Whether you’re a seasoned gecko owner or are considering getting your first reptile companion, you’ve probably wondered – do geckos need water? Understanding gecko hydration is an important part of keeping these unique lizards happy and healthy.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, geckos do need access to clean water in order to stay properly hydrated. While some species get most of their moisture from their food, providing a small dish of water is still recommended.

Do All Gecko Species Need Water?

When it comes to gecko hydration, not all species have the same needs. Depending on where geckos live and what climate they have adapted to, their dependence on external water sources can vary.

Arboreal Geckos

Arboreal geckos, like crested geckos and day geckos, dwell high up in trees and obtain most of the fluids they require from the fruits they eat. However, they will still drink water when it is available, such as from rain, dew or dripping leaves.

Providing an occasional light misting is beneficial for arboreal geckos to promote shedding and hydrate their skin.

Desert Geckos

Desert species like leopard geckos have adapted to very dry environments. They get moisture from their insect diet and parts of plants. Even so, having a small clean water dish available for them to drink from if needed supports their health.

Tropical Geckos

Tropical geckos like house geckos and tokay geckos thrive in warm, humid rainforests. While they get a lot of their moisture needs met from the juicy fruits in their habitat, tropical geckos still drink often from rainwater, dew and small puddles.

In captivity, tropical geckos should have a larger water bowl available at all times as they tend to drink more frequently. Misting the vivarium daily also helps maintain the higher humidity levels they require.

Providing Water for Pet Geckos

Water Dishes

Keeping a small water dish in the gecko enclosure is an easy way to provide hydration. The water should be changed daily to prevent bacterial growth. Pick a shallow, sturdy dish that won’t be easily tipped over. Avoid using bottles and dripping water systems which can promote respiratory infections.

However, not all geckos will drink from standing water. Arboreal species like crested geckos often prefer to lick water droplets off leaves and the enclosure walls. Terrestrial geckos may drink from a dish if trained to do so while young.

Monitor your pet’s hydration levels regardless of the water methods used.

Misting the Enclosure

A hand mister can be used to spray water droplets around the vivarium several times a day. This mimics the natural condensation geckos encounter in tropical environments. The droplets cling to plants, vines and the enclosure walls, allowing geckos to lick them up as needed.

Misting is especially helpful for arboreal species like day geckos and crested geckos. It also boosts the ambient humidity levels. Aim for 50-60% humidity for tropical species. Desert-dwelling geckos prefer drier conditions below 40% humidity.

Live Plants

Live or silk plants can help increase hydration for geckos. The leaves collect water from misting, and give the gecko surfaces to lick. Pothos, umbrella plants, dracaena and creeping ficus are good options. Be sure to sanitize store-bought plants before adding them to the vivarium.

Plants also help raise humidity levels and provide visual barriers for shy geckos. But avoid very thorny or abrasive plant types that could harm your pet. Always monitor new plants to ensure they are gecko-safe.

Signs of Dehydration in Geckos

Sunken Eyes

One of the most telling signs of dehydration in geckos is sunken eyes. Geckos have large, protruding eyes, so when they become sunken or deflated looking, it’s a red flag. Dehydration causes the eyeball to recede as fluid levels in the body drop.

If a gecko’s eyes appear sunken or deflated, it likely needs more water as soon as possible.

Lethargy

Geckos are normally quite active reptiles, so lethargy or lack of energy can also signal dehydration. A dehydrated gecko may move more slowly than usual or be less interested in exploring its habitat. Lethargy happens because dehydration causes electrolyte imbalances and lack of energy on a cellular level.

Make sure your gecko has easy access to clean water and monitor its activity levels.

Wrinkled Skin

Just like in humans, dehydrated geckos often develop wrinkled, saggy looking skin. When geckos are well-hydrated, their skin appears smooth, plump and supple. As they become dehydrated, the skin loses elasticity and moisture content.

Areas to check for wrinkles include the underside, around the legs and neck. Healthy geckos should have mostly smooth skin with no pronounced wrinkling.

Constipation

Constipation or difficulties passing stool can point to dehydration in geckos. Well-hydrated geckos produce solid waste regularly as part of their normal digestive process. However, dehydration causes the gastrointestinal system to slow down significantly.

Dry, hard stools that pass infrequently often indicate the gecko needs more fluids. Make sure dehydration isn’t the underlying cause if your gecko is constipated.

Tips for Keeping Geckos Hydrated

Choose the Right Enclosure

The type of enclosure you choose for your gecko can impact hydration. Glass tanks allow for more airflow and ventilation which helps prevent excess humidity. Make sure the tank is large enough – juveniles need at least 10 gallons while adults require 20-40 gallon tanks.

Proper heating and lighting is also key. Geckos thrive at temperatures between 75-85°F on the cool end and 88-92°F on the warm end. Include a heat mat, ceramic heat emitter, and UVB light to create a gradient of temperatures. This will allow your gecko to thermoregulate and stay hydrated.

Offer Water Daily

It’s essential to provide fresh, clean water to your gecko every day. The water should be dechlorinated and free of chemicals. Place a small, shallow water dish in the tank. Some geckos enjoy soaking in their bowls so opt for one large enough to allow that.

Make sure the water depth is not greater than the length of the gecko’s front leg to prevent accidental drowning. Change the water daily and clean the bowl with a 3% bleach solution weekly.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Humidity directly impacts gecko hydration. Ideal levels are 40-60%. Low humidity under 30% can lead to dehydration, shedding issues, and respiratory illness. High humidity over 70% increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infection. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity daily.

Make adjustments like misting the tank 1-2 times per day or using a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed. Substrate also affects humidity. sphagnum moss holds moisture while terrarium carpet allows for more airflow.

Provide a Water Dish Large Enough for Soaking

Geckos absorb some water through their vent, so providing a water dish big enough for soaking is beneficial. The dish should be wide enough for the gecko to easily climb in and out of. Fill it just deep enough to reach the gecko’s shoulders or mid-body when standing in the bowl.

Supervise your pet during bath time and limit soaks to once per week for 10-20 minutes. The water should feel lukewarm, around 80-85°F. This allows geckos an opportunity to rehydrate and aids in shedding their skin.

Conclusion

While not all geckos have the same exact hydration needs, access to clean drinking water is important for almost any gecko species you may keep as a pet. Observing your gecko and making sure fresh water is always available will go a long way towards keeping it healthy and hydrated.

Providing the right enclosure conditions, humidity levels, soaking opportunities, and of course water dishes, will help ensure your gecko stays well-hydrated. Know the signs of dehydration and adjust your gecko’s care as needed.

With proper access to water, your gecko can live a long and healthy life!