Many types of gecko are available as pets and it's easy to see the attraction of keeping these fascinating reptiles in the home. Most varieties are easy to care for and fun to observe. One of the few downsides to owning this type of pet is finding it if it proves to be an accomplished escape artist. Geckos are small and fast with a propensity to seek out the smallest, tightest spaces to hide in.
Instructions
1. Ensure the gecko is actually missing. It may still be in its tank, hidden under substrate or in climbing areas. Take every item out of the tank and sift carefully through grainy substrates. If the gecko does not surface, it is time to launch a full scale search.
2. Search areas immediately surrounding the gecko's tank first and work your way out from there. Look under the tank and in and around the tank stand. The gecko will be looking for security above all else so check tight spaces thoroughly.
3. Look in closets as the gecko may have darted under doors in search of a dark safe place to hide. Start at the bottom and work your way up to avoid stepping or dropping things on a hidden gecko. Lift boxes and other items to search under and around them. Scooting items across the floor rather than lifting them out of the way may spell doom for a small creature hiding nearby. Gently shake out shoes and loose articles of clothing one at a time.
4. Look in warm places. Geckos regulate their own body heat by external temperatures. This is why they require a heat source in the tank. An escaped gecko may seek out an environment that is similar to its tank in temperature.
5. If you don't find it, keep searching periodically. Geckos can survive for long periods of time without food or water. It may be days or even weeks before a frightened gecko will leave its new hiding place to search for food. Unlike with many small pets, there is no practical way to leave food out to lure a reptile back into captivity. Many reptiles, including geckos, eat live food such as insects.
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