Leopard Gecko

Enclosure type

Terrestrial glass or PVC enclosure with secure lid and ventilation

Substrate

Paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile recommended. Avoid loose substrates like sand which can cause impaction if ingested.

Hides

Three hides: warm hide, cool hide, and moist hide for shedding

Notes

Minimum 20-gallon long tank for adults (30-gallon preferred). Provide multiple hides including a warm hide, cool hide, and moist hide for shedding. Ensure secure lid with ventilation.

Ambient / cool side

75-80°F (24-27°C)

Basking spot

88-92°F (31-33°C)

Nighttime

65-75°F (18-24°C)

Heating method

Under-tank heating pad or heat tape controlled by thermostat

Humidity range

30-40%

Maintenance

Increase to 50-60% during shedding by misting the moist hide.

UVB

Not required; optional 2-5% UVB beneficial

Photoperiod

12-14 hours on / 10-12 hours off

Lighting notes

No UVB required but low-level UVB (2-5%) can be beneficial. Provide 12-14 hour day/night cycle with regular lighting.

Staple food

Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms

Variety

Superworms, hornworms; waxworms as occasional treats

Frequency

Juveniles: daily, 5-7 insects. Adults: every 2-3 days, 6-8 insects.

Supplements

Dust insects with calcium powder at every feeding. Provide calcium with D3 2-3 times per week and multivitamin once per week.

Notes

Insectivore diet: crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms, hornworms, and occasional waxworms as treats.

Water bowl

Shallow dish; change daily

Notes

Provide fresh water daily in shallow dish. Most leopard geckos drink by licking water droplets, so occasional light misting is helpful.

Disposition

Docile and tolerate handling well; ideal for beginners

Recommendations

Support their entire body and allow them to walk on your hands. Avoid grabbing the tail as it can drop. Handle for 10-15 minutes at a time after a week of settling in.

Metabolic bone disease (from calcium deficiency), impaction (from substrate ingestion), retained shed (especially on toes and tail), respiratory infections, and parasites.

Leopard geckos are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). They can live 15-20 years with proper care. Males should not be housed together as they are territorial. Females can sometimes cohabitate but monitor closely for aggression.