A Beginner’s Guide to Leopard Gecko Ownership/Care

How to Care for a Leopard Gecko: The Basics

As a leopard gecko mama myself, I know that a lot of research goes into owning these little guys. To get started, here are some of the most basic things you need to know:

• Leopard geckos are solitary creatures, and having more than one in the same enclosure will end badly—no matter how well you think they’re doing together.
• Loose substrate is one of the worst things you can put your gecko on. It can be eaten and cause impaction, which is very harmful and can cause death if left untreated.
• Lamps are a definite no. Pet stores may tell you they are needed for temperature management, but they will do nothing but harm your gecko.

Things to Remember Before Getting a Leopard Gecko

Items Needed for a Terrarium

• 20 gallon long tank (for adults)
• 10 gallon tank (for babies)
• 3 skins (1 wet, 1 hot, 1 cold)
• 1 under tank heater (uth) on hot end of tank
• Extra decor for clutter/climbing
• 1 thermostat, for UTH, to maintain the hot spot between 88–92 degrees
• 1 dish of water
• 1 serving of calcium
• Flat substrate

5 Tips for Setting Up a Terrarium

1. At least three skins are requiredbut the more present, the happier your gecko will be.

2. Geckos need a warm side of their terrarium and a cool side. They need at least one hide on each of these sides, as well as a moist hide somewhere in the tank to aid in drainage.

3. The “hot spot,” or warm part, of your gecko’s terrarium should be between 88–92 degrees. This can be achieved with an under-tank heat mat, but it is necessary to have a thermostat attached to ensure that the heat mat does not get too hot and burn their bellies.

4. Lamps are absolutely not. If you have an under-tank heat mat with a thermostat, the tank’s hot spot will be warm enough to ensure that the tank’s ambient temperature remains at a stable temperature above 70 degrees. Lamps can be very harmful to geckos; they can cause burns and vision problems, as the leopard gecko’s eyes are already sensitive. This one I can personally attest to: I was told by a chain pet store that I would need a lamp to regulate the heat instead of a thermostat. When I did this to each of my gecko tanks, it seriously damaged both of their eyesight. One already had vision problems, and this lamp blinded him. I have to feed him with tongs in front of him, otherwise he won’t see his food.

5. Loose substrates and reptile carpets should be avoided. Loose substrates (especially sand!) can cause impaction, while reptile carpets can trap claws and teeth as well as bacteria. Good substrate options include paper towels, non-adhesive shelf liners, and tiles.

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5 Gecko Care Tips and Things to Know

1. Regardless of gender, geckos cannot be mixed. Many will testify that they have lived with their geckos for a long time without issues, but no matter how long they live together, there will be problems. One gecko will take the dominant role, even if it takes a few battles to achieve this and start bullying the other gecko. This will cause another problem in getting enough food and warmth. They will also fight sometimes so violently that one gecko ends up seriously injured or dead.

2. Leopard geckos are 100% insectivores. They will not eat fruit, Pangaea, etc., unlike other types of geckos. A basic diet should include crickets, mealworms, and super worms. Everything should be gut-loaded before feeding (I use baby carrots and potato slices). Insects such as waxworms and hornworms are considered treats and should only be given sparingly, as they tend to become addicted and refuse to eat anything else. If your gecko does not seem to be eating, do not use treats. Always consult a veterinarian first.

3. As babies, you should allow your gecko to eat as much as they can in ten minutes, either every day or every other day. As they get older, their feedings can be spread out every three to five days.

4. Always dust their food with a calcium + D3 supplement, along with keeping a small dish filled with some calcium (with or without D3). This ensures they have their calcium needs to prevent cryptosporidiosis. This disease can be fatal and, if not treated in time, will become irreversible. This disease causes severe weight loss and bone damage.

5. When handling your gecko, be slow in approaching the subject. First, gently place your hand near them in their tank. This gives them a chance to approach you themselves once they are comfortable and used to your scent. After a few weeks—yes, this week—it’s safer to cautiously try to pick them up. It is important to know that if they bite or hiss, the worst thing to do is to fall, scream, or otherwise hurt them. They just need more time!

Remember: Geckos Are A Promise

The most important part of owning a leopard gecko is to make sure you are ready to give your gecko the life they deserve. Since they can live for more than 15 years, they will be in your life for a long time if you take care of them right, and you have to make it worth your while as well as theirs.

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This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Comments

Vv on July 03, 2020:

What is a flat substrate? I don’t know what to put in its jail HELP

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