So I got a free golden gecko....

[knitsteel]

We had the opportunity to get a golden gecko, free. After buying all the supplies, not free, we have the guy home. He looks healthy!

But now, where to start for more information? I found two pretty good care sheets online and our nearest pet store seems reasonably knowledgeable. She has three different kinds of geckos in her shop, not golden though.

One of my biggest questions is, will this guy ever get used to any sort of handling, or at least let me stick my hand in the tank without trying to leap out?

As far as I have learned from the reading, this is more of a rainforest gecko. Can I set this guy up with more of a lush setting, like I've seen in some of the gecko forum photos?

Any book recommendations specifically for the golden gecko?
Thanks so much in advance for any help you can give me.

Thanks,
-Kirsten
Wrought and Fraught (art blog, no geckos yet)

[Peter]

Originally Posted by knitsteel

But now, where to start for more information? I found two pretty good care sheets online

This is a very good start. There is not much information available on this specie other than basic care sheets, two of which you've found. They are not as popular with people like some of the more trendier geckos like the various leopard gecko morphs or even crested geckos. Like you I got my gecko for free from a friend and to be completely honest I really enjoy it. It has a really nice color to it as well as a fantastic personality. They are a wonderful gecko to work with in my opinion.

Originally Posted by knitsteel

One of my biggest questions is, will this guy ever get used to any sort of handling, or at least let me stick my hand in the tank without trying to leap out?

I wouldn't recommend handling: they are very quick and nervous and there is a good chance that it would escape from you if you try hold it, or even drop it's tail in an attempt to escape. I am able to place my hand(s) in my gecko's enclosure to do some cleaning like poop patrol, etc. The enclosure is a 10 gallon vertical which opens in the front and so far my gecko has made no attempt to escape. It often exhibits curiosity at what I'm doing.

Originally Posted by knitsteel

As far as I have learned from the reading, this is more of a rainforest gecko. Can I set this guy up with more of a lush setting, like I've seen in some of the gecko forum photos?

Yes they are a tropical specie originating from Vietnam. They require a heat range between 78F - 85F during the day, with a maximum drop of no more than ten degrees at night. A humidity level of at least 70% should be maintained. This can be achieved by a generous daily misting. The misting also provides drinking water. Plenty of foiliage provides hiding areas for it to feel secure and will help keep the humidity level up.

Originally Posted by knitsteel

Any book recommendations specifically for the golden gecko?

This is an excellent book for general gecko care. Amazon.com: Keeping and Breeding Geckos: Books: Hermann Seufer
I own a copy of this book and find it to be a good overall reference. It's also a good introduction to gecko husbandry in general. There is another book available on the care of Tokay geckos which has a section on Golden Geckos since they are in the same genera. You may want to search on Amazon for this book.

Originally Posted by knitsteel

Thanks so much in advance for any help you can give me.

Hope this helps; use the care sheets that you found as a template for your gecko's care. The information that I have provided is what I found to work for me. They are not a very demanding specie; if you provide for it's basic needs you should not have any problems at all as long as that the gecko that you received is a healthy one.


Peter

[knitsteel]

Thank you! I am going to try to get those books through interlibrary loan.
-Kirsten

[thomas_tompkins90]

I have a golden gecko too. I havn't got mine to calm down. The guys at the shop I bought it from said that they were a really jumpy species.