Tokay Gecko Caresheet
Scientific Name: Gecko gecko
Size: 12-14 Inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Housing
Tokay Gecko’s are arboreal; therefore, enclosure height is more important than floor space. We keep male/female pairs in extra-tall, front opening glass terrariums measuring 18” x 18” x 36”.
All our Gecko enclosures are bioactive using a soil/coconut fibre mixture seeded with isopods, springtails, and live plants. Tokay Geckos should be provided plenty of hiding spots at all levels of the enclosure.
As males can be very territorial, we never recommend housing them together. Females can usually be housed together but as is the case when cohabitating any species, care must be taken to ensure all inhabitants are thriving and getting along.
Temperature, Lighting and Humidity
Tokay Geckos are incredibly adaptive, and able to survive a range of environmental conditions. Ideally, they prefer the warm, humid environments typical of their natural range. Our enclosures are heated with a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) and thermostat that provide a hotspot of 90F and slightly lower temperatures elsewhere in the tank that allow them to thermoregulate - there is a slight drop in temperature at night. All out temps are verified daily using infrared heat gun.
Being nocturnal, Tokay Geckos do not require the UVA/UVB lights typical of other lizards. However, as we strive to replicate nature as much as possible for our habitats we provide all our Geckos UVA/UVB.
Coming from the rainforest, Tokay Geckos thrive in humid environments. This can be accomplished with the appropriate substrate and daily misting.
Feeding
Tokay Geckos are opportunistic feeders, but primarily insectivores. We provide our geckos a variety of appropriately sized insect prey including crickets, superworms and mealworms every other day. Insects are dusted with a good quality reptile-grade calcium supplement.
Our adult tokays are occasionally offered pinkie mice, especially when producing eggs. As with all animals, fresh water should be provided at all time. However, some Tokay Geckos will not use a water dish, daily misting is important to keep them hydrated.
Handling
Most tokay geckos are aggressive and do not tolerate handling well. In addition to having a big bite, improper handling can result in dropped tails and a stressed gecko.
With patience (and good gloves) most Geckos can be acclimated to short handling sessions.
Our Handling Process
- Tong feeding is used to get the Tokay use to having hands in the enclosure – I usually move to hand feeding if the Gecko is receptive but be careful!
- Once the Tokay stops fleeing when we open the cage, we start short handling sessions with the gloves (never grasp the tail). Whether or not we move to handling without gloves depends on the individual and temperament.
Overall Tokay Geckos make a great display animal but should not be handled regularly.
Disclaimer: The above information is based on our own experience and what works for us. We realize there’s more than one way to properly care for a Tokay Gecko and always recommend checking multiple trustworthy sources when finding out what will work for you.