leopard gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Adult Size: 6" to 8"
Distribution: Pakistan, Afghanistan
Leopard Geckos can become tame with regular handling, and do not stress much from the experience.
You should separate males to avoid territorial disputes.
Housing:
An adult Leopard gecko will require at least a 15-gallon aquarium. Suitable substrates for you
gecko's home include reptile carpet, reptile bark or calcium carbonate sand. Provide moist
places for the geckos to hide.
Temperature:
Leopard geckos are indigenous to arid scrub land, and rocky deserts, therefore, it's crucial that
they be provided a temperature range of 80-88°F during the day and in the low to mid 70's°F at
night. This is necessary for the gecko’s metabolism and immune system to function properly.
There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using
spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank
heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use
red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place
lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use
a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove
to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less
than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation,
therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting
cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the
proper amount of light is received.
Food:
Leopard geckos are carnivores and nocturnal, so feed them at night. Their primary diet consists
of insects like crickets and mealworms. DO NOT LEAVE THE CRICKETS IN THE CAGE FOR LONG PERIODS
OF TIME. You should dust your gecko's food with a vitamin/mineral supplement.
Water:
This species requires low levels of humidity. Use only a small water for drinking.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
