EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Tank Size: Leopard geckos are relatively small reptiles, but they still need ample space to roam. An adult leopard gecko should be housed in a 20-gallon tank, though a 30-gallon or larger tank is even better for extra room. Juvenile geckos can be housed in a 10-gallon tank until they grow larger.
• Enclosure Type: A glass aquarium or plastic terrarium with a secure, ventilated lid works well for leopard geckos. Ensure the lid is escape-proof, as they are adept climbers and might attempt to escape. You can also use a front-opening enclosure for easier access and visibility.
• Substrate: Leopard geckos prefer a non-sand substrate for safety reasons. Suitable options include reptile carpet, tile, or aspen bedding. Avoid calcium sand or any loose substrates that could be ingested, as this can lead to impaction and other health problems.
  • Tile or slate is a popular choice as it provides a natural, easy-to-clean surface.
• Temperature: Leopard geckos are cold-blooded and require a temperature gradient within the enclosure to regulate their body heat. The warm side should be 88-92°F (31-33°C), and the cool side should be around 75-80°F (24-27°C). Use a heat mat or heat tape under the warm side of the tank, but be sure to use a thermostat to control the temperature.
  • A basking spot should be maintained around 95°F (35°C) to give your gecko a place to warm up.
• Lighting: Leopard geckos are nocturnal and do not require UVB lighting like diurnal species. However, providing 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness helps maintain a natural day-night cycle. You may use a low-wattage incandescent bulb to simulate a day-night cycle, but it’s not necessary to provide UVB lighting unless you want to encourage natural behavior.
• Humidity: Leopard geckos prefer a dry environment with humidity levels between 30-40%. They tolerate drier conditions well, but they need higher humidity levels (around 50-60%) during shedding. A shallow water dish will help maintain proper humidity, and you can mist the tank lightly during shedding periods.

• Carnivorous Diet: Leopard geckos are insectivores, feeding on live insects like crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and superworms. It's important to feed a variety of insects to provide balanced nutrition.
  • Size of Prey: The prey should be no larger than the width of the gecko’s head to avoid impaction or choking.
  • Feeding Frequency:
    • Juveniles: Feed every day or every other day.
    • Adults: Feed 3-4 times per week.
  • Gut-Loading & Supplementation: It's important to gut-load your insects with nutritious foods like leafy greens or fruit before feeding them to your gecko. Dust the insects with calcium powder (without phosphorus) at every feeding, and multivitamin powder once a week to ensure proper nutrition.
  • Water: Always provide a shallow water dish with fresh, clean water at all times. Leopard geckos will drink from the dish and may also lap up droplets from misted surfaces.

• Docile Nature: Leopard geckos are known for their docile and calm demeanor, making them excellent pets for handling. Unlike many other reptiles, they are generally not aggressive and enjoy gentle interaction.
• Handling: Leopard geckos tolerate handling well, though they can be a bit skittish at first. Start with short handling sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the time as they become more accustomed to you. Support their body with both hands to avoid injury.
  • Always let the gecko move at its own pace and avoid sudden movements, which could startle them.
  • Leopard geckos are solitary animals, and it is usually best to house them individually. Housing more than one gecko together can lead to territorial behavior, aggression, or stress.
• Stress-Free Handling: If your gecko seems stressed, allow it to return to its hide and relax. Over-handling can lead to stress, so it's important to give your gecko time to settle in its enclosure before introducing handling.

• Shedding: Leopard geckos shed their skin regularly as they grow. Healthy geckos typically shed in one piece. To help with shedding, you can provide a humid hide or lightly mist the tank. If you notice that your gecko is having difficulty shedding (retained skin), gently soak it in lukewarm water to aid in the process.
  • Shedding Tips: Always ensure the enclosure has adequate humidity levels during shedding, especially around the gecko’s eyes and toes.
• Cleaning the Enclosure: Clean the enclosure regularly by removing waste and uneaten food. Spot clean daily and perform a full substrate change every 4-6 weeks, depending on the size of the enclosure and the number of geckos. Regularly disinfect food and water dishes to avoid bacterial growth.
• Signs of Illness: Common signs of illness include:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or unusual hiding
  • Abnormal shedding (incomplete sheds)
  • Discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Weight loss or bloated appearanceIf you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a veterinarian specializing in reptiles.

• Breeding Season: Leopard geckos breed during the fall and winter months, although they can breed year-round in captivity. Males become more active during the breeding season and may display courtship behaviors like vibrating and tail-waving.
• Egg-Laying: Females typically lay 2 eggs every 4-6 weeks during breeding season. The eggs are soft-shelled and should be carefully removed from the enclosure and placed in an incubation container with a substrate like vermiculite or perlite to maintain humidity. Incubate the eggs at 82-88°F (28-31°C) for about 60-90 days.
• Hatchlings: When the eggs hatch, the babies are about 3-4 inches long and should be kept in a small, separate enclosure. Feed hatchlings small insects like pinhead crickets and micro mealworms. Hatchlings typically require feeding every day to encourage healthy growth.

• Nocturnal: Leopard geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and spend the daytime hiding in caves or burrows. They will often rest in their hide boxes during the day and come out at night to forage for food.
• Curious and Intelligent: Leopard geckos are intelligent reptiles that are curious about their environment. They can be trained to recognize feeding times and may even associate their owners with food. While they don’t have the same level of social interaction as some other reptiles, they enjoy exploring their habitat.
• Tail Behavior: A notable feature of leopard geckos is their fat, muscular tail, which stores fat reserves. If threatened, they may drop their tail (a process called autotomy) to escape predators. The tail will eventually regenerate, but it will not look the same as the original.

• Escape-Proof Enclosure: Leopard geckos are excellent escape artists, so it is essential to ensure that the enclosure is secure, especially around the lid area. Make sure all gaps are tightly sealed and that the lid is secure to prevent your gecko from escaping.
• Avoid Toxic Plants: Make sure any plants or decorations added to the tank are safe for your gecko. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, so research any plants before adding them to the enclosure.
• Proper Heating: Always use a thermostat to regulate heating elements like heat mats or lamps. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can stress or burn your gecko. Make sure there is always a cool side to the tank to allow the gecko to thermoregulate.

Leopard geckos are fantastic pets due to their docile temperament, ease of care, and unique personalities. They are relatively low-maintenance reptiles that can live long, healthy lives when provided with the correct environment, diet, and care. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced reptile keeper, the leopard gecko is sure to be a delightful and fascinating companion.