Today, chameleons and geckos are two of the most beloved lizard pets. These reptiles are great options for those who want to keep a pet or care for their reptiles at home.
Although they might look similar, geckos as well as chameleons can have important differences that could influence your decision on which one to choose. There are many species of geckos, chameleons, and other chameleons. Each species has its own unique characteristics.
It is therefore important to be familiar with the different species of geckos and chameleons so that you can make an informed choice when adopting one. We will discuss the differences between chameleons and common house geckos, as well as their specific needs when they are kept as pets.
Visual Differences
A Glance
Gecko
- Average size: 3-5 Inches
- Life expectancy: 10-20 years
- Family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly options
Chameleon
- Average size: Up to 27 inches
- Lifespan: 3-10 Years
- Yes, it is family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly options
Gecko Overview
The common house gecko is a Southeast Asian species. These lizards now live in warm climates around the globe. Geckos may have been stowed in ships to get to the Americas. They quickly establish a territory wherever they go due to their rapid breeding rates.
There are many colors for common house geckos. The most popular ones are a pale grey-white or a yellowish-tan with black spots. All geckos have a more light appearance at night.
Geckos can be kept in captivity provided they are supervised by an attentive keeper. They are cold-blooded like all reptiles and won’t thrive in colder environments. If you want to keep a gecko indoors, make sure it is kept in a warm, humid environment.
The gecko is not a good choice if you need a pet you can take care of often. They are too fast to handle and don’t seem to enjoy it. This can be different between geckos.
Personality/Character
Although there are many gecko species out there, they all tend to share similar traits and behavioral patterns. They are generally friendly and docile. Geckos don’t like being handled too often, which can stress them.
These reptiles are nocturnal which means that they are most active at night. Some species, such as the daygecko, are active throughout the day. However, it is best to observe your little one at night if they are going about their daily business.
Geckos are the only lizard to have voice boxes, in case you didn’t know. Although they are usually quiet, geckos can occasionally be heard barking, clicking, or chirping. They vocalize to attract a mate, defend their territory, and sometimes bark.
Geckos are generally docile, as mentioned earlier. It depends on which species you have. They are generally docile unless you have two males. Geckos are best left alone as they are solitary creatures.
Housing
Although the exact requirements for housing may vary depending on species, most geckos require an enclosure that has basic necessities such as water, branches, and hiding places. Geckos can escape easily so make sure the enclosure is secured. Geckos can also vary in the size of their enclosures. However, most species can live with either 10- or 20-gallon tanks.
Keep in mind that your pet is cold-blooded. They need heat from outside to heat their bodies. You will need to set up artificial basking conditions at home. You will first need to maintain the temperature of your enclosure between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Most geckos are happy in this range.
To achieve these temperatures, heating pads or lighting may be required. Also, ensure that your enclosure is equipped with UVB-emitting lamps. Because they are essential to their growth, appetite, and activity, most reptiles enjoy basking in the sun.
Humidity levels should be kept between 70-80%. Misting is the most popular method to achieve these humidity levels.
Diet
Geckos are carnivorous. They do not eat plants or vegetables. Their nutrition comes mainly from insects. If you are considering adopting a gecko, be ready to feed them live insects. Mealworms, super worms, and waxworms are the most popular types of insects that geckos can be fed. However, most geckos eat mealworms and crickets as their main diet. Super worms and waxworms are more of a treat.
Health Problems
Every gecko is predisposed to many health issues, the most prevalent being:
Metabolic bone disease
Vitamin D deficiency or inadequate dietary calcium can cause this disease. This disease is characterized by limb deformities, lack of appetite, tremors, or a vitamin D deficiency. It is important to ensure that the enclosure has a UV-ray source. This provides vitamin D for the pet.
Respiratory problems
A gecko can get a respiratory infection from low temperatures or drafts. This is characterized by wheezing and drooling. The risk of developing respiratory problems is reduced by maintaining the right temperature and humidity.
For:
People looking for a new pet for their family will love geckos. Geckos, however, are not like cats or dogs and do not enjoy being handled often.
Chameleon Overview
Chameleons are known for their camouflage skills. Their ability to change color is why they are one of the most desired exotic pets. It was thought that chameleons changed their colors to camouflage. Recent studies have shown that chameleons can change their colors according to emotions.
Although chameleons make interesting pets, they may not be right for you. Before you decide to adopt a Chameleon, you should familiarize yourself with each species in order to choose the one that is most compatible.
Personality/Character
The majority of Chameleons are docile lizards. They are, however, like other solitary species and are very territorial. They do not associate with one another unless they are seeking to mate. Chameleons should never be kept together.
It is easy to recognize a chameleon’s mood. These lizards can change their colors depending on their emotions. A chameleon may be stressed or anxious if it has dark colors. Brighter colors, however, indicate happiness or excitement.
Like geckos, chameleons do not like frequent handling. Chameleons are often quite friendly once they get used to you.
Housing
It can be difficult to set up a chameleon enclosure. First, they are arboreal which means they live exclusively in trees. To mimic their natural habitat, you’ll need to create a large enclosure that has lots of foliage. Also, make sure to have several areas for basking inside the enclosure.
You will also need to place a misting or drip system in the cage, as chameleons get their water from licking drops of water from leaves.
Also, a UVA and UVB radiation emitter is required for chameleons.
Diet
Chameleons are carnivorous and eat mainly insects. Most chameleons in captivity are fed waxworms and super worms as well as roaches. To avoid calcium deficiencies, dust the prey item with a calcium supplement.
Health Problems
Vitamin A and calcium deficiencies are the most common health issues among pet chameleons. These problems are usually caused by poor diet. Metabolic bone disease is another common problem among these lizards. This problem can be avoided with a healthy diet and exposure to UVA and UVB radiations.
For:
Chameleons can be unique reptiles, but they are not suitable for those who have never owned one. They are not only stressful but also require special care.
Which breed is right for you?
As long as you can provide the necessary care, both geckos, as well as chameleons, are great pets. The specific species of gecko or chameleon may differ. Both lizards can be cared for and handled in a similar way. Chameleons, however, may need to be handled by a more experienced owner than a gecko.
You can watch both types of lizards happy and content if you give them space.
Can a gecko coexist with a chameleon?
The animals should not bother one another. During the day, a nocturnal, huge gecko species may dramatically disturb a sleeping chameleon and vice versa. Standard terrarium sizes are insufficient. A large, well-structured terrarium with more than enough area for both species is required.
Geckos are they friendly?
These pleasant critters are typically docile and easy to tame, as well as simple to care for. Geckos are one of the most popular reptiles for novices to keep as pets, and for good reason. They are often gentle and simple to tame, as well as reasonably easy to care for
What are geckos terrified of?
Eucalyptus and peppermint are the two most effective essential oils for repelling geckos. Because geckos dislike these fragrances, all you’ll need is an 8oz or 16oz spray bottle filled with water and 15 drops of your preferred essential oil.
Do geckos transmit diseases?
Turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, geckos, horned toads, salamanders, and chameleons are colorful, calm animals that are frequently kept as pets. These animals usually contain Salmonella germs, which can cause serious sickness in humans.
Can you handle your gecko?
Do geckos want to be stroked once they’ve gotten to know you? They do, indeed. They are one of the few types of reptiles that enjoy being handled but give it some time beforehand, since it may be stressed.
Are geckos dangerous to pets?
Lizards that are poisonous The common gecko, while neither deadly nor venomous, carries liver flukes that can badly injure your cat. These deadly parasites are also carried by toads.
Can geckos infect you with rabies?
Reptiles (such as lizards and snakes), amphibians (such as frogs), birds, fish, and insects are immune to rabies.
Geckos are friendly to humans?
Gecko Behavioral Patterns Geckos are generally nice, docile pets, although they prefer not to be handled frequently because it might be stressful for them.
House geckos can bite?
Most medium-sized to giant geckos are peaceful, although they can bite and penetrate flesh if they are agitated.
Geckos can they change color?
While geckos, like chameleons, may change color, they do so for different reasons. Geckos strive to blend in with their surroundings not just to avoid predators, but also to catch prey.