Thinking about getting a tiny dinosaur as your housemate? Well, welcome to the world of leopard geckos! These delightful reptiles are easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for beginners and experienced reptile lovers alike. In this guide, we Reptilian Clay House will whisk you away into the mystical realm of leopard gecko care and tips, and talk about how to keep your scally friend happy.
Meet the Wonderful Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos, scientifically known as Eublepharis macularius, originate from the arid lands of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Their signature look is yellow skin with spots or stripes and a plump tail for storing fat, these geckos have such a unique appearance.
As nocturnal creatures, they are most active at night which makes their feeding time as late as you choose. Like other reptiles, cold-blooded, and require a heat source to keep their cute scally body comfortably warm.
Our wonderful companions are not required to eat every day after reaching maturity which is cost-effective. The average size of a leopard gecko typically ranges from 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 centimeters) in length making them the perfect little pet for beginners. So, let's begin our adventure with some basic leopard gecko care:
1. What is the ideal home for Leopard Geckos?
Every gecko needs a cozy house. The essentials include A tank or terrarium: A 10-gallon long tank is a comfy home for one gecko, but if you have more, go bigger for extra room for them to roam. Although leopard geckos love to climb, they don't really need much headroom for them to move. For their own safety, it is best to keep them as close to the ground as possible.
Next, a comfy flooring. Line the tank's floor with reptile carpet, paper towels, or tiles that are easy to replace or clean. Try to avoid using loose substrates like sand to prevent ingestion, especially for baby or juvenile geckos. Our curious friends love to lick everything they see.
One of the important parts of leopard gecko care is to keep them toasty. Depending on the region of your country, you might need three different hides for your geckos. One warm hide, one cold hide, and one humid hide. Ensure the warm hide hovers around 90-95°F (32-35°C), while the cooler hide maintains 75-80°F (24-27°C). This is vital for your Leopard gecko's well-being. The humid hide is there to help our little reptilian friend shed during their growth. It should at least be sprayed with water once or twice a day with a paper towel in it. Those who live in subtropical or tropical areas can consider not having a humid hide as it may increase the chance of mole growth.
The material of the hide can be plastic, ceramic, or cork bark. Each has its pros and cons. Depending on cost and the region of your country it is totally up to you.
Overall, your little companion doesn't require much but some places to hide and explore. You may decorate your leopard gecko's environment any way you like as long you put their safety and needs first.
2. Do my Leopard Geckos need lighting?
Leopard geckos are nocturnal creatures, being most active during dawn and dusk. There have been some debates about whether or not Leopard geckos need UVB lights. Yes, they can get some benefits from it but no, these nifty little creatures don't necessarily need UVB lights to survive. However, you can have a regular light on a timer to mimic their natural cycle.
3. What do Leopard Geckos eat?
Leopard geckos, our little dinosaurs are insectivores, Their preferred menu includes crickets, mealworms, and Dubia roaches. To ensure their well-being, it's essential to dust their meals with a pinch of calcium every time. You can conveniently find the necessary supplies, including calcium and Vitamin D3, at your local pet store. These are vital for maintaining your leopard gecko's health.
Baby or juvenile leopard gecko needs a little extra care. They need to eat once a day, every day. Make sure to prepare their meals in bite-sized portions. For small mealworms, you may crush or remove their heads to make it easier for your baby geckos to enjoy their meals. Additionally, leave a small bowl of calcium powder for them; if needed, they will instinctively lick it to supplement their diet.
While some recommend offering a bowl of mealworms for them to nibble on, it's essential to exercise caution as some geckos may consume them excessively, leading to unnecessary weight gain. It's advisable to provide small portions at a time and carefully monitor their weight.
This is one of my leopard geckos sleeping in the calcium powder bowl when he was little. His mother also loves to sleep in it, too. After this photo was taken, he proceeded to carry the powder everywhere. So, it is best to have a smaller bowl for the powder.
Last, you should leave a shallow water bowl for your gecko to either drink from or have a fancy dip in, should your little dragon choose to. As playful as they are, it's best to refresh their water and clean their bowl every 3 to 5 days.
As a responsible leopard gecko caretaker, it is your duty to be aware of your gecko's diet and also their leavings. Our "poop machines" only poop as much as they eat, usually at the same spot. Healthy gecko droppings appear solid and feature a small white portion, indicating proper hydration. So, don't be alarmed if you have never seen your gecko take a drink.
If your scally friends show any sign out of the ordinary like stuck shed around the nose or dramatic shrinking of the tail or refusing to eat for a very long time. Please seek guidance from your local Vet.
4. What to do when my Leopard Gecko is shedding?
As your dino companion grows, they'll undergo the fascinating process of shedding their old skin. During this time, their skin patterns may begin to change, giving their appearance a whole new look.
Baby or juvenile leopard geckos can shed once a week and as they get older they will shed less often. To ensure a smooth shedding process, it is best to maintain a humid environment by lightly misting their enclosure daily and providing them a humid hide.
Never rush to peel off their old skin for them. When the time is right, it will come off naturally. Fun fact, leopard geckos have a unique habit during shedding – they often consume their old skin, regaining valuable nutrients in the process. So, while your gecko transforms, take a moment to observe this fascinating leopard gecko growing process.
As your reptilian friend matures, the shedding process becomes more efficient, and you might find it happens almost imperceptibly. This is a positive sign, indicating that your gecko's shedding is progressing smoothly, and their overall health is in excellent condition.
5. How do I handle my Leopard Geckos?
Our energetic little friends often surprise us with their unique personalities. While some may exhibit curiosity and fearlessness, others might be more reserved. It's essential to remember that you're a giant human, and they are petite creatures.
When you first bring your leopard gecko home, it's a good idea to be patient and avoid handling them right away. They need some time to get used to their new environment, and seeking shelter is just their natural way of staying safe.
After 3 to 4 days, your companion should grow more at ease in their enclosure. At this point, you can initiate handling by extending your hand with the palm up and flat. Slowly approach them from the front, placing your hand beneath them, allowing them to step onto your hand naturally.
Handling your leopard gecko is the best way to build trust, especially before a meal. Fostering a positive association between you and food. However, keep in mind that baby geckos startle easily and are prone to drop their tails when threatened. They might throw a scream or fake strike to intimidate you. Best to avoid handling them until they are at least 3 weeks old.
Finally, always handle them close to the ground or near a table to prevent them from darting away. If you need to clean their enclosure, it's advisable to place them in a separate container to ensure they don't escape into potentially dangerous places.
I once experienced a heart-pounding moment when one of my baby geckos slipped into my sleeve while I was tidying up his enclosure. To my relief, five minutes later, I discovered him clinging to me from inside my sleeve.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our guide to leopard gecko care, creating a cozy home, ensuring the right lighting, choosing top-notch insect snacks, helping in the shedding process, and handling your tiny reptile friends play a crucial role. These actions collectively foster a strong bond with your leopard geckos. As you embark on this exciting journey of gecko ownership, these simple tips will help you become the ultimate caretaker for your adorable scally friend. Get ready to enjoy every moment of your scaly adventures with these delightful companions!
Writer's info
If you are interested in my 8 leopard geckos and want to join me on this amazing journey. Check out my YouTube Channel or follow me on Instagram at Reptilian Caly House.
Photo credit
Adobe Stock and Microsoft Bing Image Generator
