A leopard gecko makes a great pet for a family if you give it some attention, give it a proper diet, and set up a cage. These reptiles are unique and beautiful. Leopard geckos are native to Afghanistan and Iran, but are common around the world as pets.
These pets are reasonably easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners who are still learning about lizards. What is the correct way to care for a leopard gecko?
Fun facts about leopard geckos
Before you decide to get a leopard gecko, you should know some basic facts about the leopard gecko. This gecko is one of the most common reptile pets in the world. They are gentle animals and live up to 15 years in the wild.
I like it because it is active. Geckos love to run and climb especially at random times of the night. It’s not uncommon to see these funny pets climbing new branches and “toys” as they get used to their new homes.
Geckos grow up to 10 inches long and live even longer in captivity. With proper care, they can live up to 20 years. Surprisingly, they are very vocal! Be aware that these cute creatures meow and scream when they need food or attention.
What type of food do I need to feed my leopard gecko?
Leopard geckos are similar to other carnivorous (insect-eating) reptiles. A diet consisting of fresh, properly fed insects is required. The staple food you give your gecko should be crickets. Mealworms should be limited to 3-4 per week. Mealworms are a fatty treat and a favorite of most leopard geckos, but they do not support a healthy diet.
Baby geckos grow rather slowly and do not require a high-protein diet. Baby geckos should be fed small crickets frequently, while adult geckos should only be fed every few days. These reptiles also require a diet rich in vitamin D3 and calcium. Thankfully, there are a variety of supplements you can give your pet gecko. We recommend dusting the crickets with a “calcium only” powder. It is highly recommended to feed the crickets using a “gut-loading” diet prior to feeding the geckos.
Leopard geckos also need water to live and grow. A stable source of water must be maintained within the habitat or crate. Mold and algae can grow on the water, so it needs to be cleaned frequently. If this happens, water ingestion by the gecko can cause a variety of digestive problems.
What kind of habitat do leopard geckos need?
The most difficult part of caring for leopard geckos is providing habitat and crates that support their growth. You should choose an enclosure large enough for your reptile pet. Experts recommend using a 20 gallon tank. There should be only one gecko in this tank. Male geckos are highly territorial and will compete for space.
These little animals love to climb. Large branches, pottery caves, and other things you can jump on and climb are helpful. The most important thing in the habitat is lighting. Reptiles are unique pets because they require cages and crates that mimic their original homes.
Heating lamps or heating elements should be turned on to about 88 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to allow for sunbathing in a heated area. At night the cage temperature can be lowered to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Geckos are poikilotherms that regulate their own body temperature, so they can suffer when it gets even colder. UVB lighting is not essential for his Gecko, but may have some effect on bone growth.
Regular cleaning of gecko boxes is also recommended. Pet owners typically place newspaper or cardboard in the bottom of the crate to catch urine and feces. If you don’t clean this often, your reptile pet may accidentally eat it and cause digestive problems. Another option is to rotate a piece of clean artificial carpet or indoor/outdoor carpet over the floor of the cage.
How to clean a leopard gecko
Cleaning your leopard gecko is the most fun part of owning a leopard gecko. It’s easy too. Geckos benefit from a warm “bath” or “soak” once a week. Do not use soaps or disinfectants in water as they can damage scales and sensitive skin. Think wild reptiles. Other than some water, it doesn’t need much cleaning.
To do this, take them out of the large tank and place them in a smaller tank. Place a small bowl filled with warm, not hot, water in this area. Then soak the gecko in water for 5-10 minutes. Some geckos are playful and will seek out a water bowl knowing it’s time to clean up.
Leopard geckos make great pets and are easy to care for
All in all, geckos are lovable pets that need special care to live a long life. These small animals can live up to 20 years on a special diet of live insects. In addition to carefully feeding these reptiles, you also need to clean your home often. Because of their small bodies, they may have stomach upsets due to differences in food and atmosphere.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your pet’s leopard gecko health checkup, please call Avian & Exotic Veterinary Hospital, Louisiana. (504) 455-6386.