Gargoyle Gecko Care Guide: 10 Essential Tips for Beginners

Gargoyle geckos are a fascinating and beginner-friendly reptile to keep as pets. Known for their unique appearance and relatively easy care requirements, they make a great choice for those new to reptiles.

If you’re thinking of getting one or have already adopted a gargoyle gecko, this care guide will walk you through the basics. Here are 10 essential tips to help you provide the best care for your new pet.

1. Setting Up the Right Habitat

Creating the perfect habitat is one of the most important things when caring for a gargoyle gecko. These reptiles thrive in a vertical enclosure since they love to climb. A 20-gallon tall terrarium is a great starting size for an adult gecko.

Make sure to provide branches, vines, and hiding spots to mimic their natural environment. Use a substrate that holds moisture, like coconut fiber or reptile-safe soil, to keep humidity levels stable.

2. Maintain Proper Humidity

Gargoyle geckos are native to the humid environments of New Caledonia, so keeping the right humidity is crucial. Aim for a humidity range of 60-80%. Regular misting, along with a good substrate, helps maintain this level.

You can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the enclosure and mist it as needed.

3. Provide the Right Temperature

Unlike many reptiles, gargoyle geckos don’t need high temperatures. The enclosure should be kept between 72 and 80F during the day with a slight drop at night.

No special heating lamps are usually required unless your home gets cooler than 68°F (20°C) at night. Avoid excessive heat, as it can stress your gecko.

4. Feeding Your Gargoyle Gecko

Gargoyle geckos have a simple diet, making feeding time easy. They primarily eat a mix of commercial powdered gecko food and occasional insects.

You can find gecko food in pet stores that you mix with water. For variety, you can offer gut-loaded crickets or small roaches 2-3 times a week. Avoid using large insects, as they can be too hard for your gecko to eat.

5. Handling Your Gecko with Care

Gargoyle geckos are generally calm, but they can be a bit shy. When handling your gecko, it is imperative to exercise gentleness and patience. It’s best to let them get used to you by handling them in brief sessions.

Never grab them by the tail, as they can drop it if they feel threatened. While their tails can grow back, it’s best to avoid causing them stress.

6. Keeping a Clean Habitat

A clean enclosure is essential for the health of your gargoyle gecko. Spot clean daily by removing uneaten food and waste, and do a deeper clean of the enclosure every month.

This helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and keeps your gecko healthy.

7. Provide Fresh Water

Make sure your gargoyle gecko always has access to fresh water.In their enclosure Use a shallow dish and change the water daily. You’ll notice your gecko may also drink water droplets after misting.

Keeping a consistent source of water helps with hydration, especially in a humid environment.

8. Ensure Proper Lighting

Gargoyle geckos don’t need special UVB lighting like some reptiles, but a low-level UVB light can still be beneficial for their overall health. However, most gecko owners use standard LED lights just to light the enclosure during the day.

Just make sure the lighting isn’t too intense.

9. Watch for Health Issues

Even though gargoyle geckos are hardy creatures, it’s important to watch for signs of illness. Common issues include shedding problems, lethargy, or a lack of appetite.

If you see any of these signs, ask a reptile veterinarian for help. Regularly check your gecko for stuck shed, especially around the toes, which can lead to circulation problems if not addressed.

READ MORE