Would you like to have an adorable smiling angel—a gecko? If so, here are 9 things you must pay attention to.

1. Prepare the Enclosure The enclosure is essentially your gecko's future home. The size of the enclosure should match the size of your gecko. If you've just bought a small gecko , you'll need a smaller enclosure. For larger geckos, you'll need a more spacious habitat. Keep in mind, even the tiniest gecko requires a minimum of a 10-gallon space, and as they grow, so should their home. A high-quality environment will greatly aid in your gecko's development.

Editor's Pick: Zilla Tropical Vertical Habitat Starter Kit

2. Add Substrate Substrate acts like the bedding in your gecko's home. Unlike cats and dogs, geckos have a very small activity area. Without substrate, their waste can spread everywhere. With substrate, cleaning up their droppings becomes a breeze. Additionally, substrate helps absorb odors, preventing unnecessary hassles. For beginners, paper towels are a great, easy-to-manage option. If you're aiming for a more luxurious setup, coconut fiber is a fantastic choice.

Editor's Pick: SunGrow Leopard Gecko Coconut Husk Hut

3. Provide Rough Rocks As geckos grow, they shed their skin. Rough rocks offer the necessary friction to help them shed properly. It's like having a personal spa treatment for your gecko!

Editor's Pick: Zilla Pet Terrarium Rock Lair, Medium

4. Prepare Calcium Powder Calcium powder is crucial for your gecko's bone health and development. In the wild, geckos get their calcium by licking rocks, but in captivity, it's harder to obtain sufficient calcium from food alone. So, have some calcium powder on hand. You might also consider adding some vitamins to the mix for a well-rounded diet.

Editor's Pick: Nutricost Calcium Carbonate Powder 500 Grams

5. Set Up Hiding Spots Geckos love cool, shaded areas. Providing hiding spots helps them feel secure and adapt to their environment better. Think of it as their cozy hideaway.

6. Install a Heat Mat If you live in a chilly area, a heat mat is a must. Geckos hibernate during winter, and a heat mat will keep their environment at a comfortable temperature, preventing cold-related mishaps.

Editor's Pick: Tikaton Reptile Heat Pad 

7. Get a Water Bowl Hydration is key for all animals, and geckos are no exception. Make sure to provide a water bowl to keep them refreshed and happy.

Editor's Pick: SLSON Reptile Feeder Terraium Bowl

8.Tongs Geckos primarily eat insects. If you prefer not to handle bugs with your bare hands—or risk a gecko nibble—tongs are essential for easy and safe feeding.

9. nsect Housing Fresh food is crucial for geckos, and keeping insects contained will save you from a house full of crickets and mealworms. An insect habitat not only prevents bugs from running amok but also boosts their survival rate, reducing the need for constant repurchasing of fresh critters. Prepare these essentials, and you'll be on your way to providing a great home for your gecko