Quck answer
Leopard geckos are a popular choice for pet owners due to their cute and unique appearance. They are easy to care for and can live for up to 20 years with proper care. Leopard geckos are also relatively low-maintenance and do not require a lot of space. They are a great choice for families with children or for those who want a low-maintenance pet. However, it is important to research and understand the specific care requirements for leopard geckos before bringing one home. With proper care, these super cute geckos can make great pets for many years to come.
Pets
A female common leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) takes a walk with her offspring. Michel LUQUET/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
If you’re new to owning lizards, it can be overwhelming to choose your first one. With such a diverse group of reptiles, it’s difficult to know where to start. However, bearded dragons and blue tongue skinks are two great options for beginners.
But, the most highly recommended species for first-time owners is the adorable common leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius).
Grounded Creatures
Most geckos have the ability to climb walls with their toe pads lined with hair-like structures. However, leopard geckos are an exception to this rule. They won’t climb glass walls or defecate on the sides of their enclosure.
Eublepharis macularius doesn’t require adhesive toe pads in its natural habitat. The species inhabits arid grasslands and rocky deserts ranging from northwestern India and Pakistan to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. Instead of toe pads, they have small digging claws, which are more useful to them.
Another unique feature of these lizards is their movable eyelids that can blink, wink, and protect their eyes from sand. This is different from most geckos that are unable to blink.
Distinctive Spots and Smiling Mouths
Leopard geckos are not the only species of leopard gecko found in Asia and the Middle East. However, the common leopard gecko is the most popular species kept as pets.
Many exotic pet enthusiasts affectionately call these geckos “Leos.” They have upturned mouths that give them a perpetual grin, and their big, closeable eyes make it easy to humanize the emotions on their faces.
Their natural color palate is counter-shaded, with their undersides being much lighter than the rest of their bodies. They are typically yellow to tan with patchy black spots above their whitish belly.
Leopard geckos are easy to breed in captivity, leading to the development of various vibrant color morphs, including orange-tinted “Carrot Tails” and pattern-less “Blizzard Lizards.”
These geckos make great pets for people with small apartments. Adults usually measure between 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 centimeters) long, while newly hatched babies are only 2.5 to 3 inches (6.35 to 7.62 centimeters) long. This is less than half the length of a large bearded dragon.
Creating a Suitable Habitat
To ensure your leopard gecko is happy and healthy, you’ll need a glass terrarium that’s at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) long, 11 inches (28 centimeters) wide, and 13 inches (33 centimeters) tall. These enclosures are often referred to as “10-gallon” or “38-liter” units in American pet stores.
To ensure the safety of your leopard gecko, it is recommended that you use a wire mesh lid on their enclosure to provide adequate airflow and peace of mind. These reptiles cannot generate their own body heat and need a warm environment, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A basking spot or hide box should be provided on the warm side of the enclosure, with a constant temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating pads or overhead heat lamps can be used but should be designed for reptiles and used per the instructions. You may consider using a UV lighting fixture for health benefits, but it should be designed for reptiles and not harmful to them.
Leopard geckos are nocturnal and need hiding spots, with at least two provided and one kept moist for shedding. Various substrates can be used, with newspapers and paper towels being the cheapest options. Live mealworms and crickets are the best food for these lizards, with occasional treats of fattening bugs. The feeder insects should be fed nutritious meals and lightly dusted with calcium powder to prevent metabolic bone disease. Baby geckos should eat daily, while adults can eat every two to three days. You can add small rocks and logs for climbing and a shallow water dish that is changed regularly. Female geckos can be housed together, but males should be kept separately. For each additional gecko, you’ll need approximately 5 gallons of extra space in their enclosure.
Leopard geckos are typically calm and can become very gentle with regular, gentle handling. It’s important to never grab their tails. With proper care, a leopard gecko can live up to 20 or even 30 years. Interestingly, while geckos are usually noisy creatures, leopard geckos are generally quiet, only making chirping or squeaking sounds when stressed. In contrast, the Asian Tokay gecko is known for attracting mates with its loud “to-kay” calls.
FAQ
1. What are leopard geckos?
Leopard geckos are small lizards that are native to Asia. They are known for their distinctive leopard-like spots and their cute appearance.
2. Are leopard geckos easy to care for?
Yes, leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for. They require a warm and dry environment, a diet of insects, and regular cleaning of their enclosure.
3. Can leopard geckos be kept as pets?
Yes, leopard geckos make great pets. They are docile and easy to handle, and they don’t require a lot of space. They are also relatively inexpensive to keep.
4. What do leopard geckos eat?
Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means that they eat insects. They can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects that are appropriate for their size.
5. Do leopard geckos need any special equipment or supplies?
Leopard geckos require a warm and dry environment, so they need a heat source such as a heat lamp or under-tank heating pad. They also need a hiding place, a water dish, and a substrate for their enclosure.
6. How long do leopard geckos live?
Leopard geckos can live for 10 to 20 years in captivity if they are properly cared for.
7. Do leopard geckos make noise?
No, leopard geckos are generally quiet and don’t make much noise. They communicate with body language and scent marking.
8. Can leopard geckos be housed together?
Leopard geckos can be housed together if they are of similar size and are properly introduced. However, it is important to monitor their behavior closely to ensure that they are not fighting or bullying each other.
9. Do leopard geckos require any special veterinary care?
Leopard geckos generally don’t require any special veterinary care unless they become ill or injured. It is important to find a veterinarian who is familiar with reptiles in case of an emergency.
10. Can leopard geckos be handled?
Yes, leopard geckos can be handled. They are generally docile and not prone to biting or scratching. However, it is important to handle them gently and to wash your hands before and after handling them to prevent the spread of bacteria.
11. Where can I buy a leopard gecko?
Leopard geckos can be purchased from pet stores, reptile expos, or online breeders. It is important to research the breeder or store before purchasing a leopard gecko to ensure that they are healthy and well-cared for.
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