All About the Gecko Terrarium
If you have a gecko as a pet like many people across the world, and need a gecko terrarium to house it, this article is for you. A house for your pet is very important because a good pet-owner always wants his or her pet to be as comfortable as possible. It is not just about comfort, though. Some pets, like most reptiles, need a very exact environment and a very particular type of living space in order to survive. This is why terrariums were invented, and this is why one is important for your gecko.
A gecko is a reptile that is found in warm climates across the globe. These creatures are often small, and are known for being green – although they can come in different colors, shapes, and varieties. Also, a gecko has no eyelids; instead, they have a membrane that goes over the eye (which is then licked to stay clean). Geckos also are great climbers because they have unique suction-like pads on their feet to help them grip all surfaces. One characteristic of a gecko that makes it an attractive pet is its longevity – a gecko can live up to 25 years if properly cared for.
The purpose of a gecko terrarium is to replicate as closely as possible the gecko’s natural habitat, so that your pet can survive and thrive in your home. This enclosure also keeps your pet safe from other pets, as well as safe from wandering around your home and getting lost. These have the added benefit of being attractive, if you use the right decoration, and can really add a certain style to a room.
A gecko terrarium can come in many different sizes, shapes, and types. The most basic kind of container is a simple wire cage. People usually put newspapers on the bottom and a few decorations inside, as well as food and water bowls. This makes it difficult to control the temperature, though. A step up from a wire cage is a simple plastic container, like the kind you can find at any pet store. These have holes or slots in them to allow air to get into the container, and typically have reptile carpet or sand and grass as flooring. More advanced types of gecko houses are glass, with multiple levels and large branches and boulders for climbing. They also have lights and heat lamps that replicate the sun if in a cold environment. The best containers will allow you to control the temperature, although those can be expensive. Regardless, you should have some method of adding heated areas to your container.
Typically, you will find a variety of items in a gecko terrarium. As mentioned above, you can and should include climbing materials for your gecko. These can include relatively-large wooden branches with leaves, boulders, rocks, and water dishes to act as pools. Also, you should include places where the gecko can hide – such as empty butter tubs, paper towel rolls, and even houses like those you would find in a fish tank.
A gecko terrarium should be maintained in a certain way. The temperature of the tank during the day should be 82-88 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the night, it should be 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. You can accomplish this easily by setting up a heating pad under one end of the tank, so that your gecko can travel back and forth as needed. Also, you should have an ample water supply, as well as plenty of food. For more information about housing a gecko, consult your local pet supply store for the best material specific to the species of gecko you have in your home.