Essential Facts to Know About Golden Geckos
Golden Geckos might not be the first reptile that comes to mind for a pet, but if you're into low-maintenance, hands-off pets with a bit of mystery, they’re worth a look. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, these lizards are striking — especially the males, with their golden-yellow coloring. But they’re also a bit wild at heart, which is important to know before bringing one home.
If you’re thinking about getting a Golden Gecko, here’s what we’ve learned from caring for them — the good, the tricky, and how to set them up for success.
What You Should Know Before You Get a Golden Gecko
They’re not cuddly. Golden Geckos really don’t like being handled. They’re skittish, quick to bite if stressed, and can drop their tails if they feel threatened. Their skin is delicate too. So if you're looking for a lizard to hold and interact with, this isn’t the one. But if you’re okay with a “look-but-don’t-touch” pet, they can be fascinating to watch — especially at night when they’re active.
Wild-caught means a little more work. Most Golden Geckos in the pet trade aren’t bred in captivity. That means they can be more stressed in a home environment and may take longer to settle in. They’re not a great choice for first-time reptile owners unless you're ready to dive deep into their care and be patient.
They’re affordable, but setup matters. You can usually find a Golden Gecko for $15–$30, but the real cost is in the habitat. A decent enclosure setup (tank, heating, humidity gear, etc.) will run you $150–$300 depending on what you choose. The good news? Once it’s set up properly, maintenance is pretty easy.
They're nocturnal. This might be a plus or a minus depending on your schedule. They’ll be most active after sunset and sleep during the day. If you’re a night owl or enjoy winding down by watching your gecko explore under red light, this could be perfect.
Setting Up the Right Home
Golden Geckos are arboreal — they love to climb. That means you’ll want a vertical tank setup. A 20-gallon tall terrarium works fine for one gecko, but bigger is always better. Make sure the lid is secure; their sticky toes can get them out of just about anything.
Substrate: Use something that holds moisture well like coconut fiber or reptile bark. Avoid potting soil — it often contains perlite, which is dangerous if swallowed.
Decor: Give them lots of branches, logs, and plants (real or fake) to climb on. Also include a few hiding spots on the ground; they’ll use both levels of the tank.
Temperature & Heat: Keep one side of the tank warm (around 90°F) and the cooler side around 75°F. At night, it can drop to 70°F. Use ceramic heaters or heat pads instead of overhead bulbs to prevent burns — remember, they climb!
Lighting: Even though they’re nocturnal, some UVB exposure is helpful for calcium absorption. You don’t need intense lighting, just enough to help them distinguish day from night. A red night bulb lets you watch their antics after dark.
Humidity: These rainforest natives need high humidity — anywhere from 60% to 80%. A digital hygrometer will help you keep it in check. Mist the tank daily and add a shallow water dish (clean it often — they sometimes poop in it).
Feeding and Care Tips
Golden Geckos are insectivores with a hearty appetite. Crickets, mealworms, superworms, and the occasional wax worm or roach are great. You can offer small bits of fruit like banana or mango now and then, but insects should be the main course.
Feeding schedule:
- Juveniles: Daily
- Adults: 5–6 times a week
Feed what they’ll eat in 15 minutes. Always dust insects with calcium powder a few times a week to prevent health issues like Metabolic Bone Disease.
Cleanliness is key. Spot clean the tank every day and do a deep clean once a month. These geckos are sensitive to dirty environments, and poor hygiene can lead to skin and respiratory problems.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
- Keep it quiet: Place the enclosure in a low-traffic, peaceful area of your home. They’re shy and easily stressed by noise and constant movement.
- No kids’ pet: Because they don’t like being handled, Golden Geckos aren’t suitable for young kids who may want a hands-on experience.
- Only one male per tank: Males are territorial and will fight. A male-female pair can work, but introduce them slowly and supervise closely. Females may cohabitate, but give them space, especially if they’re nesting.
- Find a reptile vet now, not later. Golden Geckos can suffer from shedding issues (dysecdysis), respiratory infections, and MBD. Having a good reptile vet on hand before something goes wrong is just smart planning.
Golden Geckos aren’t beginner pets, but they can be incredibly rewarding if you respect their wild roots and create the right environment. They’re more of a “watch from a distance” type of companion — but for many of us, that’s part of the charm.
If you’ve got the patience and the setup, these little rainforest climbers might just be the perfect addition to your reptile family.