You can keep a leopard gecko as a pet.If you just brought one home, you might be wondering how to take care of it.We've got you covered!This article will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your reptilian friend happy and healthy.
Step 1: A larger tank with a screen lid is available.
Purchase a glass, wooden, or plastic container from a pet store to house your leopard gecko, including a securely fastened screen lid.If you have a cat or dog, you need a secure lid.These may be sold as aquariums, vivariums or terrariums.If you already have a home for your gecko, you should skim through this section to make sure it fits your pet's needs.The tank should be wider than it is.In larger tanks, there must be plenty of hides so they don't get stressed.You can buy a tank that has a sliding door at the front instead of a screen lid.It would be easier to tame your lizard with this tank.A 20 gallon tank has one leopard gecko in it.If geckos are housed together, they will get stressed and fight.Females who are similar in size can't live together and may fight if raised together.A breeding pair should be separated.
Step 2: Line the container.
The container should be covered with a layer of tile or Eco earth.It is possible that your gecko's claws may get caught in the reptile carpet.Make sure insects don't get under the food.You can use paper towels or newspaper, but make sure to replace them frequently as they get dirty or break apart.Crickets can also get under this.Never use calcium sand.If your lizard was living in the sand before you bought it, it's a good idea to take it to the doctor.If using stone, consider putting a couple layers of paper towel or a small amount of Eco Earth between the floor and the stone to reduce the chance of damage.Make sure that sand isn't in reach of the gecko.cedar wood chips may be toxic to leopard geckos.They pierce the gecko's gullet.
Step 3: The tank needs to be heated.
To heat a reptile tank, use a heating pad/mat.Don't use heat lamps as they damage leopard geckos eyes and they only absorb heat through their bellies.If you want to keep track of the temperature, use the thermometers on each side.Gina and digital thermometers are the most accurate.To regulate the temperature, a thermostat is needed.The temperature should be no lower than 80F.Extra heat can be provided by a ceramic heat emitter.Make sure your gecko isn't able to touch the heating mat or heating pads if you use them.
Step 4: Provide a day/night light cycle.
The leopard geckos are adapted to live in areas with 14 hours of sunlight a day, or 12 hours during the winter.Indirect sunlight from a window is the easiest way to provide this.If a window is unavailable, a light is necessary.There is a misconception that Leos can't see red light.It's best to not use one since they can still see the light.UV lighting is beneficial and can be used instead of a d3 supplement.They can't overdose on d3 from this light.
Step 5: You can add shelters to your cage.
Purchase rock caves, logs, or any other reptile shelter large enough for the lizard to hide beneath from a pet store.If you want to make these shelters yourself, avoid objects that have been outside and objects with sharp edges.To meet the leopard gecko's needs, place the shelters on the warm side of the tank, lined with moist paper towels, Eco earth, or sphagnum moss.The floor needs to be moistened frequently to allow the gecko to shed easily.It's not recommended to keep this on the cold side.Keep the third shelter dry by placing it on the cooler side of the tank.
Step 6: There is a dish of calcium in the tank.
If you put powdered calcium in a milk bottle lid it will go into your lizard's mouth.It could lead to an overdose if it doesn't have vitamin d3.
Step 7: You can get your leopard gecko from a reliable source.
If you can, look for your leopard gecko at a certified breeder or a pet store that cares for animals.An animal with clean eyes and a fat tail is a good choice.There are missing toes and material around the mouth that is indicative of illness or retained shed.If you're not prepared to rehabilitate the leopard gecko, don't purchase it.Do not allow a sick gecko to breed.It is possible that it will produce unhealthy offspring.
Step 8: A shallow water dish is needed.
The best way to allow the gecko to drink and bathe is to have a wide, shallow water bowl.It should be on the cooler side of the tank.You should refill it every day and clean it whenever necessary.Use bottled water, tap water left out for 24 hours, or water treated with Reptisafe purchased from a pet store.
Step 9: Live insects can be kept in a separate container.
Live crickets are the most common food source for leopard gecko pets, but you can purchase live dubia roaches from pet stores or online.Superworms, hornworms and silkworms are not the healthiest, but they are great for treats and are a good staple diet.Don't feed wild insects or fruit.Butter worms and wax worms are high in fat, so you may want to use them as an occasional supplement for variety, rather than the main meal.Your gecko may refuse other food if you overfeed them.You'll need a plastic container with holes punched in it in order to keep the insects alive because leopard geckos will rarely eat dead insects.Dead insects are less healthy and provide no stimulation.You can buy insects from pet stores or keep a larger container with enough insects to breed.Egg cartons should be put in the container if crickets are used.The insects should be smaller than the space between the gecko's eyes.Store mealworms in the refrigerator.Some of them will become beetles if you keep them at room temperature.
Step 10: Vitamins can be added to the insects.
D3 powder is often called "dusting powder".Place the insects in a plastic bag with the powder and shake the bag to coat them in the white powder.Feed these to the lizards immediately.You would usually use calcium powder every other feeding and multivitamins every three feedings.Depending on your gecko's age and diet, you may want to ask an expert for advice.
Step 11: Add more food to the insects.
Gut load the insects is an excellent way to add nutrition to the gecko's diet.If you want to give your container of insects with fruit and/or vegetables for 12 to 24 hours, use a special formula.It works with carrot, greens, potato, and apple.Banana, nightshade, and other fruits and vegetables are not recommended.It's important that you don't mix vitamins and calcium just to make it easier for you, as this can kill your lizard.If you decide to try this, use the dusting powder described above, not as a replacement.
Step 12: The gecko needs to be fed 2 times a week.
A leopard can be fed every 3-4 days if it's over a year old.Each gecko should be fed enough food to eat in 10–15 minutes.The leopard gecko's skin may be damaged or eaten by insects if they are left in the cage for more than 15 minutes.Check the section on health problems for advice if your gecko is a slow eater or obese.
Step 13: The tank needs to be cleaned frequently.
Remove feces, dead insects, and other debris from your leopard gecko's tank daily to reduce the risk of disease and attract harmful insects.After the leopard gecko is returned to its tank, wash the entire enclosure with warm water and safe reptile Disinfectant.When it begins to have a noticeable odor, it's a good idea to change the substrate.Every six months is when Dry Eco earth needs to be changed.It doesn't need to be changed or cleaned.If you notice a smell when you remove tiles from the tank, then you should clean the floor beneath.
Step 14: Understand how to handle a leopard gecko.
To avoid spreading disease to you or the animal, wash your hands with warm, soapy water.If you want to support the leopard gecko, gently pick it up by the body, or put it in your hand.Don't pick up the animal by the tail since it can lose its tail in a predator attack.If the tail detaches, dispose of it, and clean the tank daily until it heals and starts to grow a new tail.Do not smoke in the same room as your lizard, and especially not while holding it.
Step 15: Understand what happens to the skin.
The leopard geckos lose their skin once a month.leopard geckos are less likely to shed their skin.The skin will turn grey or white in a day or two.As long as the old skin is successfully removed, this is a harmless process and nothing to be concerned about.Rub the skin off with a damp Q-tip if it gets caught around the toes.If left on, your gecko could lose a toe.If the old skin clings to other areas of the gecko, it's best to leave it on, as this could cause eye problems.It is possible for your gecko to shed patches as opposed to all of it's skin at once.
Step 16: There are signs of dehydration.
Adult leopard geckos are able to regulate their own skin hydration if you keep the "humid hide" shelter moist.If the gecko develops sunken eyes, it may have a serious health problem.It is possible to gently mist the gecko's skin once a day or two, but be aware that too much humidity can cause skin problems and respiratory infections.It might be better to take the gecko to a doctor.When misted, leopard geckos under a month old may scream, but this is not a sign of harm.
Step 17: The gecko should be protected from over-humid conditions.
If the air is very humid in the area where the gecko is kept, it's a good idea to buy a hygrometer.If it goes above 40%, point a fan over the tank or replace the water dish with a smaller one.
Step 18: Food should be reduced for an obese gecko.
Leopard geckos have a wide, fat appearance because they store fat in their tails.If fat deposits have built up around the limbs, reduce the amount of food per feeding.
Step 19: If your animal has other problems, take it to the vet.
If the lizard is not responding to your touch or food, or if it is showing signs of serious health problems, you should seek urgent veterinary attention.If you notice a dark toe or tail tip, you need to see a doctor.Talking to a reptile expert about behavioral changes in eating and sleeping habits is still a good idea.
Step 20: Your lizard's privacy should be respected.
The little guy may be nervous at first.Don't try to hold him until he's settled in.If you try to hold him/her before this, it may scare the gecko and cause it to not eat, leading to medical problems.