Leopard Gecko Care: The Basics
As a leopard gecko mama myself, I know it takes a lot of research to keep these little ones. First, here are some of the most basic things you should know.
- Leopard geckos are solitary creatures, so no matter how well you think they get along, having multiple leopard geckos in the same enclosure can end badly.
- A loose substrate is one of the worst things you can do to get a gecko in. Ingestion can cause fecal impaction, which is very harmful and can be fatal if not treated.
- Lamps are absolutely useless. Pet stores may say they are necessary for temperature control, but they are only harmful to the gecko.
Things to remember before getting a leopard gecko
Items needed for terrarium
- 20 gallon long tank (for adults)
- 10 gallon tank (infant)
- 3 peels (1 moist, 1 hot, 1 cool)
- One under-tank heater (uth) at the hot end of the tank
- Additional decorations for messy/climbing
- 1 thermostat (for UTH) to keep hotspots at 88-92 degrees
- 1 water dish
- 1 calcium dish
- flat substrate
5 tips for setting up your terrarium
1. Requires at least 3 skinsBut the more present, the happier the gecko.
2. Geckos need hot and cold sides of the terrarium. It needs at least one skin on each side, and a wet skin somewhere in the tank to aid in molting.
3. The “hot spot” or hot side of the gecko terrarium should be 88-92 degrees. An under-tank heat mat can accomplish this, but you’ll need to install a thermostat to prevent the heat mat from getting too hot and burning your stomach.
4. Lamps are absolutely useless. Placing an under-tank heat mat on top of the thermostat warms the tank hotspots enough to keep the tank ambient temperature above 70 degrees. Lamps can be very harmful to geckos. The leopard gecko’s eyes are naturally sensitive and can cause burns and blindness. This is what I can personally attest to. A chain pet store told me I needed a heat regulating lamp instead of a thermostat. I did this in each of my gecko tanks and it had a severely negative effect on vision in both tanks. One person already had vision problems and the lamp made them almost blind. Now she has to feed with tongs in front of her. otherwise she cannot see the food.
5. Avoid loose floors and reptilian carpets. Loose substrates (particularly sand) can cause fecal impaction, and reptile carpets can get caught in nails and teeth and harbor bacteria. Good substrate choices include paper towels, non-stick shelf liners, and tiles.
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5 tips and things to know about gecko care
1. Geckos cannot be kept together regardless of gender. Many people testify that they have had no problems keeping their geckos together for any length of time, but problems can arise no matter how long you keep them together. One gecko takes the dominant role and starts bullying the other, even if it takes a few fights to achieve it. The other individual then cannot get enough food and heat. Also, sometimes fierce fights can result in serious injury or death to one gecko.
2. Leopard geckos are 100% insectivores. Unlike other types of geckos, they do not eat fruits, pangea, etc. Your base diet should include crickets, mealworms and superworms. All need to be gutted before feeding (I use baby carrots and potato slices). Insects such as waxworms and hornworms are considered treats and are likely to become addictive and stop eating, so feed sparingly. Don’t rely on giving treats if the gecko doesn’t seem to be eating. Always consult your veterinarian first.
3. Feed your gecko as much as it can eat in 10 minutes every day or every other day when it is a baby. As they grow, the number of feedings is spread out every 3-5 days.
4. Always sprinkle food with calcium and D3 supplements and keep small dishes full of calcium (with or without D3). This ensures that you have the calcium you need to ward off disease. Cryptosporidiosis. The disease can be fatal and quickly becomes irreversible if not treated in time. The disease causes extreme weight loss and bone damage.
5. Approach the topic slowly when dealing with a gecko. First, gently place your hand near them in the aquarium. This will give them a chance to approach you from themselves when they are comfortable and used to your scent. After a few weeks, yes, after many weeks, it’s safer to pick it up carefully. It’s important to know that if it bites or hisses, the worst thing you can do is drop it, scream at it, or hurt it in some way. They need more time!
Remember: Geckos Are Promises
The most important thing in owning a leopard gecko is making sure you are prepared to give the gecko the life it deserves. They can live up to 15 years or more, so if you take care of them properly they will be a part of your life for a long time, so you need to make them valuable for yourself and for them as well.
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This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
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Vv July 3, 2020:
What is a planar board? I don’t know what to put in the cage Help