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Tokay Gecko

 Tokay Geckos are a nocturnal gecko originating from northeast India and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, to Indonesia and western New Guinea. It’s native habitat is normally Cliffs and Rainforest trees although it regularly chooses to live in houses, roaming the walls and ceilings in search of insect prey. 

The Tokay gecko is the second largest species of gecko, reaching a length of 30-40cm for males and 20-30cm for females, weighing between 150-300g.

They are very distinctive, with their blue-grey body with orange spots. They are solitary animals only meeting to mate. Males are very territorial and will attack any gecko that enters his patch. Females will lay 1-2 eggs which they will guard until they hatch.

Tokay geckos feed mainly on insects but will also take small vertebrates.

Tokay geckos are named after their call which sounds like tokeh or gekk-gekk.

 The Tokay is also considered the "pitbull" of the Gecko world due to the fact that when they bite, they often won't let go for up to several hours at a time so handling is not recommended  

Housing 

A vivarium measuring 36x24x24” (LxWxH) would be fine for 1-2 adults. Although you may find a taller vivarium will display them better such as a 24x18x36”.

 Heating

 

Temperature is very important in reptile care as they cannot produce there own body heat and need to be kept with in a suitable range to help the body function correctly.

They require a temperature gradient of 25°C to 30°C during in the day, this is achieved by using a guarded ceramic heater on a thermostat. At night the temperature can drop to 20°C to 25°C.

It is very important to know what the temperature is, so check regularly with an accurate thermometer. Do not guess or take temperature buy hand (if snake feels warm or cold)

Lighting 

A simply 12 hour light cycle is ideal for Tokay Geckos, as they are nocturnal they do not require high percentages of UVB lighting like other lizards do. I would recommend using a 2% UVB light.

 Water

 It is important to provide your Gecko with fresh water every day. Humidity should be kept around 70-90%, this can be achieved by spraying the vivarium with water.

Hides and Décor

The gecko will require a few hides in the vivarium so that it can feel secure. By having 2 or 3 in different areas the vivarium the gecko will be able to chose the one that is at the best temperature. Bark tubes are very good but the gecko will hide in there most of the time.

Plastic plants are also good to use, as these look very attractive in the vivarium as well as offering privacy.

Feeding

Tokay geckos are insectivorous; so eat a variety of insects these include crickets, mealworms, wax worms and locusts.
It is important to feed your gecko the appropriate sized foods, roughly half the width of their head. Crickets and locusts should be used as the main foods as they are lower in fat than wax worms and easier to digest than mealworms. Vitamin powders are very important to prevent problems such as Metabolic Bone Disease. This is a calcium deficiency, and can become a serious problem within a short period of poor nutrition. It particularly affects young, fast growing geckos. It is easy to prevent with the regular use of vitamin powders.
Young Tokay geckos should be fed every evening and adults just 3 times a week.
Treats of mealworms and wax worms can be offered occasionally.

Maintenance

 Tokay geckos tend to defecate on the walls and the vivarium glass so will require regular cleaning. Clean and refill the water bowl on a daily basis. Depending on cage conditions, remove all substrate & cage furniture and completely disinfect using safe disinfectant. Rinse the enclosure thoroughly and allow to dry before replacing cage furniture and your gecko.

Shedding

Geckos shed their skin as they grow; they generally shed at night and eat the skin. If the gecko has trouble removing its skin, it is usually because the humidity of the vivarium is to low. A vitamin deficiency is another possible cause. Try putting a humid hide in the vivarium and/or increase the spraying. If this doesn't solve the problem see a reptile specialist, breeder or vet for assistance.

Conclusion

Tokay geckos are attractive animals and are easy to care for. If you don’t mind not being able to handle them!