Geckos are amazing reptiles that come in different types and can be seen in many parts of the world.
One of their most remarkable features is their ability to climb walls and ceilings with sticky foot pads. However, have you ever wondered if geckos drink water?
Knowing how geckos drink and absorb water is essential for their well-being and happiness and also benefits those who have them as pets.
Let’s take a closer look at their water intake and why it’s essential to understand their hydration needs.
Do Geckos Need Water?
Just like humans and other animals, water is essential for geckos to survive. They need water to regulate their body temperature, aid food digestion, and maintain their physiological functions.
Geckos can be found in different habitats, like deserts or wet rainforests. Their location and surroundings affect how they get their water.
How Do Geckos Get Water?
Geckos have different approaches to acquiring water depending on their environment and the availability of water sources. They can get water in three main ways:
Drinking Water
The first way geckos get water is by drinking from puddles, streams, or other water sources. However, finding water can be challenging in their natural habitats, especially in arid regions.
Absorbing Moisture from the Environment
Some gecko species can also absorb water through their skin, which is especially useful for those living in dry areas where water is scarce. This allows them to survive when they cannot find enough water sources.
Skin absorption is an important means of hydration for geckos, although it may not be sufficient to meet all their water needs.
Getting Water from Their Food
Geckos can also obtain all the necessary fluids from the food they consume. This is common for those that live in humid environments where food is abundant.
For instance, fruit-eating geckos may not need to drink water frequently. The reason for this is that some fruits have high water content.
Can Geckos Drink Bottled Water?
People who keep geckos as pets may ask themselves if it’s safe to give them bottled water.
Although bottled water has its advantages, such as avoiding contaminants that tap water could contain, there are also drawbacks. Bottled water can be costly, and may not be easily accessible in certain areas.
Further, certain types of bottled water may not have the necessary minerals geckos need, such as magnesium and calcium. Additionally, some brands may also be too acidic for their consumption.
If you opt to give your gecko bottled water, it’s crucial to find a brand with a balanced pH and essential minerals. It’s also vital to introduce bottled water gradually to your gecko to prevent digestive issues.
Can Geckos Drink Tap Water?
You can use tap water for your gecko’s hydration needs, but there are both advantages and disadvantages.
One of the benefits is that tap water is easily accessible and cheaper than bottled water. Furthermore, it contains essential minerals that are necessary for geckos to stay healthy, such as calcium and magnesium.
However, tap water can differ in quality depending on your location. Some tap water may contain harmful chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, or other heavy metals.
Thus, it’s crucial to research the quality of your local water before giving it to your gecko. Don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to make tap water safe for geckos.
One solution is to use a water conditioner or filter. Doing this gets rid of harmful substances that may be present.
You can also leave the tap water in a container for around 24 hours before giving it to your gecko. This will provide enough time for any chlorine or other harmful chemicals to dissipate, making the water safer for your pet.
How Long Can a Gecko Go Without Water?
The amount of time that a gecko can survive without water depends on different factors, such as its age, size, health, and species. For instance, an adult tokay gecko can last longer without water than other species.
However, geckos are susceptible to dehydration. This can lead to severe consequences for geckos, such as decreased energy, weight loss, and even death.
If you notice that your gecko is dehydrated and shows symptoms like sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, or lethargy, you should act quickly.
You can place a shallow dish with water in their enclosure and encourage your gecko to drink. Additionally, you can offer rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or electrolyte powder to help them recover fluids.
To avoid dehydration in the future, it’s crucial to regularly monitor your gecko’s water intake and overall health. Providing a balanced diet and maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels in their enclosure can also help prevent dehydration.
If you notice any changes in your gecko’s behavior or health, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
How to Ensure Your Gecko Stays Hydrated
Geckos require access to clean water at all times. This ensures they stay hydrated and healthy while in captivity.
Tips to Ensure Your Gecko Stays Hydrated
As a responsible pet owner, you should provide your gecko with a constant supply of fresh water. Additionally, you should also monitor your gecko’s behavior to ensure they’re drinking enough water.
Here are some tips that can help ensure your pet gecko stays hydrated:
Provide a Humid Environment
Geckos require a specific amount of humidity to stay hydrated. You can use a device called a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in their enclosure. Then, make the necessary changes to maintain the humidity at an optimal level.
Offer a Variety of Water Sources
Different gecko species may have different preferences for where they can get their water from, so it’s a good idea to offer various options.
One solution is to give them a water dish to drink from. Other options include misting or using drippers to provide moisture in the air and on the surfaces of their habitat.
Feed Your Gecko a Balanced Diet
Geckos can also obtain some of their hydration through the food they eat. So, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that contains enough moisture.
Methods for Providing Water to Geckos
There are various ways to provide water to your pet gecko, and it’s important to understand the best methods for ensuring their hydration and overall well-being.
The easiest way to give water to your gecko is by using a shallow water dish.
Choose a dish that is wide and shallow enough for your gecko. This way, it can fit in comfortably and be able to reach the water easily.
Some gecko species, like the giant day gecko, prefer to lick water droplets off surfaces. Misting the enclosure of a plant can provide water droplets for them to drink.
A spray bottle can be used to mist the enclosure, while the plant can be a natural source of water droplets.
Lastly, some species prefer to drink water droplets that are moving. In this case, a water dripper can simulate rain or water droplets to entice them to drink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hydrating Geckos
Proper hydration is crucial for the health and well-being of your gecko. However, owners can make common mistakes when it comes to providing water.
Using Dirty Water
Ensure to regularly change their water dish and refill it with clean water.
Additionally, avoid reusing old water or adding anything to their water dish, as this can make your gecko sick.
Using Cold Water
Geckos prefer drinking warm water, so it’s best to use room temperature or slightly warmer water. Giving your gecko cold water may cause stress.
Providing Water That Is Too Deep
You should avoid using deep water dishes that could be dangerous for your gecko. Stick to shallow dishes to keep them safe while drinking water.
Overhydration in Geckos
Overhydration can be harmful to geckos. It can result in a condition called hyponatremia, where there is an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Geckos may show signs of overhydration, such as feeling sluggish, loss of appetite, bloating, or difficulty walking.
You can take steps to prevent these from happening. First, avoid soaking your gecko for too long. Then, it’s also necessary to provide a dry area in their habitat to prevent them from staying in moist areas for too long.
If you suspect your gecko suffers from overhydration, seek veterinary care immediately.
Final Thoughts
In summary, it’s vital to understand how geckos drink and absorb water.
Although some of them can absorb moisture through their skin, they still need clean water for drinking. You can use either bottled or tap water, ensuring it’s clean and has the minerals your gecko needs.
Moreover, be mindful of common mistakes that can lead to overhydration or dehydration for your gecko. Keep a close eye on your gecko’s hydration levels and take the necessary measures to ensure it stays happy and healthy.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard. I also like photographing wild birds, especially birds of prey.