The Leopard Gecko -

One of the greatest well-dispositioned lizards is the Leopard Gecko. (Eublepharis Macualrius) These little fellows make great pets and are very gentle and it is very rare if they bite. Unlike their cousins, these Leo’s do not have ‘suction cup” feet. They like to climb and explore but they are not capable of climbing up the tank.

The Leo is a pet that is easy to keep and resilient. They can live 10-20 years so when you purchase your Leo, you can be assured you will have a pet that will be with you a very long time. They enjoy a clean home, heat, a little house and food and water.

The young Leo is banded and boldly colored but it fades as they mature. Adults are 8-10 inches from tip of the nose to tip of the tail. Being nocturnal critters, they retreat into their rock crevices or little homes during the day.

Habitat -

Don’t bring your Leopard Gecko home until you have all you need on hand. Transition can be less stressful if you are prepared. Use a 10-gallon for a single Leo, and 20 for two or more. A “hide” box is necessary for them to sleep in. They are black and plastic which makes them easy to keep clean. Use a piece of screening to cover the tank, which you can get from the pet shot. Your Leo will shed and requires a “moist box” which is easy to make from a empty clean margarine tub where you cut a hole in on the side and fill it with fine grained, moist vermiculate. Smooth the edges around of the hole and 2-3 times a week mist the box avoiding freestanding water. You will need a small water dish. Your Leo may want to hide in the moist box but give him both so he can make a choice.
A few rocks placed where they won’t fall on your pet, placed separately would be enjoyed or a log here and there so they can enjoy some activity.

Lighting and Temperature -

Give the Leo a normal light cycle from an overhead lamp or under tank heat pad. The light should be at one end of the tank and keep the tank at 85-90 degrees F. Make sure the tank is not in a window of direct sunlight or drafty areas. Turn the light off at night to keep his cycle. You can use a reptile bulb, which give off a low light where you can watch him, move around at night.

Substrate and Food

Orchid bark or astro turf for reptiles is the best. Newspaper is ok but not attractive and sank is a no-no for the little ones as they can become impacted. The Leopard Gecko eat insects the most common being crickets which you can “gut load” by feeding them so your pet receives as much nutrients as possible. Leave them live in the tank so the Leo can catch them. Meal and wax worms are good also and you can place them in a food bowl, which must be smooth so this food source does not escape. Use the worms as a special treat.