Care Sheet for Geckos: LeopardAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.00 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 11/09/2008 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Geckos: Leopard |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Geckokeeper |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Leopard Gecko |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | All leopard gecko color morphs |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Male Leopard geckos will have a v shaped row of pores near the vent and a bulge near the base of the tail. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Substrate: Though some keepers have used loose substrates(sand,calcium sand) without a problem, it is best to use ceramic tile, cage carpet, or newspaper to prevent accidental swallowing/impaction of sand. This is a common problem among young geckos that get a little too excited and take a mouthful of sand when grabbing a cricket!
water: water can be provided in a ceramic glazed dish,or any shallow commercial or makeshift reptile safe container. It is a good idea to treat the water with reptile safe water chlorine remover. |
Lighting and UVB: | Leopard geckos are nocturnal , so lighting is not necessary. Some keepers,including myself, like to use florescent lights to make create a day-night effect and show off our animals. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Humidity should be low. One side of the tank should between 80 and 90 degrees F. The other side should be a little cooler. This will help your pet digest/thermoregulate. |
Heating and Equipment: | 10 gallon or larger tank or specialty reptile enclosure
hygrometer and thermometers One for warm end,one for cool)
water and food dishes
substrate
under tank heater or red heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter- no hot rocks!
crickets and meal worms
calcium powder and vitamin supplement
screen tank lid
cage "furniture"
makeshift hide box or plastic cave or wooden caves |
Caging Provided: | Ten gallon tank - don’t mix reptile species or put 2 males in a tank together- reptiles are happier alone! |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Crickets or roaches supplemented with meal worms and/or the occasional pinkie mouse
daily feedings for juveniles
at least 5 feedings a week for adults |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Dust insects with calcium powder and with vitamin supplements on separate days
follow manufacturer’s instructions. |
Maintenance: | Daily removal of gecko waste, feeding and watering. Check your gecko to make sure its eyes are bright and shiny, no shed skin should be stuck to the gecko, nostrils should be clean, and mouth should close completely. Waste should be be dry, not runny or with any weird colors. |
Some Words on this Species: | This is a great species: friendly, easy to handle, low maintenance, small, widely available, easy to breed an is available in many color varieties. I would highly recommend getting a complete leopard gecko care book before purchasing a lizard. |
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