, so you’ll be sure to find the one you want. Most importantly for beginners, it’s easy to care for leopard geckos. A 20-gallon tank is preferable for these small lizards because it gives them plenty of space to explore.
Perhaps the most complicated aspect of caring for leopard geckos is setting the temperature gradient (but this can be complicated for any reptile). They need a basking temperature of 80–90°F and a cooler temperature of 75 to 80°F. Meanwhile, you should set the humidity level between 30 and 40%. Owners can control this with a hygrometer. Leopard geckos have no exceptional dietary requirements but love gut-loaded insects. Another positive is that they tolerate handling better than many other reptiles. However, don’t overdo it because you don’t want to stress them.
2. Crested Geckos Have Relaxed Temperaments
Crested geckos are another fantastic option for inexperienced reptile pet owners. These arboreal lizards naturally live in trees, so it’s important to recreate their natural habitat. This may seem like extra work, but it’s also why many keepers find them so fascinating. Their preferred temperature is about 72-75°F with a cooler area of 65-72°F.
We recommend misting their terrarium because they hail from humid jungle environments. Unlike many other geckos, these little lizards shed their skin at once so don’t be alarmed. They eat regular commercial food as well as the occasional insect. They’re very beginner-friendly because there’s not much else to worry about after the initial setup. Keep their enclosure clean and the correct terrarium parameters. Then there shouldn’t be any major issues, even for reptile newcomers.
Note that while crested geckos have relaxed temperaments, owners should avoid handling them too frequently, as this can cause stress.
3. African Fat-Tailed Geckos Make Rewarding Pets
The African fat-tailed gecko isn’t as common as the previously mentioned lizards, but it’s still an interesting and suitable option for new reptile owners. Their short and stubby tail gives them their name as well as a unique aesthetic. We advise a 20-gallon tank size at a minimum for African fat-tailed geckos. They hail from very warm environments, so ensure there’s a basking spot of 90°F. There should also be plenty of shade and hiding places because they won’t want to spend long in that heat.
They are a nocturnal species, so you don’t need UVB lighting. You’ll need to set the humidity levels between 50 and 60 percent. However, it’s advisable to replicate their natural climate with a wet season and dry season. These lizards are slower than some of their counterparts. They’re not aggressive, and they have soft scales. Yes, the initial set-up requires a bit of work, but they’re very rewarding pets.
4. Gargoyle Geckos Can Live 20 Years
Maybe you want something a little different from the regular gecko pets. Gargoyle geckos are one of the best lizards for beginners because of their fascinating appearance and behaviors. Meanwhile, it’s relatively easy to care for them. First, it’s important to set up their tank appropriately. They don’t require anything more than any other reptile pet. A standard 20-gallon tank will suit one perfectly. They need temperatures of 72 to 78°F and humidity levels between 60 and 70 percent. This is more humid than some of the other species in this guide.
You can feed them a standard gecko diet and gut-loaded insect supplements. They do need UVB lighting, so this is an additional expense to consider. Gargoyles are also an arboreal species, so it’s important to try to emulate this by adding plenty of plants, branches, and vines to their enclosure. These geckos live for up to 20 years, so they are a serious commitment.
5. Giant Day Geckos Make Great Display Pieces
Perhaps you don’t want a tiny leopard gecko but can’t handle something as big as a bearded dragon? The giant day gecko could be a happy medium. This tropical species is relatively easy to care for. They have shorter lifespans of just eight years. Furthermore, they grow up to 12 inches long. Their vivid green coloring and distinct markings make them an eye-catching addition to any tank. They’re an arboreal species from the rainforests of Madagascar, so keep this in mind. The only major challenge for new owners is they require more space because of their size.
Unlike some of the other lizards in this guide, they don’t like handling. They’re more of a display pet, but this isn’t a bad thing. Giant day geckos offer their owners a great experience because of their incredible aesthetic and curious antics. They’re flighty lizards and are very fast. These lizards only require a basking temperature of 75°F. This is because they spend most of their time in the shade of the forest canopy. Giant day geckos love eating crickets and locusts. These live insects provide enrichment as well as nutrition for your pet.
