Introduction

This comprehensive Leopard Gecko care ⁤guide provides all the necessary information to successfully care for your ‌pet.‍ From housing and‌ heating to diet and hygiene, we cover everything ​you need ​to know to ensure your Leopard Gecko’s well-being.

About Leopard Geckos

The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis⁢ macularius) is one of the most popular reptiles kept in ‍captivity. They are relatively easy to care ‍for, have a calm⁢ temperament, and stay relatively small ​(approximately 20-25cm). In the wild,‍ they have yellow with black‍ spots, but in captivity, over 30 generations of selective breeding have created hundreds​ of different colors and patterns (morphs),⁣ making them extremely popular‍ with ⁣collectors​ and breeders.

Leopard Geckos can⁣ live​ up to 20 ​years in captivity, so ⁤a commitment to their long-term care is essential when deciding to own this‍ reptile.

Housing

Leopard Geckos⁢ are best kept⁢ in a good quality, ‍sealed, wooden vivarium. This ⁣will ⁢help maintain proper heat levels and ‌provide a‌ good level of security. Once a Leopard Gecko is old enough to go to its new⁢ home ‌(usually 12 weeks or 20g), it will be big‍ enough to move straight into an adult-sized⁤ enclosure. There is no benefit to starting with a smaller enclosure and ​changing later.⁤ A⁤ minimum enclosure size of approximately 60 x⁢ 40 x 30cm‍ is recommended, but the larger the vivarium, the better. Our most popular vivarium for Leopard Geckos is the​ Vivexotic Repti-Residence‌ Medium, which measures 85 x 37.5 x 42cm. ⁤However, a larger vivarium will provide even more space ​to​ add beneficial decorations and different ⁤temperature‍ and UV zones ⁤for your ⁢gecko to ⁣explore.

Leopard Geckos prefer to live⁤ alone and should never⁣ be ⁤housed⁢ together. Even‌ geckos ‌that appear to have previously tolerated each other can⁣ suddenly‍ start fighting, causing serious injury or even​ death.

Heating

Leopard Geckos ‍should be‍ provided ⁣with a warm‍ area in the enclosure that is approximately 30-32C. An ambient temperature range of 24-28C throughout the rest⁤ of the enclosure will create ​a suitable ⁣thermogradient. Ideally, nighttime temperatures should⁢ not drop⁢ below 18C.

The most‍ common way ⁣to ⁤provide this temperature range is by using a heat mat and⁣ thermostat. It is important to monitor the⁣ temperature of the heat mat‌ with a digital‌ thermometer. Another popular option is the use of an Arcadia Deep Heat Projector, controlled‍ by⁢ a thermostat. This type of ‍heater provides a​ deep, tissue-penetrating heat (Infra-Crimson B) that can also warm decorations beneath it, ​providing additional‌ heat in ‌the enclosure.​ Heating from above can ⁢also help prevent accidental burns or overheating, which‌ can ​occur ⁣when using ‍a heat mat, especially if it ⁤is buried under a layer of substrate.

Lighting

A UV ‍Index of around 1-2, as well as fully shaded‍ areas, will ensure that​ your gecko gets the ⁤UVB light ‍it needs for healthy development. In most enclosures, an⁣ Arcadia Shade Dweller ProT5 light will provide ‌this UV Index when installed at a height of 25-40cm. For larger enclosures of a ⁢similar height, a mirrored Arcadia 6% T8 ‍tube ⁢will produce a similar output. If you have 40-45cm to⁢ work with, you can use ​a 6% T5 or ProT5 kit. ⁣Keep the light on for‍ approximately ‌12-14 hours per day and turn it off at night.

Humidity

Leopard⁤ Geckos come from ⁣areas ‌of relatively​ low humidity, so a dry setup is best. You can monitor humidity in the cool end of the vivarium⁣ if desired, but as long as you have a warm, well-ventilated vivarium, there should⁢ be⁢ no issues in ‌most UK households.⁤ It is also important to‍ provide ‌a humid hide (moist box) ‍for your ⁣gecko at all ⁤times. The easiest way to achieve this is ⁢by using damp sphagnum moss. This will ​help ⁢your gecko shed its ⁤skin fully and prevent the loss ⁢of toes or the tip of the‌ tail due to retained shed.

Decorations

Decorating a vivarium is more than just making it visually appealing. While there are endless products that can ⁢achieve this, decorations can also be beneficial ⁤in providing an⁢ environment that makes ⁤your Leopard Gecko feel safe and secure. It is important to⁤ always have a hide on both​ the⁢ warm and ⁣cool sides⁤ of the vivarium. A⁤ central hide is usually the ⁤best place to‌ install ⁢a humid hide, as described above. ‍Rocks, resin decorations, branches, and plastic plants all‍ make great climbing ​and hiding areas ⁣that will be utilized by your gecko, which is​ most ⁤active at night.

Food

Leopard Geckos are insectivorous ⁣and benefit​ from a variety of gut-loaded live food. Our geckos are fed a mix of crickets