The most popular lizard pets in today's world are geckos and chameleons. If you are looking for alternative pets, or if you are a reptile fan, then you have a wide selection of geckos and chameleons.
As pets, chameleons and geckos are both tropical and sub-tropical lizards. All lizards differ from one another and from other species. Despite many similarities between them.
But, even though the gecko's native habitat is more distributed around the globe. Than that of the other species, even though their ranges and habitats overlap.
The visual difference of gecko and chameleon
See gecko and chameleon at a glance in the table below:
Reptiles
A reptile is a cold-blooded, lung-breathing vertebrate animal that has horns or scales on its skin. We can divide reptiles into three distinct orders.
1. Chelonia includes turtles and tortoises,
2. Crocodilia includes crocodiles and alligators, and
3. Squamata includes snakes and lizards.
Scleroglossa and Iguania are the two subgroups of lizards. Both geckos and chameleons belong to the Iguania group. Which includes reptiles with sticky tongues that are used to catch prey.
Geckos
Gekkos are small to medium-sized lizards of the family Gekkonidae. Approximately 1,500 different species of geckos live all over the world. The largest of which is the tokay gecko of Southeast Asia, which reaches lengths of up to 14 inches.
They can cling to smooth surfaces due to adhesive pads on their feet. One of the unique features of geckos is that they have a voice.
Chameleons
The Chamaeleonidae family also includes small to medium-sized chameleons. A chameleon can be identified by its flattened body and conical-shaped, bulging eyes that rotate.
They have the ability to change the color of their skin to camouflage themselves. Even though the American anole belongs to the same family as the iguana and shares this characteristic.
The hands and feet of chameleons are designed for grasping, and their tails are long and prehensile. Their movement is slow, and they cling to branches.
An Overview of Geckos
It is thought that the common house gecko originated in Southeast Asia. Nowadays, these lizards live in warm climates all over the world.
Stowaways on ships are believed to have brought geckos to the Americas. Due to their rapid breeding rate, they establish a domain wherever they go.
House geckos come in a variety of colors, with the most common being a pale grey-white and a tan with black spots. At night, all types of geckos tend to appear lighter.
As long as they have an attentive keeper, geckos do well in captivity. Reptiles are cold-blooded, so they don't do well in colder climates.
You should plan on providing a warm and humid enclosure for your gecko if you wish to keep it in such a climate.
The gecko isn't the ideal pet if you plan to handle it often. They are also too quick to handle and do not seem to appreciate it. Geckos, yet, can vary in size.
Personality and Character of Gecko
There are many species of gecko, but they all exhibit similar characteristics and behaviors. They are generally docile and pleasant. A lot of handling can stress geckos, as they don't like it.
The reptiles in this group are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. But, species like the day gecko are usually active during the day. As a general rule, it's best to observe your child at night if you want to see what he or she does.
There are no lizards with voice boxes except geckos. Most of the time they remain silent, but sometimes they will bark, chirp, or click. , they vocalize to attract a mate or defend their territory.
Generally, geckos are docile. The species makes a difference, yet. For the most part, but, they are docile except when two males are housed together. Since geckos are solitary animals, they do best alone.
Housing of Gecko
The housing requirements might vary depending on the species, but most geckos need a basic enclosure. They also need a water dish, branches for climbing, and a hiding spot.
Geckos are notorious escape artists, so make sure your enclosure has a secure lid. Another variable that varies among gecko species is the size of the enclosure. Yet, most species can be kept in 10- or 20-gallon aquariums.
Don't forget that your pet is cold-blooded. As a result, they need external sources of heat to raise their body temperature. You will need to create artificial basking conditions at home.
You will need to ensure that the enclosure's temperature stays between 70° and 90° Fahrenheit, as most geckos thrive within that range.
To reach those temperatures, you might need to use heating pads or heating lights. Make sure the enclosure has UVB-emitting bulbs as well. UVB rays are important to the growth, appetite, and activity of most reptiles, so they bask under the sun to get them.
Keep humidity levels between 70 and 80%. Misting is the most common method of achieving those humidity levels.
Gecko diet
Geckoes eat meat. They do not eat plants or vegetables. Their main source of nutrition is insects. So, if you decide to adopt a gecko, be prepared to feed it live insects.
Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and super worms are the most common insects to be fed to geckos. For most geckos, mealworms and crickets are their staple diet, while waxworms and super worms are treats.
Gecko health problems
The most common health problems among geckos include:
Metabolic Bone Disease of Gecko
Vitamin D deficiency or dietary calcium deficiency causes this disease. Symptoms include lack of appetite, tremors, and deformed limbs.
This is why a UVB-ray source is essential inside the enclosure since it provides the gecko with vitamin D. Make sure your pet's diet contains an adequate amount of calcium.
Respiratory Problems of Gecko
Geckos that suffer from respiratory infection show signs of drooling and wheezing when exposed to low temperatures or drafts. Respiratory issues can be prevented by maintaining an optimal temperature and humidity level.
Geckos are Suitable for,
Geckoes are ideal pets for people seeking a different kind of pet. In contrast to cats and dogs, geckos do not appreciate frequent handling.
An Overview of Chameleons
Chameleons are known for their camouflage skills. One of the reasons they are some of the most sought-after exotic pets is their ability to change colors.
The chameleons' color changes were thought to serve as camouflage for a long time. Recent studies have revealed that they also change colors according to their emotions.
Chameleons make unique and interesting pets, but they aren't for everyone. If you're interested in adopting a chameleon, familiarize yourself with the different species. So that you can choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
Personality and Character of Chameleons
Chameleons are generally calm and docile lizards. As with other solitary species, they are territorial and do not associate with each other unless they are looking for a mate. Chameleons should never be kept together.
It is very easy to discern a chameleon's mood. These lizards change colors according to their emotions. Dark colors, for example, state stress or anxiety, while brighter colors state happiness or excitement.
Chameleons do not like to be handled often, like geckos. Even though chameleons can be quite friendly when accustomed to you, refrain from picking them up and let them come to you instead.
Housing of Chameleons
Chameleon enclosures can be tricky to set up. They are arboreal, meaning they live only in trees.
As a result, you will need a large enclosure with lots of foliage to mimic their natural habitat. Be sure to include several basking areas inside the enclosure as well.
A misting or drip system is necessary inside the cage since chameleons get their hydration from licking water from leaves.
Besides, you will need a UVA and UVB ray emitter, as chameleons need exposure to those rays to stay healthy.
Diet of Chameleons
Chameleons eat mostly insects, and their diet consists of meat. Chameleons in captivity are usually fed crickets, waxworms, superworms, and roaches. No matter what the prey item is, dust it with a calcium supplement to avoid a calcium deficiency.
Health Problems of Chameleons
Vitamin A and calcium deficiencies are the most common health problems in pet chameleons. Poor diet usually causes them.
Metabolic bone disease is also common among these lizards. You can circumvent that problem with a good diet and a source of UVA and UVB rays.
Metabolic Bone Disease of Chameleons
Many non-carnivorous reptiles suffer from metabolic bone disease. It is most common in green iguanas, but this page discusses Chameleon Bone Disease.
Chameleons with veils are sensitive to stress and do not do well in captivity. Thus, proper husbandry should be given as much attention as possible.
Veiled chameleons must mist instead of water bowls. A basking spot with a temperature range of 72 to 80 degrees F is required.
Respiratory Problems of Chameleons
Chameleons contract a respiratory infection when bacteria invade their lungs. The ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen is reduced as the infection spreads, and the chameleon will struggle more and more to get oxygen until it dies.
Since the lungs breathe in bacteria with every breath, the immune system's job is to combat these invaders. It is so imperative to have a strong immune system.
Stress and poor husbandry conditions weaken the immune system. Providing proper husbandry will prevent 99% of respiratory infections.
Chameleons are Suitable for,
A chameleon is an interesting lizard, but they are not suitable for first-time pet owners. Additionally, since they stress, they are unsuitable for beginners because of their specific care requirements.
Conclusion: Gecko and Chameleon Which one is best as a pet?
Both geckos and chameleons make excellent pets, provided you are willing to take care of them. The specific species of gecko and chameleon, yet, may differ.
The majority of care and handling of both lizards, yet, is very similar, although chameleons may need more experience than geckos from a reptile owner.
As long as you give them adequate living space, you can enjoy watching both types of lizards live out their days in contentment.
