#because I just don't care for them? I don't care much for fish or geckos either

[starpros-sunshine]

I know this makes me some sick sort of freak or whatever but the thought of this wretch dying via centrifugal vacuum laundering is so nice. I try not to indulge the sadist but this one this one felt good. This one felt really good.

[mistydeyes]

Are your pairings still open? Feel free to ignore this if they aren't

Pronouns:

She/her

Appearance:

5ft tall (short as hell) and chubby.

I'm very Pale with freckles and green eyes. I have dyed black hair cut into a shag with bangs.

I'm very insecure about my body and kinda hate the way I look. I may have a slight eating disorder but Im usually fine. Currently trying to lose weight healthily.

I dress kinda alternative in blacks and am always wearing a bunch of jewelry. (Mostly ones I make). I am also always wearing boots (Often platform boots).

I wear tight pants both beacause they look good and I have sensory issues. I can't stand loose ones and mostly wear yoga pants.

Other:

I love to sew, crochet, make jewelry, draw etc... Basically anything where I get to create something. I love seeing an idea come to life. I'm constantly making things and I like to fidget with anything I get my hands on (meaning I have a habit of breaking stuff) (oops).

I constantly crave affection (but will never admit to that) I really love cuddling, and am definitely touch starved but anyone who knows that has figured it out themselves. Because for some reason my brain thinks I don't deserve any of it.

I am way too nice to everyone, even at my own expense and tend to Bury my emotions when I am in pain. I have Depression and some anxiety and tend to worry about if anyone I know actually likes me while simultaneously thinking that I don't deserve anyone to love me.

I am shy and awkward as heck. But I will talk your ear off if you get to know me.

I love all animals and have a particular fondness for the odd ones. Reptiles and fish are awesome but I love everything including worms that I will rescue from the sidewalk.

I own some fish and shrimp that I love. My plecos and my gecko are like my babies. Especially my boy Groot. He's an albino bristnose pleco and is very ugly, but I love him so much. My entire phone is photos of him and my leopard gecko Leo. (Resisting the urge to attach one) (nevermind) (I'm attaching photos of him, Leo, and my other pleco- Carlos)

I know a lot of random facts about animals and can rant for hours about my interests. Very passionate about animals and their care. Love all mine even if I might play favorites.

I'm also not super Great at reading social situations. Expecially flirting. I am so oblivious and unless someone is incredibly direct I won't notice it or think it's a joke.

I will gift people I like things I make. I make a lot of plushies in particular that I create. I love to see people happy

Johnny "Soap" Mactavish (a/n: ur lil pets are absolutely adorable!! i literally cannot get over how cute they are, thank you so much for including pictures of them)

How you met: The first time you and Johnny met was definitely a story that entertained all your friends. It all started when you were at the pet store buying crickets and mealworms for your geckos. As you inspected the container of dried insects, someone came up next to you. You first noticed his basket was full of a 5lb bag of dog food that he effortlessly held in one hand. The next was his smile that lit up is face as he looked at you. "I think a restaurant would be a better place to find food don't you think," he asked you and you were a little confused. "But these aren't for me, they're for my geckos," you corrected and his smile faltered a bit. "I uh was just saying maybe I could take you to a nice restaurant some time," he sheepishly said and rubbed the back of his neck as his face grew pink. You had a habit of being terrible at reading social situations and were blushing profusely. "OH, I'm sorry I'm really bad at telling when people are flirting with me," you corrected. "Don't worry, I'm Johnny by the way," he said as he shook your hand, "how about I give you my number and you can call me when you're free? It looks like you have a little army to feed." He wasn't wrong, you were rushing home to feed your babies and this was just meant to be a pit stop. He read out his number as you typed in his number on your phone. "And don't worry if you don't want to, I won't take it to heart," he joked and went to go pay for his things. You stared at your phone for a while as you looked at his contact name "Johnny AKA pick-up line guy."

A peek into your relationship: "Open it," you said excitingly as you pushed the box into Johnny's hands. You had been working on a gift for him for ages and were happy to finish it just as winter was approaching. You had tried your best to keep it a secret and delayed the project as Johnny would always find a way next to you. "Alright, alright, chill little lass," he said as he pulled apart the layers of gift wrap and the lid to a box. You watched intently as he grabbed the two items which sat on a pillow of tissue paper. "You've really outdone yourself, bonnie," he said as he pulled out a crochet hat and scarf. "Heard you can get cold when patrolling and I thought it would keep you warm," you smiled as he inspected the stitches. He eventually saw that you had sewn a little patch with a dog that looked similar to his. "Yer attention to detail is something else," he said as he tried on the set for you. You quickly grabbed your phone as you snapped a picture of him. "That one's a keeper," you said as you laid your head in his lap. He took this time to pepper your face with kisses as you laughed at his stubble brushing your face.

Months later when he was on deployment, you got a message from Ghost that showed the scenery of a snowy cliff and in the center of photo was Johnny bundled up with his scarf and hat.

[xeversayfishxace]

(I don't deserve this...I don't deserve this kindness...I should be alone...I should be wallowing in my misery all by myself. How can he show me any kindness? How can he look at me with those eyes? How can any of them look at me at anything more than disgust? I...)

Yet, the moment the gecko landed upon him despite how much it hurt. Xever used all the strength he could to embrace Mondo. There are no words the fish was just weeping his eyes out. Despite it all, the two had bonded more in this terrible experiance than they ever had before. They were united by the stress, united by the pain, but were also united by the kindness, and finally united by the love they showed to each other. Xever had bared much for the sake of this kid, almost died to protect this kid. Xever knew he would do anything for Mondo. There wasn't a shred of doubt within his heart.

Xever had likely connected more because he showed his real self deep down. He had admitted his fears, how alike to Mondo he had once been, just some aimless kid who had no one or nothing. Constantly thrown away, constantly shown hardship, then they were betrayed. Xever was so glad the world didn't crush Mondo's spirit like his had been, that pure part of Mondo remained despite everything.

"Mondo...I'm so glad...you're safe...I was so worried...I..."

Xever just cried more and more as he held the gecko close. He didn't need to say it, this was love he felt right now. He had shown it many times with his actions. Something he never thought he could ever do for someone else. This level of emotion was scary, but it felt right. This was what Xever had wanted all along to fill the void inside.

Someone he could care for, and someone who cared back for him. It was unspoken, they didn't need to say it to one another. Because words had always felt so hollow, Xever couldn't cheapen this moment by saying anything about it. Xever loved Mondo as the son he never had nothing would ever change that. That was the truth his actions had shown, even when faced with death Xever chose to protect Mondo above all else. And he would do it all again without regret.

"Ha...of course he surprises you...because that is the most wonderful part of Mondo...he can still smile despite everything...I wouldn't change him for the world...and I'll beat up anyone who tries to..."

Xever looked at both Rockwell and Leatherhead with the same warm smile that was more real now than any other smile he gave.

"Because...he makes me want to smile too...and be better..."

Rajan, the ape assumes. Xever had mentioned that name in his sleep during the nightmares. Slash intended to bring it up when he had the opportunity to speak with Xever.

Neither of them wanted to bring it up prematurely, to avoid overwhelming Xever. Therefore, it was significant that the fish suddenly began addressing the matter himself - it indicated how much had been repressed and how urgently it needed to be expressed.

Rockwell instinctively moved closer when he picked up on the faster breathing. For a moment he was concerned something worse might be happening but Xever managed to find his voice again.

Mondo’s past was no stranger to the mutanimals, they have heard the story from him before.

“You’ve got a second chance at life, and you realized the errors of your ways. As for Mondo - “

Speak of the devil.

The moment the sentence left his mouth, the door swung open.

“Doc! Is he - “

Here comes the gecko, preparing to ask the question that he generally bothered the scientist with all week, but pauses when he sees Xever awake.

In an instant, the gecko runs and LEAPS at full speed and comes full force down on the fish to tackle him.

Leatherhead, who was behind him, blinks. He just returned with the gecko from trying to distract him and obviously the first thing the gecko wanted to do was check on Xever. If he knew this would have happened he would have tried to stop Mondo.

Rockwell was left stunned. The incident unfolded so quickly that he didn't have time to react. He let out a sigh and facepalmed.. Throwing yourself on someone who just awakened, weak, still likely hurting and covered in shock burns? He cleaned most of them (as well as the ones on Mondo) and did what he could but still.

“I should have seen it coming. And yet … he manages to keep surprising me.”

[thefirsthogokage]

If you love your animals, keep them inside. Ffs, keep them inside. Especially in bad weather. Especially in hot and cold weather. Especially if there are predators where you are. Especially if there are no places for them to hide other than trees.

Don't let your animals be outside animals, that is abuse.

"But they've always been an outdoor animal."

They can be retrained.

"They are much happier outside."

Because you don't provide enough stimulation for them inside. You can also take them for walks. Yes, even cats. There are videos online on how to leash train your cat. Take them on walks when they want to go out. If they don't want to go out, don't take them.

"I can't afford big things for them to play on/with."

There are many ways to make things that entertain animals that don't involve a lot of money. You just need to do a little research.

"But I don't have enough space for them inside."

Well you got the wrong animal. And just fyi, if you do re-home them and get something smaller like a gecko or a hamster or a fish, make sure you do your research first because odds are they need a bigger home than you think, and they may need more than one of their kind for company. If you get a rat, for example, you need to at least have two.

I have also personally re-homed a dog to someone with another dog and a backyard for them to run around in and she was much happier.

"What if I put something insulated outside for them to hide in, will that get you to shut up?"

Well, if you aren't going to care enough about your animal to keep them inside, that's the least you could do.

However, what you really need to to is:

Keep. Your. Animals. Inside. They will adapt, especially if you can make it fun for them to be there. Make a maze on the wall of shelves out of wood with a place to sleep up in the air. Put a perch in front of a window. Make a bunch of toys. Play with them. Do training with them. Make them puzzles. Make sure they have places to hide if they want alone time.

Domesticated cats and dogs are not meant to be outside all the time or in bad weather. Especially cats. House cats have whipped out over 80 species of birds. They and small dogs are also food for coyotes and and cougars or whatever else your local wildlife is. Especially in the winter.

Please, for the love of your pets, do not keep them outside all the time, and keep your cats inside always.

[bettas-and-other-oddities]

I've been looking into bettas for a bit, and just general fish care, but I'm stuck on actual equipment. I don't know what is reliable and what is known to break. Can you recommend filters and heaters? Or a brand that is usually good quality? And if you aren't sure about the history of a tank, is there any way to remove soap residue? I have a secondhand 10g and a 40g I would like to eventually set up, but I can't know for sure if they've been washed with soap.

Brands that are definitely very high quality but expensive:

*Fluval

Adore their stuff. I don't have any except food from them because I am very very broke, but their products are so nice. I have one of their filters that used to be called aqua clear, and even though I don't use it, I love it. It has ceramic rings AND a sponge to hold your benificial bacteria, and removable bag of carbon. Ooo, makes my little fish keeping heart happy! (I don't use it because it was for a 30gal set up I had planned, but the tank us very very old and I need to reseal it, but I ended up getting a gecko instead) Heaters are adjustable and shatter proof, and look super high tech. Haven't used them, but have heard they do a really good job.

*Marineland

Their stuff is pretty up there, their only set back is their penguin filters with bio wheels. They're absolutely trash and constantly break. But their other filters are super nice. They have the sponge and ceramic in their filters that I like, so its super nice. I haven't used their filters or heaters, but when my store carried their water products, fuckin loved them. Super simple design, we carried the ones that had a built in hole like on ketchup bottles. Loved it.

Not so expensive but still kind of up there:

*Marina

I have the marina power filter for all my tanks and I love it. It's 13.99 on chewy, and its quite. It comes with an intake sponge, and i can control the flow all the way down to a trickle. The things I don't quite like about it is that the cartridges come in 3's with no 6pack available, and the filter has nothing to hold bacteria, so I had to get polishing pads (cloth filter pads) to stick in there because ceramic wouldn't fit. I have had at lesst one of mine for about 2 years now and it's still going really strong. I love them.

*Aqueon

Their filters are spot on, and have a sponge in them to house bacteria. They can be hit or miss with noise, as sometimes they can have an impacted impellor and it's just a racket. They seem to do well for a couple of years and then they start to break down, but the company is working on it.

DO NOT GET UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE ITS TRASH

*Top fin

Top fin fish tank kits come often with a top fin filterm they are loud and noisy, and have nothing to hold bacteria, nor do they offer space to put something in. The lids come with a sensor that tells you when you need to change your filter cartridge, and its total bs. It measures how high the water is in the filter and goes by that. Adjust the flow and you suddenly don't need to replace it. The flow adjustment is terrible. You either get raging waterfall, or not as much as a raging waterfall. I had to put a new kitchen sponge over the out take to help my poor betta while I waited for the new filter to come in. It was so loud. I had to to the unthinkably and turn my filter off at night just to sleep. Thankfully chewy pulled through and got my filter out and delivered within a couple of days.

Their heaters are okay. I have one in Wilson's and Finnigans tank. The one in Fins tank is set to 72 and keeps the water at 80+, but Wilsons is pretty spot on.

Tank cleaning:

Tanks cleaning is probably the least amount of fun. Before you waste time and effort, do a 24-48 hour water test in a water safe area to make sure the tanks actually hold water. Having 40gals of water on the floor is no fun.

After the water test, for the 10gal you can fill it with hot water and wait for it to cool, and then run a clean never used sponge around to try and get residue off the tank. And then rinse and repeat. Be sure the check the seals to make sure they aren't melting. You can also get a spray bottle and mix it with vinegar and water and spray and wipe it down. Just make sure you rinse until you don't smell the vinegar, and then rinse a couple more times. For hard water stains you can either use a razor blade and scrape them off, or what's mentally easier on me is using bar keepers best freind. Its usually in the house hold cleaning area, and its kind of like commet cleaner, but waaay less harsh and does a really good job. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and leave it out to completely dry, and then rinse one or two more times.

I apologize for the long ass essay. I hope its worth the read. The biggest part about fish keeping is equipment. You can always go to aquarium forums and type in whatever brand you're looking at into the search bar and you'll get tons of information on it.

[sorensolsikke]

thank you for tagging :3 i gonna have so much fun!! your answers were so cool btw

🌈 - i have two, including my dragon kintype and my golden retriever hearttype. i have several linktypes, but i haven't figured them out to be REALLY sure yet.

🌌 - I AM PRETTY NEWLY AWAKENED, just in this augusttt

👾 - dragons are unfortunately don't count as real :(((

👽 - actually. actually i really enjoy it. i am not sure if that makes sense or not, but i feel like living a human life is a lot easier since i discovered my alterhumanity. tho the longing feeling is cruel.

🧷 - i am both a psychological and a spiritual dragon. i believe that no matter what environment would have i been born in, in which body or life, i would be a dragon regardless. BUT my obsession with dragons (influenced by my mom) since a very young age is also undeniable. on the other heand, i am only psychologically a golden, influenced by my neurodivergency, my perception of myself in social environments, plus the very fact that i had grown up surronded by this dog breed, as my parents were guide dog trainers.

💚 - i am not entirely sure. i was raised as a buddhist, went to a christian kindergarten and hyperfixated on wicca (religion) for a long time. i don't follow any of these beliefs nor i believe in a god (if you do, that's great!!! i'm not against anyone) but i definitely admire life and nature, and i believe that souls exist. in short, my worldview is pretty compatible with my identity, and these two don't really affect eachother.

⚧️ - great question! i have no fucking idea. especially that i am sure that MY type of dragon doesn't fit the gender binary (i think i am somehow both the egg layer and the fertilizer? but i can choose which one to do? but like, neither will affect my social state?). and if that wouldn't be enough, the perceptible gender of my golden type is changing regarding to my own gender, day by day.

🧤 - YES, I HAVE A DOG MASK AND A YELLOW BOWL AND PAW GLOVES AND A CHEW TOY, AND I'LL MAKE A DRAGON MASK TOO AND I MADE A BASEBALL HAT WITH HORNS AND SPIKES AND I HAVE DRAGON THEMED DIY SHIRTS AND PANTS AAAAA

🏳‍🌈 - of course! i am genderfluid poly panromantic pansexual <3

🌚 - a lot!! my phantom shifts are usually horns, spikes on my back, wings, teeth, snout, dragon-like legs and paws and sometimes tail. i also often get mental, sensory and perception shifts.

🌝 - it's often makes me feel different, strange in this environment, in my family or school. my alteerhumanity affects my perception of my life, the society around me, and especially, my habits and hobbies (making dens, diving, collecting things, etc). it also contributes sometimes to my derealization episodes, which is unpleasent. other than these, it otfen feels more like an everyday adventure. tho i am a bit worried ab explaining my identity to my girlfriend soon (i don't want to keep it a secret, but i am not ready to talk about it either.)

💊 - the dawg in me insists on daytime. the dragon in me doesn't really care, as long as the days are cold. in summer, i am definitely nocturnal.

🤖 - i identified as a dragon since i was eight, i just didn't have the right words for it. and i got to know myself as a dog in the last three years.

🍁 - i was born as a dragon i'm sure, but to be a dog came later in life.

🧸- yes... i can't stop eating fish because it both makes me feel like a dragon and a golden + my goldentype loves duck more than life.

🛍- i have alterhuman mutuals, which is pretty cool!

🍂 - my natural habitat as a dragon is the fjords and pine forests in norway. but as a dog? anywhere my girlfriend goes.

🐱 - yes!

op, i loved the coding of the emojis :3

i am happy that i could play!!

@kip-has-fleas @the-creature230307 @wild-forest-critter @canines-crown @quite-fond-of-geckos

or anyone who wants to join

Alex's alterhuman ask game!

Reblog this post to let others ask you question(s)!

I tried to make this accesible to all alterhumans.

🌈 - how many _types do you have?

🌌 - when was your awakening?

👾 - is your _type real or fictional?

👽 - do you enjoy being a […] (therian, otherkin, ect. Just put your label here)

🧷 - what's the reason of your identity? You can say that you don't know. (Ex. "My theriantrophy is spiritual)

💚 - what are your beliefs? Does it affect your identity?

⚧️ - does your _type have a different gender/sex than you? Do you even know your _type's gender?

🧤 - do you own any gear? If yes, what is it?

🏳️‍🌈 - are you also a part of the LGBT+ community?

🌚 - do you experience shifts? If yes, what kind of shifts do you experience most often?

🌝 - how does your identity affect your everyday life?

💊 - is your _type more nocturnal or does it prefer daytime?

🤖 - for how long do you know about your identity?

🍁 - do you think that you were born with your identity or has it "started" during your life?

🧸 - does your _type affect your diet?

🛍️ - do you have alterhuman friends? If yes, in real life or in the internet?

🍂 - what is your _type's natural territory/home?

😺 - is your _type an animal?

That's all byeeee :3

[fbwzoo]

Do you know of any pets that would be easy to keep for someone with fibromyalgia? I know all pets require cleaning, enrichment, maintenance, etc but I really love animals and had to rehome mine last year since I couldn't consistently take care of them due to my illness. I've been thinking about a dog a lot, but I just don't know if I could handle all the exercise and training right now. But I really miss having pets. :(

I’m sorry you had to rehome your previous animals! :( That really sucks.

I will note that I do not have fibromyalgia & only know a little about it, so I’m working with the symptoms list I googled - the main symptoms being pain, fatigue, and mental fog.

Smaller animals are probably your best bet, I think. Invertebrates might be a good idea if you have any you take a liking to. Roaches, other beetles, millipedes, tarantulas, isopods, mantids…. all of them are popular pets. For most/all of these, you can set up a bioactive enclosure that is fairly easy to maintain - not removing/dumping/replacing a large amount of substrate each week or monthly. Enrichment is also fairly simple and most of it involves setting the enclosure up to give them room to choose their surroundings. Feeding is obviously still important, but can be pretty simple, which may be easier during brain fog & fatigue periods.

Likewise, you could also try smaller reptiles like small snakes (sand boas, rosy boas…I know there are more, but I’m blanking). Reptiles don’t typically care too much about handling, if you have a period of not being able to do so. You won’t need as big of a tank or as much substrate as larger snakes (like corn snakes & ball pythons), which may be more manageable. Crested geckos are another good possibility, especially given they have an appropriate commercial diet.

I’m hesitant to suggest fish given that water changes can be pretty involved & I know I struggle a lot with them. But if you think you could handle it, a 10g tank with a betta fish might also work.

If you really want to look into a dog, I would take your time & make sure you’re thinking everything through. But adopting a middle-aged/elderly dog from a shelter might be a possibility? Obviously you’ll need to find the right fit for you, but they are usually already trained, don’t often need as much exercise & management as a young dog/puppy, and a lot of older dogs just really need a retirement home where they can hang out & sleep. Just keep in mind medical issues, since older dogs are also more prone to those & vet bills could get pretty expensive.

A large part of managing illnesses + pets is coming up with coping methods. Schedules, notes, and alarms to help remind yourself on feeding & cleaning despite brain fog. Asking for help from friends/family when you’re having a bad period & need a little assistance. And there can be a fine line to balance this, but keeping an eye on yourself to make sure you’re providing appropriate care, but without guilting yourself into a deeper hole if you have to put off a whole-cage-clean for one or two days. Asking a friend to help check you on that can help a lot too.

(Hopefully this doesn’t sound like telling you how to manage your disability, not trying to do that! Just trying to suggest other things that might help with managing animal care, because I’ve had to do some of these things before myself.)

I know I have other followers who are disabled animal owners - does anyone else have more suggestions? 

[xeversayfishxace]

This had been a rare night of freedom, one where life didn't feel so bleak. Day after day it felt like Xever was losing more and more of himself to the Foot. He wasn't meant to be here...he shouldn't be here...yet here was where ended up. There is only disgust and hate aimed his way these days both from Bradford and Saki. He was Bradford's punching bag more often than not. And for Saki it was like his existance didn't matter in the slightest. Like he wasn't there.

It hurt more from Saki, because for a time there had been respect between them. Or had that been all an act? Xever had been lied to before, lied to by someone he trusted...and now...he had trusted someone else. He hadn't a choice, but it had felt for a moment like Saki had been someone Xever could trust. But it was all a facade.

This was another reason why Xever knew he should never get attached to anyone. The fish allowed someone to use him again and like before he was betrayed the moment he made a mistake. Everyone was the same, no one cared, the world only sought to crush you. Damn it! God f--king damn it! Why was he so cursed?! Why did he let his guard down? People used each other it was human nature! Why did he forget that? Why did he even hope for even a second?

First Rajan, then Saki...Xever just kept getting wrapped up with bad people. People who acted one way then changed the moment he made a blunder. They wanted only perfection! A perfect patsy!

No one is perfect damn it! Why couldn't anyone just...accept him?

I did my best! Please, notice me!

Stop dragging me into your mess! I want to useful!

I know what I'm doing! I don't know what I'm doing...

It was as these swirling emotions came to ahead that Xever suddenly felt someone land atop him. Looked to be a gecko mutant maybe?

"Um...a-are you ok?"

It was then Xever saw the gang come around the corner. Something about seeing a massive group of people like that sparked memories within Xever. In the past young Xever was holding something, there were shouts, and like that he was running. Xever was much faster since he couldn't get tired due to having metal limbs. Yet, Xever ran now just like he had back then. Because he had always been good at it in this moment he was running away with the gecko atop him. He didn't know why, he couldn't think. His emotions just led him forward.

"Hold on! I know a place to hide!"

@xeversayfishxace

It’s been … Jason has lost all sense of time since his parents cast him out into this world. Time doesn’t really mean anything out here. Nothing aside from survival matters.

In the first few days the boy still tried to come back, try to reason or plead with them. Nothing could sway them and each time he was met with cruel indifference.

No matter how hard he tried. It only resulted in them pushing further away. No matter what, the former human was denied every time. No matter how desperately he was starving, thirsty, shivering from the cold, or trembling in fear, they cast him aside. Even the worsening condition of his tiny pet gecko, his only companion was disregarded.

Where else is he supposed to go? That used to be his home.

When they threatened to involve the police - Jason got the message.

It was devastating. Abandoned by the ones who once called themselves his family.

Jason wasn’t sure what he expected. It wasn’t his fault. Something fell outside the sky and his life changed forever. For his own parents to just …

It hurt. It hurts a lot.

Every attempt to ask for help from others ended the same way—hostility, rejection.. He learned quickly that approaching humans was not an option anymore.

It’s terrifying, really. Alone in the cold city night, trying to find a safe spot to hide. He never fully realized how dangerous New York could be until now - and he often found himself wandering into the wrong places.

Just like right now - because he is currently running from street gangs.

Why, you may wonder?

Because the gecko stole food and was caught in the act (nor did he know they were from a gang). He has food, but for how long is another matter entirely if he does not shake them off soon.

One advantage was that he has an easier time climbing walls and buildings, but …it was hard to shake them off. They certainly had their target in sight.

One wrong move and -

“Gaaah!!”

Suddenly, the gecko slips and falls from where he’s been climbing, crashing down onto something—or rather, someone.

[aclownofmyword]

Hello op, this is a great question! I'll tell you what I know about them, though much of it will be personal anecdote and ymmv.

I'm not entirely sure about the invasiveness part of the question. Mediterranean geckos are extremely common in parts of Texas, though not in the area where I grew up. We only had green anoles around my childhood home and I had been told never to touch those, just admire them and move on.

What I am sure about is that Mediterranean Geckos are pretty harmless when living in homes or other man-made structures. They are well suited to being kept as pets, very hardy creatures and easy to care for.

In some parts of the world they are protected because they are docile and nonthreatening to humans, and even in the parts which consider them invasive not much is done about them.

This is how I came to keep some when I was a kid:

My mom had a long commute back and forth to her workplace, a large office building infested with them. She often talked about how they would get stuck in glue traps that the company laid out, which upset young me greatly.* They used traps and also regularly fumigated because they had constant issues with mice and snakes, the latter I suppose because the geckos and mice were easy prey for the snakes. Young me thought glue traps were cruel and barbaric regardless of their reason, one of my few notions that have never changed with time.

Anyway, one afternoon she called home from work to ask if I wanted to keep a pet gecko. I excitedly said yes, and that evening on arriving home she handed me a large paper coffee cup with the smallest pink gecko I'd ever seen splayed out in the bottom of it. I hope I never forget that first moment peering in as she shuffled quickly and began clambering up the wall of the cup to stare back at me.

Mom had printed off what little info existed on the internet in 2010(?), stopped by a pet shop on the way home and picked up a heater, substrate, thermometer, water dish, cut away log, crickets, a calcium dust supplement and a jar of cricket goo. I still had a good light and decently sized tank from fish kept years before, so I cleaned those again and set it all up very easily.

I remember she'd gotten the wrong size of cricket though, so a couple of days later we had to go and pick up the right sized smaller ones. That was the hardest part of their care, keeping enough crickets on hand. I could never get the crickets to breed sustainably, so we usually had to rely on the stores and they ran out of the smaller ones often. We picked up some foliage for hiding in as well.

That first gecko lived for about three years in my care and I loved her dearly.

A couple of other times over the years mom brought me more that she had caught at work, but one of those I didn't have for very long before it became ill and died. I suspected the cause was the substrate, which I stopped using. There weren't many care instructions available at the time, so it was a lot of trial and error. No local pet shops had even heard of these geckos at the time, much less offered information for or sold them.

Another one escaped their tank (a common problem as they are very Fast) and I don't think we ever located it. On one of my last visits to that house before it was sold though, I did catch sight of a familiar looking tail whipping off into the shrubbery...so uh, oops.

I do not claim to have been a perfect steward of these geckos, especially given that three years seems to be on the low end of their possible lifespans (they can live anywhere from 3-9 years with proper care, a fact I learned just now and one I find absolutely astonishing). But they wouldn't have lived very long loose inside that building, and I did the best I could as a kid with the limited resources I had. I could do a lot better today, but I don't think I want more responsibility anytime soon.

I will say this: I adored them, and watching 'em scuttle around and sun themselves or playing Where's Waldo to figure where they were hiding was better than anything on tv.

Other details and tips I either remembered or happened upon while writing this (again, ymmv):

Mediterranean Geckos crucially need places to hide, to climb around on, and places to sun themselves.

I tried offering other bugs, but my geckos were never interested so I stuck to crickets. In researching I saw that they can also eat roaches and worms (among other things) which would have been great for me if mine had gotten that memo.

They should eat 3-4 times a week (when not shedding), and their prey needs to be moving to draw their attention to begin hunting it. I think I gave mine 3-5 small crickets initially at each feeding, but for each additional gecko I added maybe two more per feeding. They seldom ate all of them at a time, and removing them from the tank was a delicate manoeuver that I didn't like undertaking if I could help it.

It is important to dust the crickets with a calcium and nutrient supplement before feeding for overall health and good bone strength. But this has to be done carefully, otherwise it could suffocate the crickets.

They need water in an easily accessible bowl which should not be too deep, and their enclosure should be misted daily for both drinking and to maintain high humidity. Mist the enclosure, not the gecko.

Paper seems to be the only really safe bet for their substrate (my research says change 2-3 times a week), such as in the form of paper towels or newspaper. I wish I had known this a decade ago.

Males are territorial and probably should not be kept together, but females can be kept together just fine.

The heating pad should be to one side of the enclosure so they have a cooler side and a warmer side to move around in as needed.

They shouldn't be handled until they are adults, and after adulthood need to be handled with care so that they don't detach their tails or escape their enclosure.

I personally think they do make good pets, especially with the information readily available now vs when I kept them. Anyway, this was a long ramble but I hope some of it helps!

Does anyone know if mediterranean house geckos are the kind of invasive where you need to get rid of them or if you can basically leave them be and it's fine? Also do they make good pets/live in captivity well? Asking as a writer dw I haven't caught one or anything.