Leopard Gecko Care Guide

Species Info: Leopard geckos are native to the Middle East and parts of India. Well adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, wild leopard geckos are primarily nocturnal, waiting out the often intolerable daytime conditions inside a moist burrow. Contrary to most geckos, their toes do not  have sticky pads, so they cannot climb glass or similarly smooth surfaces. In contention for most  popular pet reptile, leopard geckos are captively  bred all over the US and so are commonly available in a wide range of color morphs. 

Level of Care: Easy. Leopard geckos are very hardy and can be conditioned to tolerate handling well, though babies can be quite jumpy. Cleaning is usually quite easy as leopard geckos tend to only defecate in one spot. Your leopard gecko should be given at least a week to adjust to its new home before any handling as done, and for no more than a few minutes at first. Leopard geckos should never be picked up or held by their tails as they can readily drop them if stressed. 

Length/Lifespan: Adult leopard geckos usually range between 8 and 10 inches as adults, with males being slightly larger than females. They can easily reach 15-20 years in captivity.

Temperature/Lighting/Space Requirements: Your leopard gecko’s tank should have a hot spot of around 90-95 degrees, which can be accomplished by placing a heat pad under part of the bottom. Ambient tank temperatures should stay around 80 degrees not fall below 70 degrees. Babies can be housed in 10 gallon tanks and adults do well in 20-30 gallon tanks. Length and width are generally more important than height. 

Humidity/Water Requirements: Tank humidity levels should stay around 30-40%. A water bowl should be kept in the cage and changed at least daily. 

Cage Flooring: Leopard geckos require dry substrate, repticarpet, paper towels, and newspaper are all easily cleanable options. Artificial turf can also be used but is much more difficult to clean. 

Cage Decoration: Leopard geckos require a minimum of 2 hides, a moist one on the hot side and regular on the cooler side. The moist hide can be made by lining the inside with moistened moss or a wet paper towel. Any other reptile safe furnishings are fine to have inside the tank.

Diet: Leopard geckos are strict insectivores and should be fed accordingly. Gut loaded crickets (pinheads for babies), dubia roaches, and mealworms make good staple feeders, and superworms and waxworms make good treats for adults.

Feeding Frequency: Insects should be offered every day up until about 6 months of age. From then on, food can be offered every second or third day. Insects should be dusted with calcium once a day and multivitamins at least once a week.

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