Description
About Leopard Geckos
Leopard Geckos are ground-dwelling lizards that originate from the dry and arid areas of the Middle East. Wild Leopard Geckos typically have more dark, dull, and drab colourations than those kept in captivity as pets. Those in captivity generally have an assortment of skin colours and patterns. The skin of a Leopard Gecko is very tough, protecting it from the rough sand and rocky terrain of its dry environment. They are now popular pet reptiles for their beautiful colours, patterns, and ease of care.
Traits & Behaviour
Leopard Geckos are solitary and do not usually live with other animals. They prefer to hide in burrows or shaded areas when they are not active. In captivity, they are generally docile and easy to tame. They are typically easy to hold and do not bite. However, there are always exceptions to this because every gecko is different.
Environment
Housing: A well-ventilated, 40L tank or a terrarium with a large surface area is recommended to accommodate their normal behaviours and exercise. As a general rule, the larger their enclosure the better it is.
Decorations: Leopard Geckos are curious lizards. Give them plenty of interesting space to interact with, they love to climb and move around and they will definitely climb on top of anything you put in their enclosure. Hides, branches, plastic plants, rocks and logs are good decorations to use.
Substrate: The safest substrate to use for Leopard Geckos are paper, paper towels, stone tiles, and newspaper. Common reptile substrates like sand, wood chips, gravel, and coconut fiber should be avoided as they can be accidentally injected, causing impaction.
Lighting & Heating: A daytime temperature of between 24°C – 30°C should be maintained while a night temperature of 21°C – 24°C is recommended. A ceramic heat emitter can provide ideal heat radiation in their basking area. Unlike other reptiles, Leopard Geckos do not require UV lighting as they evolved as nocturnal animals.
Humidity: Maintain 30-60% humidity in their enclosure. A shallow open bowl of water can help with regulating humidity.. A hygrometer will help in monitoring the ambient humidity in the enclosure.
Nutrition
Staple Food: Leopard Geckos are insectivores and eat crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Their meals should be mixed with the proper ratio of supplements (calcium with d3 & reptile vitamins).
Water: Fresh and clean water must be available at all times. A shallow water bowl that won’t tip over is enough.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate and cleaning their water bowl thoroughly and refilling. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Leopard Geckos happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated terrarium
- Bedding
- Hides
- Decorations
- Shallow water bowl
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Supplements (Calcium, Vitamin D3)
- Live cricket, mealworms, dubia roaches, etc.
Important Notes
- Leopard Geckos should be handled with care as their tail can easily come off as a way of protection. A new tail can be grown back but will not be the same size and original pattern/colour as its previous tail.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling to prevent spreading diseases.
- Live insects should be gut-loaded first before feeding.
- Do not keep 2 Geckos together.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your Leopard Gecko!
Have more questions? Contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!