7 things to know before owning a frog-eyed gecko

Thinking about bringing home a frog-eyed gecko (aka wonder gecko)? These quirky little desert dwellers are fascinating to observe, but they’re not your typical cuddly lizard. They’re more of a “look, don’t touch” kind of pet — which can be a great fit if you’re into low-maintenance reptiles with a touch of mystery.

Here’s what we’ve learned from keeping and caring for these shy, burrow-loving geckos — and what you should know before diving in.

First Things First: Handle With... Actually, Don't Handle

Let’s be real — frog-eyed geckos do not like being handled. Try it, and you’ll likely be met with squeaks, hisses, tail-wagging, and a frantic dash for cover. If that doesn’t stop you, they might drop their tail or even damage their delicate skin. So unless you're cleaning the enclosure or dealing with a health issue, it's best to admire them from a distance.

If you’re looking for a pet to hold and interact with regularly, this isn’t the one for you. But if you're cool with just watching your gecko do its thing — especially at night — they can be incredibly rewarding.

Habitat Setup: Think Warm, Dry, and Diggable

These desert lizards need a habitat that mimics their natural arid environment. Here’s what works for us:

• Enclosure Size: At least 2 ft for one gecko; 3 ft or more if you’re housing two or three (just one male though — they’re territorial).
• Floor Space Over Height: These geckos are not climbers. A wide, low enclosure is ideal.
• Substrate: Avoid sand — it collapses too easily and isn’t great for burrowing. Clay-based substrates are better. We use a moldable clay mix with just enough moisture to hold shape but not stay wet.
• Décor: Provide caves, rocks, and plants for hiding and exploring. Just make sure everything is securely placed to avoid collapse when they dig underneath.

Heating, Lighting & Humidity — Keep It Desert-Like

• Temperature: Daytime temps should range from 84°F to 93°F, with a basking spot around 95°F to 100°F. Nighttime can drop to 68°F–77°F.
• Humidity: Low humidity is key. Skip the water dish — it just collects debris. Light misting once or twice a week is enough, especially around shedding time.
• Lighting: They’re nocturnal, so UVB lighting isn’t essential, but a low-level UVB (2-5%) can help establish a day/night cycle. We give ours 10–12 hours of light in summer, 8 in winter.

Feeding: Insects Only, Please

Frog-eyed geckos are insectivores and have big appetites. We feed ours every other day with a variety of live insects like:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Waxworms (as treats)
• Mealworms and beetles (they love these!)
• Locusts and moths

Feed them just before dusk, and only what they can eat in 5 minutes. Always dust insects with calcium + vitamin D3 — especially important for females.

Cleaning Routine

• Daily: Spot clean leftover food or waste.
• Monthly: Full clean of the enclosure, replace substrate, and disinfect décor (use reptile-safe cleaners only).

Breeding & Special Notes

If you’re considering breeding, know that it’s not as simple as tossing a pair together. They need a cooling period (down to 50–61°F for a couple of months) to trigger mating. Also, their eggs are hard-shelled and fragile — they need to be removed quickly to prevent accidental crushing.

Also important: never mix frog-eyed geckos with other species. They’re territorial and can be aggressive even toward their own kind if space or resources are limited.

Is a Frog-Eyed Gecko Right for You?

This species is a great match for someone who:

• Wants a unique, low-interaction pet
• Doesn’t mind a nocturnal buddy who hides most of the day
• Is willing to put in the effort to set up the right environment
• Enjoys watching natural behaviors like digging, exploring, and hunting

Not ideal for families with small kids or anyone hoping for a “hands-on” reptile experience.

Final Thoughts

Frog-eyed geckos are beautiful, curious, and surprisingly expressive — just not through cuddles. With the right setup and a gentle, hands-off approach, they can thrive and live up to 20 years in captivity.

If you're okay with a “look-but-don’t-touch” kind of pet and are willing to commit to their care, a frog-eyed gecko might just be the perfect low-key lizard companion.