Reptile · Gecko
Mediterranean house gecko care guide
Hemidactylus turcicus
The mediterranean house gecko is a beginner-level gecko from Mediterranean (introduced S USA). Adults reach 10–13 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Hardy starter gecko for a small vertical tank. One pair.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a mediterranean house gecko cost in Canada?
Mediterranean house gecko quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 10–13 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Mediterranean (introduced S USA)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Mediterranean house gecko enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend8 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mediterranean house gecko eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and drops tails; minimal handling.
Health watch: Dehydration and tail loss.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a mediterranean house gecko bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Mediterranean house gecko FAQ
Is the mediterranean house gecko good for beginners?
Yes – the mediterranean house gecko is a good choice for beginners. Fast and drops tails; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a mediterranean house gecko need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a mediterranean house gecko cost in Canada?
Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $390–750 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mediterranean house gecko need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a mediterranean house gecko eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.