Tokay gecko
Tokay geckos are not as common as leopard geckos, but they are just as interesting as their cousins. As the second largest type of gecko, they are known for their vibrant spots and colors. They are usually gray-green with bright orange and blue spots. They are notoriously a bit aggressive and are not recommended for beginners. But once you have their tank set up, their care needs are pretty straightforward.
An arboreal and cliff-dwelling species, the tokay gecko is native to parts of Asia and some Pacific islands. They are squeaky animals, making unique croaks like “To-kay! To-kay!” This is how they got their common name. According to some legends, they are said to bring good luck. Unfortunately, however, they are also frequent targets of poachers in the wild, because they are used in a number of medicinal remedies. People would dry their bodies to boil them into tonics or grind them into powders to treat various ailments, including asthma, diabetes, cancer, and more. If you are looking for a captive tokay gecko, educate yourself about its needs first.
Behavior and Temperament of the Tokay Gecko
Tokay geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, your gecko will sleep with its head down. In the wild, these geckos are known to be highly territorial. In particular, the males will attack any animal, including other tokay geckos, that they perceive as a threat. Furthermore, tokays are excellent climbers and have relatively large heads compared to other geckos. They also have strong jaws and a gripable tail (the tail is capable of grasping objects). And they can split their tails to escape predators.
Furthermore, tokay geckos are known to be quite aggressive and they can bite very painfully. With regular interaction, they can become less aggressive, but they are generally not good to handle. So this is not a pet for novice reptiles or homes with young children. These geckos are very intelligent and will bite if they feel threatened.
Tokay’s Gecko House
Never keep male tokay geckos together. It’s best not to keep geckos in your bedroom, as their cries can wake you up.
Since these are large geckos, a 20-gallon tank is the minimum size suitable for their habitat. Provide sturdy branches, as your gecko will spend most of the time climbing. And add reptile-safe pots if you want. (An artificial tree can also be used.) Alternatively, provide some hiding spots using cork bark, half a log, or a cave.
Make sure your tank has a safety cap. Tokay geckos are very strong and can try to escape if given the chance. This can lead to a dangerous situation for both the gecko and anyone in your home if the gecko feels the need to defend itself.
Heat
Try to reach temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 32 degrees Celsius) during the day and 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius) at night. An incandescent light bulb can be used for daytime heating. But nocturnal reptile bulbs or ceramic heaters must be used at night to mimic the day-night cycle. Heat supplied from above the tank is better than a heating pad because tokay geckos are climbers.
Light
UVB-emitting bulbs are generally not needed because tokay geckos are nocturnal, although some experts believe that low levels of UV rays can benefit their overall health. The red night light bulb will allow you to see your gecko at night when it is most active without disrupting the animal’s natural day-night cycle.
humidity
Tokay geckos prefer high humidity around 70 percent. Don’t let it drop below 50 percent. Maintain moisture through misting, water-retaining substrates and water bowls. But also make sure the tank has good airflow, as too humid environments can lead to health problems.1 Measure the humidity with a hygrometer.
Substrate
The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your gecko tank. It helps retain moisture, and certain substrates can mimic the look and feel of a gecko’s natural environment. Orchid bark or a substrate made from coconut shells are good choices for their ability to retain moisture. When the gecko is shedding, you can even use a paper towel to help clean up. Choose paper towels that have not been bleached and do not have an ink design.
Food and water
Tokay geckos are generally voracious eaters and can be fed a variety of insects, including crickets, superworms, mealworms, waxworms, grasshoppers, and cockroaches. Bigger Tokays can even take pink mice. Prey should be gut-loaded (fed with nutritious food, then transferred to the gecko) and supplemented with a calcium-containing vitamin supplement. Juveniles can be fed every 24 hours; Adults are usually fed every other day. Consult your veterinarian about the amount of food for your gecko, based on its age and size.
Just like in the wild, tokay geckos often drink water from moisture drops that fall on twigs climbing in their cages out of fog. But you should also put a shallow dish of water on the bottom of the tank so they always have a source of water.
Common health and behavioral problems
Like many lizards, geckos are prone to mouth rot or stomatitis. Symptoms include a red appearance around the mouth or a discharge that looks like cheese. Excess saliva can be a sign of a respiratory infection.2
They are also susceptible to parasitic infections on the skin as well as internally. A skin infection can look like a rash.3 And if your gecko is having trouble molting completely, this is another symptom of a skin problem. Furthermore, internal parasites can cause lethargy, altered appetite, and abnormal stool deposits.
All of these conditions are treatable if caught early. Consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. Don’t try to treat these ailments with home remedies.
In terms of behavior issues, tokay geckos are not lovable pets. Handle them carefully and only when necessary to avoid injury. When they bite, they are known to grip tightly and not want to let go.
Choose your Tokay gecko
If you feel you can handle the aggressive temperament of a tokay gecko, choose a captive animal from a reputable breeder or animal rescue who can tell you about its origins and its health. Expect to pay around $20 to $50. Choose a gecko that doesn’t see the ribs and pelvis. You also shouldn’t see any bumps on its skin, which could indicate an infection or a broken bone.
One way to determine if a tokay gecko is healthy is to pick it up. A healthy gecko won’t like this and will chirp or try to bite you, so make sure you put your hand behind its head. If the gecko opens its mouth, it is about to bite.
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