Exotic pets can cause us many concerns until we are used to them. When starting out, petowners often worry about where to place cages for their pets. Geckos are increasingly popular these days as domestic pets. But where do you put the cage? And if the pet is on display in a share space then how do you set up a living room for a Gecko? Read on to learn some of our suggestions.

How to set up a living room for a Gecko

Photo by verdian chua on Unsplash

Do you have a gecko and have no idea what to do with it? Are you looking for some inspiration to set up your living room for a new addition? Look no further! This blog post will teach you everything you need to know about setting up your living room for a gecko, from the furniture to the décor.

Setting up your living room for a gecko is not as hard as you think! First, choose a spot near a window so your gecko can enjoy some natural sunlight. Then, get some plants to help create a comfortable habitat—succulents are perfect since they don’t require much watering. Finally, make sure to provide plenty of hiding places, so your gecko can feel safe and secure. Are these more than enough tips for you? Well, for more details on how to make your new friend comfortable, please read on…

Are Geckos Lizards?

Gecko is any of the over a thousand lizard species belonging to the sub-order Gekkota. These lizards can be found in warm climates all over the world and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

These reptiles are known for their ability to climb walls and ceilings, and many species can also run across water. Some can even detach their tails as a defense mechanism when predators are nearby.

Geckos are mainly nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they often sleep in tree hollows or among leaves on the forest floor. Needless to say, they require attention just like a dog or cat pet would. Therefore, you may need to hire a good exotic pet sitter if you plan to leave town for a few days.

Tips for Setting Up Your Living Room for a Gecko

It’s a great thing that geckos are among the best lizards for kids and are the easiest to maintain. Still, proper preparation of your living room is mandatory before introducing the new pet to your home. So here are a few essential tips for preparing the living room for your gecko:

1)   Provide Your Gecko With More Than Enough Space

Generally, your pet’s new home should resemble its natural habitat. Most lizards like the Leopard Gecko may not be active, but they still need more than enough room to move around. You will need a 20-gallon tank for an adult and a 10 gallon one for a baby leopard. Therefore, you should get a wide and long vivarium, terrarium, or aquarium for your new pet.

A vivarium is an exceptional wooden tank with a glass front that can help lower your power bills while improving your interior decor. Remember, geckos are not ground creatures, so you should get a glass cage. Avoid mesh and wire cages as they cannot hold the heat well. A glass cover can also come in handy when it comes to keeping insects, kids, and even other pets outside.

2)   Make Sure the Cage Is Always Warm Enough.

Geckos are tropical animals and need a warm environment to thrive. Geckos use thermoregulation to maintain their temperature, so a good range to aim for is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a basking lamp to help create this ideal temperature range.

Place the cage near an open window, making it possible for the sun to heat up the cage and monitor the temperature using a digital thermometer with a temperature gun or probe. You can warm the sides of the cage using an underwater heater. Like the leopard geckos, some lizards are not basking creatures, so you should avoid basking rocks.

Light can come in handy if there are no open windows nearby. During the day, the temperature of the warm side of the cage should be 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cool side should be 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should be over 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night on both sides.

Photo by verdian chua on Unsplash

3)   Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots

Next, provide plenty of hiding places for your gecko. They will feel more secure if they have somewhere to hide—away from potential predators. The gecko will use the hiding spots to shelter themselves from heat, light, and things that can frighten them, like other people walking near the tank and pets.

You can use rocks, plants, or even commercial reptile hideaways for this purpose. You can also make some unique hiding spots using Tupperware containers, and for maximum comfort, you can have a warm and cool hiding spot. Your gecko will use the cool hiding spot to help regulate its temperature when it’s too hot. It will use the warm hiding spots to warm itself and digest its food.

You can add a moist hide to help create a well-balanced temperature and humidity in its cage. Make a moist hide using a plastic container with a spray bottle to help keep it moist.

4)   Close All Potential Escape Routes

Finally, make sure there are no potential escape routes for your gecko. If you plan on leaving the cage open at times, or your kids will spend a huge amount of time playing with them, then you need to close all the potential escape routes. Simply inspect your living room for any cracks or holes where your gecko could squeeze through.

You can create a safe and comfortable living space for your gecko by taking these precautions. Plus, you will never have to worry about your gecko running away when you go out of town. Closing the escape routes will also guarantee your pet’s safety from predators and other pets.

Final thoughts on how to set up a living room for  a gecko

Setting up your living room for a gecko is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, by following the few simple tips outlined above, you can have your new pet settled in and comfortable in no time at all. A topmost consideration is an enclosure that can be anything from a large aquarium to a plastic terrarium or even a screened-in porch. The important thing is that the habitat provides plenty of space for your gecko to move around and climb. You’ll also need some rocks and branches for your gecko to climb on; make sure they are smooth and free of sharp edges. A water dish and food dish are essential as well.

FURTHER READING ON PET CARE

Daily care for exotic pets

Find an exotic pet sitter – Here’s how

4 Pet care tips for when you are away

Planning your holiday home and pet care