Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius
Leopard Geckos are one of the easiest and widely kept species of lizard. With their calm natured, easy to care for, they make great beginner pets. The amount of different morphs that are now available, you will be spoilt for chose!
What does a Leopard Gecko look like?
They have small bumps all over the body with the underside being smooth. Their tail is very fat to confuse predators in the wild, not knowing which is the head or tail. If the predator attacks the tail, the gecko drops this and then runs for cover to escape. They do grow their tails back, but they never look as nice! Adult Geckos can reach a size of 250mm (9") and weight from 50-100 grams.
Leopard Geckos now range in a number of different morph, here are just a few: normal, high yellow, leucistic and albino.
Where are Leopard Geckos from?
They are found in dry, rocky areas from eastern Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan to northwestern India.
This species needs a temperature of 28-32C (82-90F) at the warm end of the viv, the cool end should be around room temperature. Heating the viv can be maintained with a heat mat or a basking lamp connected to a thermostat. The humidity needs to be dry within the viv, with an exception of a humidity hide. This hide will help the geckos to shed their old skin and must be kept humid at all times.
Are Leopard Geckos easy to keep?
Yes, this one of the easiest species of lizard to care for.
Geckos can be kept on their own or will live happily together - this being one male to several females. Males will fight to the death and should always be kept separate!
Geckos are terrestrial, meaning they need more floor space rather then height. UV lights can be used, but some people choose not too, due to this species being nocturnal. Use a heat mat or basking lamp for heat, as described above connected to a thermostat. The best substrate to use for adult leopard geckos is children's play sand. If you have a young gecko, it's best to place these on paper towel to prevent impaction, until they are approx. 6 inches long. Impaction means that the gecko has eaten the substrate and cannot pass it - causing illness! Plenty of hides should be placed throughout the viv and depending on how many geckos are housed together, at least 1 humidity hide.
A varied diet of insects should be offered, with the odd pinkie (baby mouse). For young and juvenile Geckos, feed approx. 5-15 crickets every day with the appropriate sized food. Adults can be fed every other day on 2-8 crickets, once a month try feeding a small pinkie. Any uneaten food should be removed, crickets can injury your Gecko while sleeping. You will find that your Gecko loves wax worms, only feed as treats as these are high in fat.
Do Your Research: Before you commit to buying any pet, please do your own independent research.
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- Lizard Beginner Kit
- Crickets
- Thermomerters and Humidity Gauges
- Exo Terra Water Dish
- Exo Terra Reptile Cave
- Zoo Med Foods
Link to this page:
http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/leopard-gecko.html
