Gecko Toki: maintenance and care at home
The reptile got its name due to the loud sounds “To-kei” and “Toki” that the males make. But these lizards are distinguished not only by screams. Their fighting character and unusual color attract many terrarium keepers.
The life expectancy of such a pet directly depends on the proper care and environment around. In this article, we will tell you how to create suitable conditions for the Toki gecko. We will explain what to include in the diet, and what to avoid.
Contents
Introduction
Description of the species
Toki gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large lizard, which ranks second in size among representatives of the chain-footed family. The body length of females is from 20 to 30 cm, males – 20-35 centimeters. Weight varies from 150 to 300 g. The body is cylindrical, bluish or gray in color, covered with orange-red spots. To the touch, their skin is very delicate, similar to velvet. Thanks to the tiny bristles on their fingers, geckos can run at great speed even on smooth surfaces.
Habitat conditions
These reptiles could previously only be found in southeast Asia. But at the end of the XNUMXth century they were brought to part of the Caribbean islands, to Texas, Florida and Hawaii. The natural habitat of Toki geckos is tropical forests, foothills and lowlands, as well as the countryside.
Containment Equipment
Terrarium
To make the lizard comfortable, you need to pick up a spacious terrarium. The minimum parameters should be at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm. Driftwood, live or artificial plants are placed inside the terrarium. They not only serve as a decoration, but also help maintain the required level of humidity.
Heating
The temperature is controlled with a thermometer. At night, it should be no more than 24 ° C, during the day in different areas – from 25 to 32 ° C. For local heating, a lamp is placed in one of the corners.
Ground
The substrate is chosen to be moisture-retaining. It can be tree bark, various mixtures of coconut, moss, bark and leaves.
shelters
It is necessary to provide several places where the gecko can hide. The trunks of snags, special decorations can act as a refuge.
World
The terrarium is illuminated with day and night lamps. All heating and lighting devices are placed exclusively outside the terrarium.
Humidity
The humidity index should be between 70 and 80%. To maintain it, in the morning and evening, the space is irrigated with warm water. At the same time, it is important to prevent soil overflow; you should not make a swamp.
Ventilation
Slots in the end wall and on the ceiling will be able to provide an influx of fresh air.
Toki gecko diet
The Gekko gecko species in nature prefers to feed on small vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as insects. In a terrarium, newborn mice can be added to them.
FAQ
Reproduction
To reproduce, these reptiles need hiding places in which they can hide their eggs. Usually there are no more than two of them, and clutches per year – 4-5. At this time, females especially need calcium. They are happy to eat additional mineral supplements.
During the incubation period in the terrarium, it is important to maintain the temperature at 29°C. After about 80-90 days, the cubs will hatch. Their length is from 80 to 110 mm. To scare off enemies, they sharply move their tail, covered with transverse stripes of black and white.
Lifespan
In captivity, the reptile can live up to 15 years. The term depends on the conditions of detention, the quality of the food and the responsibility of the owner.
Keeping Toki the Gecko
Males will not tolerate any other members of their species in their territory. They fiercely defend their borders. These warlike reptiles meet with partners exclusively during the breeding season. Adults are able to eat their own masonry, only hatched babies or smaller relatives. Therefore, they are usually kept separately.
Health maintenance
At home, reptiles often do not get the right amount of nutrients. Therefore, for the prevention or treatment of diseases, they are given various vitamins and minerals along with food. Calcium and D3 are the most basic and vital for these lizards. These supplements are used at every feeding.
Do not introduce insects picked up from the street into the Toki gecko’s diet. They carry various fungi, infections, parasites. They need to be purchased only in specialized stores or grown independently.
Communication
These lizards are not the friendliest creatures. When you try to pick it up, they swell, open their mouths, hiss and make croaking sounds. A gecko can easily attack a troublemaker. He has strong jaws, they are almost impossible to unclench.
Interesting Facts
- Males always indicate their presence with a deafening cry.
- Gecko eggs have a sticky shell that prevents them from rolling off even when placed on a sloping surface. Later, it hardens and protects the developing embryos.
- To distinguish a female from a male, look at the size, the number of pores at the base of the tail, endolymphatic sacs and the calls of individuals.
Geckos in the Panteric online store
Here you can buy a healthy lizard with the right size and color, grown under strict control.
Professional consultants will select the necessary equipment and soil. They will tell you about the features of care and feeding.
If you often have to travel and you are worried about the condition of your pet, contact our pet hotel. Specialists will fully take care of the gecko. We understand the specifics of reptiles, we know all the subtleties of handling them. We guarantee proper nutrition and safety of your pet.
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