The care of Leopard Geckos & other terrestrial Gecko species

Housing

  • Glass, Wood or Plastic.
  • Leopard Geckos require an enclosure of at least 90cm long.
  • Must be escape proof.
  • Provide internal decor such as a water bowl, branches, hides & plants.

Heating / Temperatures

  • A perfect temperature is 28-30C, with a slight drop at night.
  • An overhead heat source is required for Leopard Geckos, If a light emmiting souce is used then care should be taken to monitor the over night temperatures (Particularly over cooler months)
  • Always install a thermostat.

Lighting

T5 lighting is required for this species. Ferguson Zone 1, Arcadia Shade Dweller UVBs are generally reccomended.

Substrates

  • Sand/soil mix such as LeoLife or Earthmix Arid are popular but as with all loose granular substrates, there is a risk of ingestion.
  • Some keepers prefer newspaper or similar.
  • Sphagnum moss can be used in a humid area.

Hygiene

  • Spot clean daily taking out faecal, uneaten food etc.
  • Change water daily.
  • Strip out and change substrates every four weeks.

Humidity (level of moisture in the air)

  • Generally speaking most terrestrial geckos require a dry atmosphere
    around 40-50%.
  • Provide a localised high humidity hide.

Diet and Supplements

  • Commercially available livefood such as crickets, worms, locusts, waxworms & cockroaches.
  • Gut load the livefood with a insect loading mixture.
  • Use a reptile multi-vitamin and calcium supplement.
  • Feed daily for babies and every other day for adults

Handling

Babies may go off their food if handled every day. Adults will tolerate more handling, within reason.

Signs of Ill Health

  • Swollen limbs
  • Thin or skinny
  • Sunken looking skin or eyes
  • Sores
  • Lack of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Cloudy or dull eyes
  • Bloated abdomen
  • Thin tail
  • Lethergy
  • Loss of toes

Possible causes of Ill Health

  • Parasites
  • Dirty conditions
  • Incorrect diet / supplementation
  • Incorrect temperature / Humidity control
  • Over handling

What to do in case of Ill health

  • Keep at optimum temperature
  • Seek help from qualified vet
  • Keep disturbance to a minimum

Is a Leopard Gecko or other terrestrial Gecko species suitable for me?

  1. I am aware of the long life aspect maybe 20 years plus.
  2. As with all animals I am aware of the risk of salmonella.
  3. I am aware of the need for livefood (insects), and that they may escape.

Recommended Supplies

  • Glass, wood or plastic vivarium.
  • Floor covering.
  • Over head heat source with thermostat.
  • Temperature gauges.
  • T5 UVB lighting.
  • Appropriate supplements.
  • Small water bowl.
  • Livefood.
  • Hides and climbing decor (including plastic plants).
  • Damp humid hide.
  • Gut load for livefood.

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