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.