Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
Distribution :-The Tokay geckos can be found in areas of south east Asia, Indo-Australian Archipelago, Japan and Korea.
Size :-These animals grow between 18 - 24cm (7 - 9 inches) in length.
Diet :-Gecko's are mainly insectivorous animals. Foods taken in captivity consist of arthropods, mealworms, wax worms, black field crickets (be aware that large black crickets can bite so any crickets that are not eaten should not be left in the enclosure for long periods of time or over night), locusts, brown crickets, earthworms and pink mice.
Heat source:- This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, red or blue, ceramics or tubular heaters.
Wire mesh guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
Thermostat:- An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures within the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Thermometers:- One should be placed each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate.
UV light source:- Reptisun 2.0UVB. This should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day and replaced every 12 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and night time effect as well as give your lizard sufficient levels of UV in order to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
Housing:- This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage and adequate ventilation. A vivarium measuring 75cm (30 inches) in length by 45cm (18 inches) deep by 45cm (18 inches) high is sufficient for a small colony of geckos (2 or 3). However, males are notoriously aggressive and should not be kept with other males. Hatchlings should be kept in a smaller container which can be housed in their future vivarium.
Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and to allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
Water:- These animals in particular do not require great amounts of water, spraying on a daily base is often sufficient however, it may be wise to supply a shallow bowl of water to enable the animal to use it when needed.
Temperature :-The temperature underneath the bulb should be at least 30 - 35°C (86 - 96°F) which aids digestion and absorption of food. The background temperature should be in the region of 26 - 28°C (79 - 82°F) with a night time temperature of 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F).
Humidity :-These animals arise from damp areas and therefore require moderate levels of humidity. Usually around 60 - 70%.
Longevity :-Gecko's if kept under the right conditions and given the correct diet can live between 8 and 15 years with some exceeding this.
Substrate :-Substrate can be sand (about 5cm (2 inches) in depth) with a third of the vivarium being of dampened moss to allow your gecko to hydrate itself. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease.
Salmonella :-Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated however that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal. Remember, you are just as likely to contract salmonella from your Sunday lunch, cream cake or dog so don't automatically assume that your gecko is the only suspect!
This information is given as the opinion of Proteus Reptile Rescue & Sanctuary only.
Revised: March, 2001.
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