Choosing Your Gecko’s Habitat

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the cage. Size is the biggest factor. 

For adult geckos, you would want a habitat that is at least 20 gallons. Juveniles can have smaller tanks. We would suggest getting at least ten gallons for a young lizard. Of course, these are estimates for a single gecko. If you’re going to have more than one, you’ll need a larger cage.

It’s best to get a habitat with glass sides.You may see habitats with open tops. These can be quite attractive, but they aren’t going to be right for every household. If you have other pets and/or children, you’ll want to get something with a screened lid. While leopard geckos aren’t able to climb, as some other lizards can, this will protect them from outside dangers … such as your cat.  

As far as shape goes, Choose a tank that offers more horizontal than vertical space for a leopard gecko. Make sure the cover closes tightly, especially if you have cats.

(A note on this: geckos do vary in size. We’re focusing on the leopard gecko in this article, so if you are getting  a different type, you’ll want to do some research on the specific type of lizard you want. For instance, if you’re getting an arboreal gecko, such as a crested or tokay gecko, choose something tall enough to allow them some climbing room, so you can put small trees in there for them.)

Leopard Gecko Habitat Lighting

Most reptiles require UVB lighting to thrive. Some reptiles can develop MBD (metabolic bone disease), a painful and sometimes fatal condition, if they don’t get enough UVB. That isn’t the case with leopard geckos. In fact, this is one area where leopard geckos are a bit different than other reptiles. These guys are crepuscular. That means they are most active at dusk and dawn, and spend most of the daytime hours sleeping. Some studies do show that geckos will benefit from getting some UVB light, but they don’t require as much as many other reptiles do. It also isn’t as critical to them. That said, they do need proper lighting. For a leopard gecko, you can get a simple 12 watt bulb. You’ll want to put this on a timer, so it will imitate national light cycles. 

Choosing Substrate For Your Gecko

Choosing the right substrate is also very important. These are generally broken into two categories. Solid substrates would include things like reptile carpet, butcher paper, paper towels, or newsprint, while loose substrates include substrate products, such as quartz sand, excavator clay, and desert soils.

There are pros and cons to each type. Solid substrates are easier to keep clean. They also don’t weigh as much, and usually cost less. However, they don’t give your pet a chance to dig, and may not offer much traction. They can also be uncomfortable. Just like people, reptiles may get sore from standing on a hard surface! Loose substrates do allow for digging, and may be easier to keep clean. However, they cost more, and also weigh more. There’s also a larger risk of impaction, parasitic load, and dehydration, particularly if conditions and other care needs are not up to par.

We wouldn’t suggest using sand, especially on juvenile geckos. They may accidentally ingest it. This can cause intestinal blockages, which are both very painful and very dangerous. You can, however, use a mix of sand and soil. 

Ask your vet for more information on substrate. 

What Temperatures Do Geckos Need? 

The areas leopard geckos naturally inhabit are quite a bit cooler than the tropical and subtropical regions many reptiles hail from. Unlike many of their cousins, leopard geckos don’t enjoy those blistering hot temperatures. However, it is important to keep the cage within a specific range. Generally, this should be about 23.89 to 26.67 C on the cool side, and 27 to 29 on the warm side. You can drop the temps a bit at night. You’ll also need to offer a basking spot. This should be hotter: about 32 to 35 C. Under tank heaters or heating pads are a good bet. Don’t use heating rocks: geckos often get burned on them.

Ask your Mississauga, ON vet for specific advice on this, including tips on getting heating equipment. 

What Sort Of Hides Do Geckos Need?

Everyone needs a place to go and unwind and get away from things. That is true for reptiles as well! You’ll need to provide a sort of hide. Geckos often hide in cracks and crevasses in the wild, so they have a strong instinct to want to retreat. Your pet’s cage should offer something that imitates this.

You can find great hides in pet stores, but you can also get a bit creative and use a plant pot, a plastic container with a ‘door’ cut into it, or something similar.

You’ll need to get two. One should be on the end with the heat lamp, while the other can be on the opposite side. One of these will need to be set up in a way that will help your lizard shed. You can do that by adding wet paper towels, moss, or other substances.

What Do Geckos Need For Accessories?

Geckos don’t exactly play, so you won’t need to add any toys. They do, however, need dinnerware. That would include things like a small water bowl, and a small dish for calcium powder.

Making A Fun Environment For Geckos

Like any other pets, geckos need stimulation and enrichment. For reptiles, this basically entails climbing and exploring things. You can add safe plants, climbing rocks, logs, and other accessories. Small statues or even pieces of art can also add a fun touch. These things can also make the habitat look attractive and interesting!

What Else Should I Consider When Getting A Gecko? 

There are more than 1500 kinds of geckos. Only a few of these make good pets, though. Though the leopard gecko is at the top of the list, there are other options, such as the Crested gecko, and African Fat-Tailed gecko. If you opt for a different type, you’ll want to look up specific care instructions. 

Before purchasing a leopard gecko, or any other reptile, do plenty of research. You’ll want to consider things like size, habitat needs, temperament, lifespan, and difficulty of care. Diet is also a big one. Most of these guys eat living insects, such as crickets, Dubai roaches, and waxworms. This of course means you’ll need to be comfortable with purchasing, storing, and handling the bugs. 

Make An Appointment At Our Mississauga, ON Animal Clinic

Are you looking for a great reptile vet in the area? Contact us, your Mississauga, ON pet hospital today. We are dedicated to offering great care!

What Makes Chinchillas Special?

Aside from the fact that chinchillas are very, very cute, we would probably point out their soft fur as a unique feature. Chinchilla coats are very dense. Each hair follicle holds about 60 to 80 hairs, on average, as opposed to the single one that people’s follicules have. That soft fur keeps them warm in their native habitat, the chilly Andes region of South America. It also serves as a sort of defense: if a predator grabs hold of the chinchilla, its fur will fall out in patches. (This is loosely similar to the way some reptiles will drop their tails if something grabs them.)

Basic Chinchilla Facts

Native to the arid, rocky Andes, chinchillas live in groups, known as herds, which would consist of anywhere from 14 to 100 chinchillas. These guys grow up to about 50 cm, on average, including those fluffy tails. They also live quite a while, especially in comparison to other small animals. Given proper care, they can live 10 to 20 years.

What Sort Of Habitat Do Chinchillas Need?

As with other small pets, making sure that your furry pal has a great habitat is crucial to their health and well-being. Chinchillas have some very specific requirements on this one.

• The absolute minimum cage size for chinchillas would be 1 meter x .5 meters x .5 meters However, we would recommend getting something larger. Your pets will spend the majority of their time in this cage, so it’s important to make it as fun and comfortable for them as possible.  
• Multi-level cages are always recommended for these guys, as they provide much more opportunity for jumping and climbing, which, as we mentioned above, are chinchillas’ favorite sports.
• Chinchilla habitats should always have solid floors. Wire floors will not contain substrate, and can also cause paw injuries.
• Temperature is very important. Chinchillas come from cold, dry regions, and do not do well in the heat. Do not put the cage in direct sunlight, or near a fireplace or heating duct. You don’t want them to get too cold, either! 
• For bedding, you can use paper or shavings. Avoid pine and cedar products, as the oils can cause respiratory issues. Corncob is also best avoided.
• Be sure to provide a bottle for your pet to get their water from. Bowls can be contaminated by bedding or droppings. Overheating is an issue with these guys, so when it’s hot out, you may want to keep a bottle in the freezer. That way, your pet will always have cold water as it melts.

How Do You Keep A Chinchilla Happy?

No matter how big or small your animal companion is, it’s important to keep them happy and content. Every pet has their own needs here. Cats like furniture, boxes, sunbeams, lap space, paper bags, catnip mice, while dogs enjoy chew toys, playtime, and exploration.

Chinchillas need lots of chew toys, as otherwise their teeth will get to be too long. You can buy these, but you can also make your own. Many of the DIY idea options you’ll find for bunnies, hamsters, and Guinea pigs will work. For instance, you can make your pet toy/treat kebabs. The tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be quite versatile. You can slice them up, then reassemble them into balls, or poke holes in them and poke branches in them. Just be careful with the glue.

Here are some other materials you can use:

• Plain Paper
• Cardboard
• Wooden Items
• Loofah
• Sea Grass
• Vine
• Bamboo
• Wood
• Lava Stones

Be sure to stick with safe items. Don’t give your pet anything small or sharp, or anything with rope or cords. Items covered in varnish, paint, or dye are also unsafe. Ask your Mississauga, ON vet for more information.

What Do You Feed A Chinchilla?

Chinchillas have quite specialized diets. They live on a lot of fibrous plants in the wild. 

Hay: Your pet will need lots of grass hay. You can offer Timothy hay, orchard grass, meadow hay, or botanical hay. Alfalfa can be offered as a treat, but can cause dental problems and/or digestive issues if fed too often. Be sure to keep your pet’s hay somewhere cool and dry, and keep an eye out for mold.

Pellets: You can offer your little buddy grass pellets for lunch and dinner. Just measure portions out carefully. It’s very, very easy to overfeed a small animal. Ask your vet for specifics, including product recommendations and serving sizes.

Treats: Now for the fun bit. Like all of our other patients, chinchillas love snacks. They actually are known for having a massive sweet tooth.

Here are some things you can offer:

• Dried fruits, such as apple, banana, or pineapple
• Raisins
• Cranberries
• Dried rose hips
• Fruit and berry branches, including blackberry, strawberry, and hibiscus
• Certain herbs, such as dandelion, rosemary, and parsley. Just don’t go overboard with sugary treats. 

Be sure to ask your Mississauga, ON vet for specific advice.

What Foods Are Unsafe For Chinchillas?

It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. Seeds, grains, or nuts are definitely out. You’ll also want to avoid yogurt drops. They are often sold as chinchilla treats, but they are very, very sugary. Other foods on the no-no list include citrus fruits, such as lemons and grapefruit; corn; chocolate; dairy products; and fruits with a high water content, such as watermelon. Ask your vet for more information. 

What Is Popcorning In Chinchillas?

We all know that cats purr when they’re happy, and dogs wag their tails. Chinchillas also have a thing. It’s called popcorning, and it’s super cute. As the name suggests, this basically entails ‘popping’ straight up … much like a popcorn kernel. 

Do Chinchillas Like to Play?

Chinchillas can be quite timid, but don’t let that fool you. They actually are quite playful in their own way. They love to climb and jump, and will appreciate having things like ladders and branches in their cages.

Why Do Chinchillas Need Dust Baths? 

Like all other pets, chinchillas need grooming. However, you should never get these guys wet. Their fur takes a long time to dry, and they can end up with fungal infections. You’ll need to give your pet dust baths to soak up oil and dirt. Only use dust that is made just for this, and remove your pet’s ‘tub’ after they are done. When it’s really hot out, keeping your chinchilla’s dust in the fridge can make these beauty sessions a little more refreshing for him. Ask your vet for more info on this.

What Are Signs Of Sickness In A Chinchilla? 

With chinchillas, as with any other pet you’ll need to watch for signs of illness. Chinchillas are considered an exotic pet, so you’ll want to find a great exotic animal vet. 

Here are some things to watch for:

• Anorexia
• Diarrhea
• Watery eyes
• Drooling
• Hunched posture
• Withdrawal
• Unusual behavior
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing
• Constipation
• Shedding
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Pawing at mouth
• Poor coat
• Reduced feces production

Contact your exotic vet right away if you spot any of these. 

Make An Appointment At Your Mississauga, ON Animal Clinic

Do you need advice on chinchilla care? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Mississauga, ON pet hospital, we are here to help.