Leopard Gecko

Eublepharis macularius

Overview

Leopard Geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles due to their manageable size, calm temperament, and relatively simple care requirements. Native to dry regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and surrounding areas, these geckos are ground dwelling and nocturnal, which means they're mostly active during the evening and night.

Life Span

The average life span of a leopard gecko is 10-20 years in captivity and could live past 20 with excellent care. The record holder for the oldest leopard gecko comes from a breeder in Germany, and she got to be 40 years old!

Size & Growth

Leopard geckos will grow into their full size within the first 12-18 months.

Hatchlings (baby leopard geckos) - 3-4 inches

Juveniles - 5-7 inches

Adults - 7-10 inches, with the rare exception of a few exceeding 10 inches.

Enclosure Size

Hatchling (0-6 months) - Minimum 20 gallon enclosure

Juvenile - 20-30 gallon

Adult - Minimum 36 inches x 18 inches x 18 inches, though the bigger the better.

With young Leopard geckos it's important you don't clutter the enclosure so they can easily find their food. Each enclosure should include a warm hide, cool hide, humid hide, moderate climbing and enrichment opportunities, and a water dish.

Temperature & Heating

Temperature is extremely important because leopard geckos depend on external heat to digest food and regulate body functions.

Warm side - 88-92 F (31-33 C)

Warm hide surface - 90-95 F (32-35 C)

Cool side - 70-78 F (21-25 C)

Nighttime can drop as low as 67 F (19 C) but that is as low as the enclosure should get to ensure good health.

Heating Options

Halogen Heat Bulb

Deep Heat Projector

AVOID ALL HEATING OPTIONS SHOULD BE ON THERMOSTATS

Heat rocks

Colored bulbs

Lighting

Leopard geckos don't need a UVB bulb but greatly benefit from it. UVB promotes bone health and prevents weak bones, so adding a low output UVB tube on a 10-12 hour light cycle would help your gecko grow big and strong!

Humidity

Leopard geckos generally do best when their enclosure is set around 30-40%

Keeping their humid hide moist is a must, and will help them during their shedding process.

Diet & Feeding

Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means the only eat bugs. They can have an occasional fruit treat but is not recommended as a main part of their diet. Make sure to dust your insects with calcium, and multi-vitamins!

Staple feeder insects are Dubai roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, and silkworms.

Good, rare treats are mealworms, super worms, hornworms, wax worms, blueberry, papaya, watermelon, kiwi, bananas, and apples (no seeds!)

Hydration

Fresh water must be accessible at all times! A humid hide will help them shed, and they will lick the moisture off of the walls in there.

Handling & Behavior

Leopard geckos are generally calm and tolerate being held well. They are nocturnal, so it's important you don't startle your leopard geckos awake trying to hold them. A leopard gecko usually is fine, but if you scare them, they can drop their tail, which is a harsh process for them to go through. After dropping their tail, their body uses a lot of their energy to regenerate their tail, and it can come back with defects making it an issue during the shedding process.

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) - Caused by calcium deficiency. Symptoms are weak limbs, tremors, and bone deformities.

Impaction - Digestion blockage caused by swallowed substrate or improper temperatures. Symptoms are lack of bowl movements, and swollen abdomen.

Respiratory Infection (RI) - Usually caused by incorrect temperatures or excessive humidity. Symptoms are wheezing, mucus, and open mouth breathing.

Stuck Shed - Very common with leopard geckos. Usually stuck on the toes or tail, and can be treated with a warm bath, and spraying their humid hide for more moisture to loosen up the dead skin.

Substrate Recommendations

Hatchlings (0-6 months) and new leopard geckos that you pick up should go on paper towels. Once your leopard gecko is out of it's quarantine stage, or grows past a hatchling into a juvenile, its recommended you use tile, and reptile safe soil mixes.

AVOID calcium sand, loose dusty sand, and wood shavings.

Key Takeaway

Leopard geckos are hardy reptiles when provided with proper heat, nutrition, and an environment. Most health issues are preventable through correct husbandry and routine observation. With proper care, leopard geckos make fantastic long-term companions for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

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