Barking Gecko Care Sheet
Introduction
The Barking Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) is a small, nocturnal species native to arid regions of Australia. These geckos are known for their distinctive barking call, which they use as a means of communication, particularly when threatened or during mating. As a relatively low-maintenance pet, Barking Geckos make great reptiles for enthusiasts with a bit of experience, though beginners can also enjoy them if proper research and care are provided. They are docile, terrestrial, and highly adaptable, making them a popular choice in the exotic pet trade.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each reptile will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most reptiles change their behaviour according to the weather seasons even if you keep them indoors all year round.
We keep geckos in stock at our Toronto store and ship across Canada.
Cheat Sheet
Barking Gecko
| Common name | Barking Gecko |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Underwoodisaurus milii |
| Natural location | Southwestern Australia |
| Habitat (wild) | Semi-arid with rocky outcrops |
| Captive enclosure | 5-10gal for hatchlings/juveniles, 15-20gal for adults |
| Substrate | Sand/Soil Blends, Clay, Stone |
| Temperature tolerance | Cooler: 75-80°F (24-27°C), Nighttime: 68-74°F (20-23°C) |
| Basking temperature | 82-85°F (28-30°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Can be beneficial in small amounts |
| Humidity | 30-40% |
| Average adult size | 4-6 inches |
| Captive lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Fun fact | When threatened, they "bark" |
Housing
Enclosure: Australian Barking Geckos are a small species, reaching lengths of 4-6 inches, which means they do not require excessively large enclosures. A single adult gecko can be comfortably housed in a 15 or 20-gallon long terrarium. If keeping more than one, it's important to provide ample space to avoid territorial disputes. The enclosure should be secure, well ventilated, and have several different low elevations for enrichment.
Substrate: Australian Barking Geckos thrive on a substrate that allows them to burrow and feel secure. Repti Soil or a mixture of sand and soil (around 50/50) is an ideal substrate, as it simulates the arid, loose soil conditions found in their native habitat. For a more advanced substrate, you can blend Exo Terra Desert stone with soil, sand, and clay products for the ultimate natural substrate.
Heating & Temperature: As desert inhabitants, Australian Barking Geckos require warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range during the day is between 75-80°F (24-27°C), with a basking spot reaching around 85°F (30°C). At night, temperatures can drop to around 68-74°F (20-23°C), mimicking natural temperature fluctuations. Using a heat pad, heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter, or radiant heat projectors can help establish a temperature gradient within the enclosure, allowing the gecko to move between warmer and cooler areas. Be cautious of temperatures exceeding 90°F (32°C), as prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to stress or overheating. A localized humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss is also highly advisable to support proper shedding and hydration.
Humidity: Australian Barking Geckos come from dry, arid environments and do not require high humidity on a regular basis. The ideal humidity level should be maintained between 30-40%. This can be achieved by lightly misting the enclosure a few times a week or using a humidity monitor to ensure the levels don't rise too high. Excess moisture should be avoided, as high humidity can lead to respiratory infections or mold growth. However, they do need short periods of time to hydrate themselves inside humid burrows so a humid hide on the cool side of the terrarium is highly advised.
Lighting: Barking geckos are a nocturnal species and are typically uncomfortable around any bright lights. For this reason, we do not recommend using lighting for this species unless it is an infrared or otherwise dark lighting simply for your own viewing pleasure. UVB lighting is not required but can absolutely provide some benefits when provided in small amounts. Instead of heat lighting, we highly recommend heat pads to provide heat through the ground. Heat pads should cover one side of the terrarium, best positioned underneath the hiding cave where they like to sleep. Infrared radiant heat is also an excellent choice for this species.
Decor: Barking Geckos will benefit from several hides for comfort and security if you can provide it. One hide can be enough but if you have the space, we recommend at least two hides: one on the warm side and one on the cool side. This allows the gecko to regulate its body temperature by moving between them. Even though Barking Geckos are desert animals, they do retreat to niche underground burrows for periods of humidity and moisture. To provide this, a moist hide is recommended on the cool side of the enclosure. While this species is primarily ground-dwelling, adding low rocks, branches, or plants can help mimic their natural environment and provide enrichment.
Diet
Feeding: Barking Geckos are insectivores and should be fed a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, roaches, waxworms, silkworms, hornworms, and black soldier fly larvae. In recent years, several companies have also come out with excellent meal replacement powders that have all the nutrition as live bugs and most barking geckos can be taught to eat it over time instead of live bugs. This includes Repashy Grub Pie and Pro Bugs Purees. Barking Geckos should be fed daily, while adults typically eat every 2-3 days.
Gut loading: Gut-load insects with nutritious foods before feeding them to your gecko to ensure optimal nutritional value.
Supplementation: Lightly dust insects with calcium powder weekly, especially for younger geckos. A weekly dusting of multi vitamin can also be beneficial. Be careful not to over supplement with vitamin D3.
Water: Provide fresh water daily for your gecko in a shallow, easily accessible dish that allows them to drink safely without the risk of getting stuck.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: Spot clean your enclosure on a daily basis to prevent bacteria build up and general cleanliness. We recommend a full substrate change once per season, 4 times a year. Wood and plant décor can be washed monthly with hot water and put back into place.
Handling: Barking geckos are generally docile and tolerant of handling, but they are nocturnal and may prefer to be left alone during the day. When handling, be gentle and allow the gecko to crawl into your hand or scoop it gently coming from the side of the body. These geckos can jump if startled, so it's important to handle them carefully and avoid sudden movements. They may vocalize (bark) when stressed, which is a natural defense mechanism. Handling should be kept to a minimum, as excessive handling can stress the gecko and impact its health. Never grab or pull a Barking Gecko by their tails as they will drop their tails if frightened. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Barking geckos are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding. At night, they become more active, foraging for food and exploring. They are generally solitary creatures and may display territorial behaviors, especially when housed with other males. The "barking" vocalization is typically heard when the gecko feels threatened or is trying to communicate with other geckos. In the wild, they use this vocalization to warn off predators or competitors. Barking geckos are also known to be shy and can be easily startled, so it's important to create a calm and secure environment for them.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your reptile collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
Do barking geckos actually bark?
Yes. It is a real vocalization, used when the gecko feels threatened and during mating. In the wild it warns off predators and competitors. In a tank it usually means the animal is stressed.
Are barking geckos good for beginners?
They are low-maintenance and docile, and the sheet places them with keepers who have a bit of experience. A beginner who does the research can manage one. The desert setup is simpler than most, since no UVB or bright lighting is needed.
What size tank does a barking gecko need?
5-10 gallons for hatchlings and juveniles, 15-20 gallons for a single adult, with a long footprint rather than a tall one. This is a ground-dwelling species, so floor space beats height. House more than one only if there is room to avoid territorial disputes.
Do barking geckos need a heat lamp or UVB?
Neither is required. Heat pads under one side of the terrarium are the recommendation, ideally beneath the hide where the gecko sleeps. Infrared radiant heat also works. UVB is optional and only beneficial in small amounts.
How humid should the enclosure be?
30 to 40%, which is dry by reptile standards. Light misting a few times a week is enough. Too much moisture brings respiratory infections and mold. Still add a humid hide on the cool side, since they use damp burrows for shedding.
Will a barking gecko drop its tail?
Yes, if frightened. Never grab or lift one by the tail. Scoop from the side of the body and let the gecko walk onto your hand instead.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Geckos in stock now
We carry the sand and soil substrates, hides, heat pads, sphagnum moss and shallow water dishes covered in this guide at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
