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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
Great tips! I’ve always wanted to get a leopard gecko and this guide seems really helpful. Thank you!