Vet Guide 2025: Baby Gecko Care & Tips by Dr Duncan Houston 🩺🦎

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc and founder of Ask A Vet. Caring for a baby gecko is rewarding but requires attention to detail—especially in housing, feeding, shedding, and health monitoring. This in-depth 2025 guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to raise a healthy, thriving gecko from hatchling to adult.

1. Species Overview

Baby geckos include species like leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus). Hatchlings usually measure 3–4 in (7–10 cm) and are delicate, with immature immune and skeletal systems :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. Enclosure & Habitat Setup

2.1 Tank Size & Type

• Start with a secure **10–20 gal glass tank** for hatchlings and juveniles :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Ensure good ventilation via mesh lids to control humidity :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

2.2 Heating & Temperature

• Create a thermal gradient: **warm side 88–92 °F**, cool side 75–80 °F :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Use thermostatically controlled under-tank heaters or overhead bulbs—avoid hot rocks :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

2.3 Substrate & Decor

• Safe substrates: reptile carpet, paper towel, or non-glossy shelf liner for hatchlings to prevent impaction :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Add hides: **warm, cool & humid hides** with moist moss for shedding support :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Include climbing décor and shallow water dish.

3. Humidity & Shedding

• Maintain ambient humidity 30–40%; higher (~70%) within the humid hide :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Provide moist hide—helps prevent stuck shed especially on tiny toes and eyes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Offer **weekly warm soaks** in shallow, lukewarm water for shedding support :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

4. Feeding & Nutrition

Baby geckos are insectivores:

• Feed daily juveniles **small crickets or mealworms**—no larger than head width :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Gut-load insects & dust with calcium 3× weekly, plus vitamin D₃ powder 2× weekly :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Increase prey size and reduce to every 2–3 days as they grow :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Provide fresh, shallow water daily—supports hydration & slightly raises humidity :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

5. Handling & Behavior

• Avoid handling until at least **3 inches long** and after first 1–2 weeks to reduce stress :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Support entire body; limit to 5–10 minutes until acclimated :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Frequent, gentle handling aids trust building—but never during shedding or post-feed.

6. Health Monitoring & Veterinary Care

• Watch for signs: anorexia, vomiting, retained shed, dehydration, weight loss.
• Common juvenile conditions: metabolic bone disease (“stick-tail”), respiratory infections, parasites :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Annual vet visits recommended—bring enclosure photos and husbandry notes :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

If you observe illness signs, consult Ask A Vet promptly.

7. Transition to Maturity

• Gradually upgrade to **20–30 gal tank** at 6 months or when juveniles outgrow initial enclosure :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Continue dietary adjustments and maintain environmental stability.
• Provide UVB optional but beneficial for calcium absorption :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

8. Enrichment & Mental Well‑Being

• Rotate decor to stimulate exploration.
• Use supervised supervised out-of-tank time in safe environments.
• Ensure secure hides—stress greatly impacts juvenile development.

9. When to Contact a Vet

• No appetite >1 week
• Persistent shedding issues
• Visible mites, discharge, respiratory symptoms
• Stunted growth or lethargy

Early intervention prevents major complications—Ask A Vet support is available anytime. 🐍📱

10. Ask A Vet Support

Need help with habitat setup, feeding schedules, hydration, or signs of illness? The Ask A Vet app connects you directly with exotic‑pet vets. Download now or visit AskAVet.com.

11. Summary & Final Thoughts

With species-appropriate habitat, precise feeding, hydration support, careful handling, and veterinary oversight, baby geckos can grow into robust adults. In 2025, your dedication paired with Ask A Vet’s expertise ensures a strong start and lifelong health. 🦎🌿

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc