How to Keep Tokay Geckos: 17 Essential Tips

4 min read
Updated on: May 21, 2024
How to Keep Tokay Geckos: 17 Essential Tips

If you’ve ever seen a Tokay gecko up close, you know they’re hard to forget — bold colors, big personalities, and a croaky “To-kay!” call that gave them their name. But as pretty as they are, Tokays aren’t the easiest geckos to keep. If you’re considering one, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for.

Here’s what we’ve learned from working with Tokays and helping others do the same.

Tokay Geckos: Not Your Average Pet Lizard

Let’s get this out of the way first: Tokay geckos are not beginner pets. They’re feisty, territorial, and can bite hard if they’re unhappy — and they get unhappy pretty fast if you try to handle them too much. But if you’re an experienced reptile keeper or someone up for a challenge, they can be a rewarding addition.

We love them for their stunning looks, their climbing skills, and their fierce little attitudes. But they’re not cuddly, and they demand a setup that matches their wild nature.

What You’ll Need to Keep a Tokay Gecko Happy

1. A Tall, Secure Enclosure
Tokays are arboreal — they live in trees — so a tall tank is a must. We recommend at least a 20-gallon vertical terrarium, but bigger is better, especially if you’re housing more than one (and only if they’re females or a cautious male-female pair). Make sure the enclosure is escape-proof — these guys are strong and sneaky.

2. Plenty to Climb and Hide
Think branches, logs, vines, and hides. They use their prehensile tails and grippy toes to climb and explore, so give them vertical space and enrichment. Spray the enclosure regularly to mimic morning dew — they often drink water droplets off leaves.

3. Warmth and Humidity
Coming from tropical Asia, Tokays need warmth (80–90°F during the day, 70–80°F at night) and humidity (50–70%). Use a heat lamp or ceramic heater and track temps with a thermometer. For humidity, mist daily and consider a humidity box (a simple DIY hide with moist sphagnum moss works great).

4. Lighting
They’re nocturnal, so UVB isn’t a must, but a low-level UVB light can help with their overall health. A red or blue night light lets you observe them without disturbing their natural schedule.

5. The Right Substrate
To hold moisture and create a natural vibe, we prefer coconut husk or orchid bark. During shedding, we sometimes switch to paper towels for easy cleanup.

Feeding a Tokay Gecko

These geckos are pure carnivores. Live insects like crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, and superworms are their main diet. They may nibble on fruit occasionally, especially when they’re young, but bugs are the priority. Juveniles eat daily; adults can eat every two to three days.

Make sure feeders are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food themselves) and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 powder.

Handling and Temperament

This is where a lot of people struggle: Tokays don’t like to be held. They're territorial, especially males, and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They will bite — and it hurts.

But with patience and consistent, gentle interaction (especially during the evening when they’re active), some Tokays can learn to tolerate handling. Go slow, don’t force it, and always respect their boundaries.

Watch for These Health Issues

If anything seems off, get them to a reptile vet early. Tokays are tough but not invincible.

Can You Keep More Than One?

Sometimes. Two females can share a large enough space if introduced carefully and monitored. A male-female pair might work but expect breeding — and Tokays don’t make the most nurturing parents. Two males? Definitely not. They’ll fight.

Final Thoughts

Tokay geckos are not for everyone — but if you’re ready for a bold, beautiful lizard with lots of personality (and a bit of attitude), they might just be your perfect match. Just be prepared to admire them more than you handle them.

They’re a bit like the grumpy old man of the gecko world: loud, opinionated, and oddly lovable once you earn their respect.

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