Leopard Gecko Care Sheet
Eublepharis macularius
Introduction
Leopard geckos are the most popular reptile that is kept in captivity today. With good reason, they come in different morphs and are very easy to keep. Leopard geckos come from the deserts of Asia, Pakistan, and India. Leopard geckos are great to be kept in groups (only one male per group). They are know by many names such Leos and their scientific name Eublepharis mocularius. A fun fact about leopard geckos is that they are one of the few geckos with moveable eye lids.
Leopard Gecko Care
Here we break down the care of a leopard gecko step by step so you Leo will be happy and healthy.
Terrarium
Use a well ventilated terrarium. You can use a 10 gallon or larger for up to two leopard geckos. Make sure it has a secured lid. Leopard geckos can escape their enclosure.
Substrate
Here at Jay’s Exotics our substrate of choice is paper towels. Paper towels are easy to clean. At least once a week you should replaced the paper towels and spot clean daily. Other acceptable substrates are reptile carpets but they can be hard to clean. Reptile sands are a little controversial, sand should never be used for leopard geckos smaller than 6” because of the risk of impaction. Leopard geckos are from dry grass lands and to mimic that we had good luck with coco coir. Coco coir tends to dry on the top and keep moisture toward the bottom.
Decor
Decorating your Leopard gecko is the best part of the keeping a Leo. There are some things that are essential to have. Leopard geckos need hides to feel secure. There should be at least two, one on the hot side and one on the cool side (this should be your moist hide). The moist hide can be a lay-box fill with coco coir or if you have a naturalistic setup it should be the one that is kept moist. You can also put sphagnum moss under his hide on the cooler side. This will help with shedding. You should provide your Leo with a water bowl and a dish to feed him his insects and keep calcium/vitamin powder.
Heating and Humidity
Leopard geckos need a temperature gradient. A cool side and hot side help them regulate their body temperature. Heat can be provided by providing a heat mat on one side of the enclosure. It should be on for about 12 hours and be turn off at night to provide a day and night drop. The daytime temperature should be around 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit and night time temperature should not drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool side should be around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Another way to heat your leopard gecko is to use a heat bulb over the worm side. Humidity for your gecko should be around 10-30% and provide a moist hide. You should spray your geckos once a day slightly in the morning.
Lighting
Leopard geckos need a light/dark cycle. This can be provided by simple bulb or UVB bulb (they can benefit from UVB but not needed). If you provide a heat bulb that can provide the light/dark cycle. The light should be on 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Food
Leopard geckos are insectivores (most off the diet consist of live insects). Here at Jay’s exotics we feed them every other day. Some of their favorites are meal worms, super worms, crickets, and dubia roaches.
Water
Leos will drink from shallow water dish. Make sure the water is clean and its refill everyday.
Conclusion
Leopard geckos have great personalities and make amazing first pets. Once they get used to their owners they are very handleable. With proper care they can be your best pet for the next 15-20 years.