The leopard gecko, as a pet, is frugal and agile. This Gecko looks unique with its patterning and even becomes tame after some time of acclimation. Even if you are among the terrarium newcomers, the husbandry is easy.
In this article, you will find all information about the species-appropriate leopard gecko keeping. What equipment do you need, and how do you care for this extraordinary animal. So you can also keep this exotic pet.
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Leopard Gecko – Fact Sheet
| Size | ~ 10 inches |
| Life span | 15-20 years |
| When active? | at dusk, at night |
| Origin | Southeastern Afghanistan, Western India, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq |
| Food | insects and larvae |
| Keeping | terrarium |
| Animals | at least two females |
| Genus | Eublepharis |
| Family | Eublepharidae |
Leopard geckos are a popular choice for first-time reptile owners due to their small size, easy care requirements, and docile nature. These lizards are native to the desert regions of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan and are known for their striking appearance, with patterns of spots and stripes on their skin.
Description of the Leopard Gecko
The leopard gecko is one of the most popular exotic pets, along with the bearded dragon, and is popular with both beginners and advanced pet owners. They look like they are smiling all the time! Note: Leopard geckos are not cuddly pets. However, these animals are lovely to watch.
Leopard geckos do not climb along the wall
Leopard geckos are not hectic animals. They tend to move quietly and slowly. And they do not bite. So quite different from the small geckos that move jerkily and crawl along the wall at lightning speed. As for the latter, leopard geckos can’t crawl up walls or hang from ceilings. They do not have clinging feet like other geckos. So if the animal escapes from its terrarium, it won’t be hard to recapture.
Leopard geckos rattle like rattlesnakes.
When leopard geckos are excited, they move their tail back and forth really fast, which looks like a rattlesnake rattling. Who is getting scared right now: No, leopard geckos do not have venom! Attention: Leopard geckos can lose their tail. It grows back, but the loss means a lot of stress, and the regrowth requires much effort for the animal. A leopard gecko should, therefore, never be touched or pulled by the tail.
Leopard geckos stick out their tongues
These animals have a wide tongue with an olfactory organ (Jacobson’s organ) at the tip. They often stick out their tongues to sense the smells around them. It also looks adorable when they brush their eyes with their tongues.
Leopard geckos are colorful
The tiny lizards are primarily yellow and white with black spots, but there are over 100 color variations and patterns. For example, with or without dots, stripes, and exciting patterns. The dots can be orange or purple in addition to black.
Keeping the Leopard Gecko as a Pet
Housing:
Leopard geckos are small reptiles, and as such, they don’t require a large enclosure. A 20-gallon terrarium is suitable for one or two leopard geckos. It’s important to provide a substrate for your gecko to burrow and hide in and several hiding spots, such as PVC pipes or small boxes.
Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so they need a heat source to mimic the natural temperature fluctuations of their native habitat. You can use a ceramic heat emitter or a heating pad placed under one side of the enclosure to provide a warm basking spot. The enclosure should also have a cooler area, which can be achieved by placing a thermometer on each end of the enclosure and adjusting the heat source accordingly.
Diet:
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Crickets, mealworms, and waxworms are all excellent options for feeding your leopard gecko. Dusting their food with a calcium supplement is important to ensure they are getting enough of this essential nutrient. Leopard geckos should have access to a calcium supplement to ensure proper bone growth.
In addition to insects, leopard geckos also benefit from a small number of leafy greens in their diet. Collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are all excellent options.
It’s important to avoid feeding your leopard gecko lettuce, as it is low in nutrients and can lead to diarrhea.
Leopard geckos should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. A shallow dish placed in the enclosure is sufficient.
Handling and Interaction:
Leopard geckos are a popular pet choice due to their docile nature and ease of care. It is important to provide a suitable habitat for your leopard gecko, including an appropriate size enclosure and substrate, as well as proper temperature and humidity levels.
When it comes to handling your leopard gecko, it’s important to be gentle and avoid squeezing or holding them too tightly. They are delicate animals and can be easily injured. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your gecko to prevent the transmission of any illnesses.
If you have decided to keep a leopard gecko in your living room, the first question you should ask yourself is how many animals you want to keep. Of course, it is also possible to keep this animal individually. If you can offer your leopard geckos enough space, it is recommended to keep one male with two or better three females.
Alternatively, you can keep only females. But you should make sure that no female in the group is more dominant than the others.
I guess the answer to the question of how many geckos you want to keep is how much space you can spare for a terrarium. Each animal needs at least one retreat and enough room to move around.
Health:
Leopard geckos are generally hardy reptiles, but it’s important to keep an eye on their health and address any issues that arise. Some common health issues to watch for include respiratory infections, parasites, and metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Respiratory infections are caused by bacteria and can be characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, discharge from the nose or mouth, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your leopard gecko, you must take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Parasites are another common health concern in leopard geckos. These can be internal, such as worms, or external, such as mites. If you notice any unusual behavior or a change in appetite in your leopard gecko, it’s a good idea to have them checked for parasites.
MBD is a condition caused by a lack of calcium in the diet. Symptoms of MBD include weakness, tremors, and deformities in the bones. It can be prevented by providing a balanced diet and ensuring your leopard gecko can access a calcium supplement.
Summary
In conclusion, leopard geckos are a rewarding pet choice for those who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention. By creating a suitable habitat, providing a proper diet, and handling your gecko gently, you can ensure the health and well-being of your new reptile companion.
Owning a leopard gecko can be a fulfilling and educational experience, and with a little bit of effort, you can have a happy and healthy pet for many years to come.
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