Originally from Southern Asia, the Leopard
Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is
a long-lived and hardy lizard. They have been known
to live for as long as 15 years in captivity. Leopard
Geckos are extremely popular as pets. They grow to be
about 10 inches long.
Leopard Gecko Care Information
Food & Water
Crickets
and mealworms
are the preferred food for Leopard Geckos.
Wax worms can be used as well, but only on occasion
as they contain too much fat. Some Geckos will also
eat fruit. Baby food is perfect to use as it is pre-mashed,
and full of vitamins.
While they are young, Leopard Geckos should shed once
every two weeks or so if they are eating enough.
A Leopard Gecko's water source should be provided in
a small dish. Some sort of a calcium
source is a good idea to ensure a healthy gecko.
For Leopard Geckos, you can dust it on their food or
even provide it to them in a small dish which they will
lick.
Remember, Leopard Geckos are nocturnal
lizards. They need to be fed at night, before you go
to sleep. Make sure to completely remove any insect
debris or leftover fruit.
Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
A daytime habitat temperature of about 85 degrees F
is appropriate for Leopard Geckos.
At nighttime make sure that the temperature does not
drop below 80 degrees F. A heat source should be placed
at one end of the habitat to give your Leopard Gecko
a temperature gradient (from end to end). "Hot
rocks" are not recommended as a heat source as
they can cause burns on your lizard.
As mentioned, Leopard Geckos are nocturnal. You still
need to provide the heat gradient and the 12 hour daylight
cycle though. They will be active mostly at night.
Housing and Habitat
Leopard Geckos like to have a hiding place available,
so a hiding place at both the warm and cool ends of
the cage is a good idea. Having a hide box in the warm
part of the cage will also aid in the shedding process.
While your Leopard Gecko is shedding
you can spray that side of the habitat with water in
order to raise the humidity. If a high enough humidity
is not provided it may be very difficult for your gecko
to shed its skin in certain areas.
Leopard Geckos will almost always choose one corner
of their habitat to 'relieve' themselves. This will
significantly decrease the amount of work involved in
cleaning up after your Leopard Gecko.
