Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles, beloved for their docile nature, vibrant colors, and relatively simple care requirements. To ensure your leopard gecko thrives, it’s essential to provide the right environment, diet, and care. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping a leopard gecko happy and healthy.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius

  • Lifespan: 10–20 years

  • Size: 7–10 inches (including tail)

  • Temperament: Docile and easy to handle

In the Wild

Leopard geckos are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and parts of Iran. They thrive in rocky grasslands, deserts, and dry scrub environments, where they take shelter in burrows and crevices to escape the extreme heat during the day. Their nocturnal nature helps them stay active and hunt for food in cooler nighttime temperatures.

Habitat

Enclosure Size

  • Minimum Tank Size: 40-gallon breeder tank for a single adult. Leopard geckos are solitary animals and should not be housed together to avoid stress and aggression.

Substrate

    • Safe Options: A mixture of sand and coconut coir. This combination closely mimics their natural environment while reducing the risk of impaction.

    • Avoid: Calcium sand, pine shavings, or reptile carpet. Calcium sand can cause severe impaction if ingested, pine shavings can release harmful oils and fumes, and reptile carpet can lead to injury if a gecko’s nails get caught.

Heating and Lighting

    • Temperature Gradient: Create a warm side with a basking spot at 88–92°F and a cool side around 75–78°F.

    • Nighttime Temperatures: Should not drop below 70°F.

    • Heat Source: Never use heat rocks, as they can cause severe burns. Instead, use an under-tank heater (UTH) or a deep heat projector for effective and safe heating. Always pair heat sources with a thermostat to regulate temperatures and prevent overheating.

    • Lighting: Always provide UVB lighting during daylight hours. UVB helps support overall health, including calcium absorption and bone development, even though leopard geckos are nocturnal.

Hides

  • Provide at least three hides:

    • Warm Hide: On the basking side.

    • Cool Hide: On the cooler side.

    • Humid Hide: Filled with moist sphagnum moss or paper towels to aid shedding.

Diet and Nutrition

Food

Leopard geckos are insectivores and thrive on a diet of live insects:

  • Staple Diet: Crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches.

  • Treats: Waxworms or hornworms, but only occasionally due to their high fat content.

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Feed daily.

  • Adults: Feed every 2–3 days.

Supplements

Dust insects with:

  • Calcium (without D3): Provide at every feeding.

  • Calcium with D3: Offer once a week.

  • Multivitamin: Offer once a week.

Water

  • Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish.

  • Change the water daily.

Habitat Maintenance

Cleaning

  • Daily: Spot clean to remove waste and uneaten food.

  • Weekly: Wipe down surfaces and replace the substrate as needed.

  • Monthly: Perform a deep clean of the entire enclosure.

Humidity

  • Maintain humidity levels between 30–40%. Use the humid hide to help your gecko with shedding.

Behavior and Handling

Temperament

Leopard geckos are naturally docile and easy to handle. However, they can become stressed if handled too frequently.

Handling Tips

  • Allow your gecko to acclimate to its enclosure for a week before handling.

  • Support their entire body when picking them up.

  • Handle for short periods until they become comfortable.

    Common Health Issues

    Signs of Illness

    • Impaction: Caused by ingesting loose substrate. Symptoms include lack of appetite and bloating.

    • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Resulting from calcium deficiency. Look for signs like weak limbs or tremors.

    • Respiratory Infections: Indicated by wheezing or excess mucus around the nose and mouth.

    When to See a Vet

    Always consult a reptile veterinarian if you notice signs of illness or abnormal behavior. Regular check-ups can help prevent health issues.

    Fun Facts

    • Leopard geckos are one of the few gecko species with movable eyelids, allowing them to blink.

    • They can shed their tails as a defense mechanism and regrow them, although the new tail will look different.

    With the right setup and care, leopard geckos can live long, healthy lives and make wonderful pets. Remember to provide a spacious enclosure, maintain proper temperatures, and feed a nutritious diet. By following this care sheet, you’ll ensure your gecko thrives in its new home.

    Have questions about leopard gecko care? Share them in the comments below or explore our other reptile care guides for more tips!