Leopard Gecko Care Sheet - Have the Happiest Leo on Your Block
A Good Leopard Gecko Cage
Your leopard gecko should have a 10 gallon aquarium at the smallest, but 20 or 30 gallons would also work. It’s better to have a flat aquarium with lots of space for running around than a taller one.
Make sure there is a good place for your gecko to hide, with some humidity. Peat moss works well, as does vermiculite. Also, put pieces of wood, rocks, overturned saucers and other stuff for your gecko’s amusement.
If you’d prefer not to use an aquarium, you can use any kind of box, as long as it has ventilation, temperature control, and can be kept clean.
Heat And Light
You’ll need a hot and cold area of the cage. A spotlight works well for this, although many people prefer to use a standard undertank heater.
The hot part of the cage should be about 90 degrees, and the cool part should be as close to 70 as possible. Do not overheat your gecko or it can be fatal.
Keep a thermometer in there at all times so you can see how it is. Make sure there is some way to control the temperature.
The Best Substrate
Leos live in a rocky desert, so tiles and flat rocks are good. Newspapers and paper towels are also good, and easy to clean. If you’re going to use sand, get “play sand” that is free from industrial pollutants.
Sometimes, sand causes problems for leopard geckos. They can eat it and it will get impacted in their intestines. Keep an eye on them and change substrate if this is happening.
Your Leo’s Diet
Feed your leopard gecko live crickets and mealworms. On special occasions, you can give them small roaches, waxworms and other fatty worms, or baby mice.
Also feed them nutrient supplements. They will need calcium and reptile multivitamins. You can also provide these nutrients by gut-loading their crickets and mealworms first.
When Your Leo Sheds
Leos shed a lot. Make sure there is plenty of humidity to help the skin come off. If it doesn’t come off completely, help it along by placing them in a small container with wet paper towels for a half hour.
Take proper care of your leopard gecko, and you’ll have a fun and cuddly lizard companion for many years to come.
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