Tokay Gecko Care Sheet

Scientific name: Gekko gecko
Size: 8-12 inches
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years

Introduction to Tokay Geckos

Tokay Geckos, also know as Gekko Gecko, live in rainforests in the southeastern part of Asia. They are a large gecko and are sometime known to have an aggesive temperment which makes them a questionable choice for people who have never own a gecko before. While it is possible to tame them over time, some Tokay Geckos never like to be handled. They can grow to between 8 to 12 inches long and can live for upwards of 15 years if cared for properly.

Choosing your Tokay

A healthy Tokay gecko will not be overly thin and will have clear eyes and skin. They have raised scales that run along their dorsal area and their months will be a bright orange or red. Be sure that the nostrils are not filled with liquids.

Housing
Tokay Geckos are fully nocturnal so it is important that their enclosure is kept dark at night so they can be active. A cube shaped tank that is 2 feet on each side will provide enough space for most Tokay Geckos but some larger ones may require more space as they grow. Be sure to provide plants and shelters for your gecko to hide in so that they feel safe and do not become stressed. Moss hides work very welll for Tokays and can help with shedding. They can climb the walls of their tank very easily so no need to worry about putting in a climbing wall. Put at least one shelter on the warm side and one on the cooler side so the gecko can maintain its proper temperature while it hides.

Water needs to be misted in the tank so that the Tokay can lick water off the plants or walls of the tank. You can also provide a water bowl if you like but be sure it is kept clean.
Heating and Humidity

You can easily maintain the proper humidity for a Tokay gecko by spraying the tank once a day and leaving a small water bowl need the warm side of the tank to evaporate. Try to maintain humidity of between 60-70%. An ambient temperature of between 80-85F with a basking area of between 85-95F is best during the day and a temperature drop of about 10F at night is fine.
Since Tokays are arboreal under tank heating is not as effective as overhead lights. Since they are nocturnal you do not want to use UV lights or any bright light because this can damage their eyes. If you want to be able to watch your Tokay at night is blue “Moon Lamp” is an easy way to do this.

Feeding

Tokays will eat just about any insect that they can get their mouths on. Mealworms and crickets are the most common, make sure they are sized small enough that your gecko can eat them easily and remove any uneaten insects after a while so that they do not harm your gecko when he is not hungry.
Young geckos can be fed 1-3 small crickets everyday and as they mature you can move to 4-6 crickets 3 times a week. It is best to feed them both mealworms and crickets to ensure they receive the proper nutrients. Gut loading the insects is also helpful to maintenance nutrient balance. Once every week you should powder the crickets with calcium powder containing D3. This will help with bone growth and defend against a calcium deficiency. Be sure that it contains D3 or else the geckos will not be able to absorb it.

Handling
Most Tokay Geckos do not like being handled and they will bite or bark if you try to. Although it is possible to “tame” some it is best not to stress your gecko by handling it. If you do need to pick it up use glove or a cloth.