Some people have a pet gecko.
Others prefer to keep lizards. But which is better?
The answer depends on your needs and preferences!
Geckos are generally smaller than lizards but also require less space.
They do not need water because they get moisture from the air and can be kept in warmer climates without special lighting or heat lamps.
On the other hand, Lizards need more room and heat lamps for basking (warming up) purposes.
They also need an environment with UV light so that their skin cells can produce vitamin D3 and calcium, which aids in bone growth and helps protect against diseases like osteoporosis.
Which one will you choose?
It all comes down to your unique needs!
Are geckos and lizards the same thing?
Geckos and lizards are not the same things.
They’re completely different animals!
Geckos are small, quick-moving lizards that like to climb walls.
These little reptiles can be found worldwide in places with climates mild enough for them and diverse terrain.
Geckos use a flattened tail for grip as they walk on surfaces such as ceiling beams and window sills in their tropical environment habitat.
The word ‘gecko’ originated from the native South Pacific (New Zealand) language – Maori, which means “no-foot” because geckos do not have toes; however, some species do not have fingers at all while others only have minute projections for fingernails or claws on each finger pad – yet still, retain a ‘toe-print’ shape on the top of each digit.
Geckos are insectivores, gobbling up crickets, moths and other creepy crawlies that they find by using their sensitive forked tongues to detect the scent of a tasty meal.
Their bite is not deadly, but it has bacteria in its saliva, making prey immobile and easier to catch.
So what’s so different about lizards?
Lizards are much larger than geckos and often hunt for food on the ground rather than climbing like their smaller cousins.
Lizard feet have toes with flexible claws enabling them to run quickly across flat surfaces such as rocks and tree bark while hunting, grabbing and catching prey.
Lizards are equipped with bright eyes and sharp teeth to help in their quest for food.
Lizards have smooth scaly skin that can come in various colours, such as green, yellow or brown.
Many species of lizard live near water and are good swimmers, while others stay in sandy deserts with large bodies; some lizards even live high up on trees! Just like there is a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and personalities among humans – so too do lizards exhibit variations in behaviour among themselves that make each an individual animal regardless if they fall into the gecko category or not.
Geckos are much easier to care for than lizards.
Geckos are easier to care for than lizards because they have a shorter lifespan and don’t need much.
Geckos also have more established dietary needs than a lizard, which can be easily adjusted to meet their needs.
Geckos have less of an environmental need than a lizard which is another thing that can make them easier to take care of.
Geckos shed their skin more often and don’t need the bask heat source as lizards do
Lizards shed their skin less frequently than a gecko does, which means you have to take extra care in keeping the humidity up.
Geckos will be shedding all the time because they need to get rid of their old scales so that new ones can come through, as this is how they grow.
A lizard has to keep its coat healthy by staying hydrated, which means it needs constant water available for drinking.
Lizards also need a basking lamp to stay warm enough for growth and development.
Geckos are easier pets for small children to handle
Geckos are easier pets for children to handle than a lizard is because they are more tolerant of them.
They don’t have a long tail to poke or hold and will not bite unless provoked.
The tails on a gecko aren’t used for balance either like the ones on a lizard are.
Geckos are also smaller than lizards which means they aren’t as intimidating either.
A child is less likely to want to touch something that looks scary to them regarding their size.
Geckos can be handled without stressing them out too much.
A gecko can be handled regularly without stressing it out too much as long as you keep in mind what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.
Any handling should be done with smooth, easy strokes instead of jerky fast movements.
That way, you are less likely to startle them.
Geckos aren’t as fragile and delicate as some people think they are
The common misconception about geckos is that they are fragile.
Geckos are pretty durable, considering how thin their bones are.
Geckos are also stronger than almost any other pet you could have, which makes them able to handle a lot of rough handling without being damaged too badly.
Geckos have a more docile demeanour.
Humans can handle geckos without fear of being bitten.
Geckos also have no venomous bites and are easier to handle than lizards.
They also come in various colours: blue, orange, yellow, red, and green.
Many species are crepuscular and sleep during the day.
Geckos can be as small as a penny or as big as an adult hand.
The first known gecko was found in 1757 by German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas, who gave it the scientific name “Gekko gecko” (on account of its habit of sticking to walls).
This species, which he also described, is now called “Gekko palmatus”.
Another example of this phenomenon can be seen in frogs: over 800 known frog species lay their eggs on dry land, yet all of these frog species retain some form of egg-laying behaviour from their aquatic ancestry.
Although many people know very little about them, they are fascinating creatures.
Geckos are less expensive to buy, feed, and maintain
The most popular breed of pet geckos is the leopard gecko, and it’s relatively inexpensive to buy.
They also eat less food, which saves on the cost of feeding them.
Geckos are also easier to care for than other species of reptiles, such as lizards or snakes.
Geckos require less space, making them easier to take care of
If you live in an apartment or a small home with little room for a large dog or cat, you can still have a pet if you choose a gecko.
Geckos also don’t need as much exercise like other pets and won’t try to run away.
They’re more likely to stay in one place so they won’t get lost.
When choosing the right cage, look for something tall enough for your gecko to climb on but not so big that it looks like it would be uncomfortable inside.
Geckos are susceptible animals and want their cages to feel comfortable when they go inside.
To keep your cavy happy, make sure the tank is at least 12-15 inches high.
Geckos don’t need to be walked outside or taken for a car ride every day.
You can leave your gecko in his cage all weekend without having to worry about whether he’s lonely and bored.
Most lizards are nocturnal, so they’ll spend most of their time sleeping during the day anyway.
You may have to take your gecko out of his tank once a week or so if you want him to eat regularly.
If two leopard geckos live together, they may feed each other occasionally, so you won’t need to offer food as much.
Keep in mind that your pet will smell more when living indoors than an outdoor reptile like a bearded dragon.
If you don’t like the smell, have your leopard gecko on a sleepover or vacation at a friend’s house once in a while so they can experience outdoor smells and activities.
Gecko droppings do not carry harmful bacteria like those of lizards.
They are less likely to be contaminated with threatening spores and germs because they are primarily herbivores.
Geckos eat insects and plants, which provide a strong defence against infection due to their immune system.
Geckos have a slight advantage over other pets due to their nature.
They may not be the cleanest of animals, but they are more hygienic than most humans.
The droppings can also vary in size depending on the animal and its age.
Gecko feces is typically hard pellets that look similar to rabbit droppings.
Geckos do not consume enough fibre to create loose stool, so any soft stool found around the home usually indicates something wrong with the gecko.
If your pet is having trouble eliminating in this manner, consult a veterinarian immediately, as this could develop into a medical issue such as impaction or constipation.
In addition to eating whole insects, geckos chew them up before swallowing, so it is unusual to find remains in the droppings.
There are species of geckos such as the African fat-tailed geckos that consume their food whole, but they still digest most of it into pellets and excrete only indigestible parts like shells, hair or skin cells.
Most gecko feces have a slightly smelly scent, but they will not be very offensive unless your pet hasn’t been eating properly or has an illness affecting its body odour.
These droppings can be found scattered around inside your house and on the walls and glass panes which means you will need to clean them off regularly just like you would for other pets’ waste.
So whether inside or outside, these droppings should be removed regularly to avoid causing a health hazard.
Although geckos are usually disease-free, they can still end up with parasites such as mites and ticks.
However, it is difficult for these parasites to survive in tropical areas where the weather is hot most of the time and pests are scarce.
If you live in an area convenient for them, your home may be infested if you do not keep a close eye on your pet’s droppings or if only small numbers of droppings are found scattered around your house.
It is safer to set traps outside than inside your home.
When possible, use professional pest control services instead of using DIY methods like insecticides that have proven harmful to humans and animals alike.
Lizards require larger living spaces.
Their enclosure should be large, bigger than 10 gallons of space per lizard.
Large lizards such as iguanas, chameleons and monitors will require large enclosures. Also, make sure the cage is secure.
The ideal enclosure should include branches and other climbing structures that your pet can use to exercise.
Role of a lizard terrarium
The best way to set up a home for your pet is in an enclosed glass tank or wooden box with a wire screen on one side so you can easily access it if necessary.
Your pet needs shade from the sun and hiding places from time to time.
Building him a burrow he can use when he wants privacy is also a great idea.
Your new pet reptile requires plain water, commercial reptile food pellets, fresh vegetables every day (either live or cut up), fresh fruits (like apples and bananas) one to three times a week, as well as protein sources like insects or small pieces of red meat.
The food should be supplemented with calcium powder once or twice a week in the summer months.
Lizards tend to do better if they are dry most of the time rather than always moist.
Your pet lizard may need regular access to a source of calcium for their bones; this is critical when they are young, growing, and breeding.
Young lizards especially need some exposure to direct sunlight every day.
Changes in your lizard’s appetite can track seasonal variation; increased fruit and vegetable intake indicates that they are preparing for winter hibernation or warmer egg-laying season.
Lizards like to climb, so if possible, provide a climbing structure in their home enclosure. Ideally, the sides of the tank should be tall and sturdy enough for your lizard to grip but not so high that they can escape from it.
This is an ideal place for them to rest or catch some sun.
A basking lamp can help give your pet the warmth he needs, especially if you do not have a warm climate in your area.
If you notice your reptile getting lethargic or eating excessively, then you may need to increase the temperature slightly in his habitat; otherwise, keep the temperature about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
To eat healthily, she will also need exercise since reptiles are cold-blooded animals and will require a warm environment in which to hunt and eat food.
Lizards may bite people if they feel threatened or cornered; geckos will generally run away instead.
I have seen this on TV in a documentary, and it’s pretty clear that lizards don’t like being cornered.
One good kick or hit with a stick, and they will run away.
I feel that this is no different for geckos as well.
I am afraid of geckos because I have seen them in some parts of the house at night time, and when you hear their footsteps from the ceiling, it’s a scary experience. Most encounters are usually harmless, but it’s better to walk without shoes if you live in a gecko infested area like ours.
So far, we haven’t ever been bitten by any geckos, but only because we already know not to corner them 🙂
Geckos can live up to 20 years, meaning you’ll have a long-term companion
Geckos are known for being great guardians.
Reptiles are not prone to infection like mammals, so they do not require as much healthcare.
Geckos will also help control the insect population around your house by hunting down bugs that could otherwise infest the home.
Geckos can live up to 20 years, meaning you’ll have a long-term companion.
“Geckoes are relatively not expensive as reptiles go, and there are many different species to choose from,” said Adam Roberts of The Reptile Guys.
“You can go the cheaper route with something like a leopard gecko and spend about $100 for an animal that will last 10-15 years, or you can go with a more expensive animal like a Phelsuma, which sell for around $300 and they’ll last 15-20 years.”
Conclusion
The gecko vs. lizard debate has been going on for decades now, but we’re here to put it to rest once and for all.
Geckos are just as many lizards as they are not, which is why we often refer to them generically as “geckos.”
However, there’s a lot more that distinguishes these two creatures from each other than you might think at first glance.
For example, while both animals require similar living conditions (temperature-wise), if your home is small or cluttered with objects, the gecko may be better suited because of its less fragile body structure and docile demeanour.
That being said, the cost factor can also make one animal seem like a better choice over the other.
