Leopard Gecko Care

Quick Facts

Common Name: Leopard Gecko

Latin Name: Eublepharis macalarius

Native To: Highlands of Asia and Afghanistan

Size: Adults are usually between 7 and 10 inches in length, with males being slightly larger than females.

Weight: Adult Leopard Geckos can weigh 45-65 grams.

Life Span: The expected life span is between 6 and 15 years, with males living for longer than females.

Housing Your Leopard Gecko

Leopard Geckos are best kept in a wooden vivarium, as opposed to a glass tank, as the wooden vivarium allows for more precise temperature control and helps the gecko to feel safe in its environment. A 60cm long vivarium is large enough to host an adult pair, provided they do not fight.

Temperature

A temperaure gradient should be provided across the vivarium, allowing the leopard gecko to thermoregulate by moving to the area with the ideal temperature. A warm end should be provided using a heat bulb, a ceramic unit or a heat mat. Most owners prefer to use the ProRep Red Night Spot Lamp, as it allows for viewing of the gecko in a light which is natural to the animal, as they are a crepuscular species so appear in twilight hours. The warm end of the vivarium should be 31°C-32°C, with a cool end temperature no lower than 23°C.

Substrate & Maintenance

Young Leopard Geckos should be kept on thick tissue paper to avoid accidental impaction from ingesting substrate. Once the gecko reaches a length of 3-4 inches, it should be kept on reptile sand, which won't cause impaction unless coupled with bad husbrandy such as poor feeding schedules or incorrect temperatures.

Leopard Geckos should have their home inspected for faeces daily, and any mess removed. The substrate in the gecko's vivarium should be changed approximately once per month, and the vivarium should be disinfected using a pet safe disinfectant.