Generally Accepted Care: Leopard geckos are some of the easiest reptiles to care for, daily watering, feeding every other evening, and regular cleaning are all that is necessary. Bedding material can be a variety of substrates. This author likes fine silica sand, although newspaper and various other commercial beddings are acceptable. Your new lizard will appreciate a hide cave. Moisture must be provided in the hide spot so the skin stays moist and sheds properly. This duplicates the underground burrows that leopard geckos use in nature.

Housing: Leopard geckos should be housed in a terrarium with a locking lid. Similar to a fish tank; reptile terrariums usually have a sliding screen or hinged glass top. Either type should have a locking mechanism. Leopard geckos should be started in a tank from five to ten gallons. For adults a ten-gallon tank is recommended. Of course, larger enclosures for adults are acceptable. The tank should be outfitted with an under-tank heater placed under one third to one half of the enclosure. This will provide a continuous soft heat for the lizard. The lizard will thermo-regulate by shuttling off an on the heated portion of the tank. In this way he chooses the correct temperature that affords him comfort. This heat will also help your pet digest his food.

Feeding: From birth to old age Leopard geckos eat insects. The first food we provide is small crickets, and as the lizard grows food size is increased until we feed large crickets and super mealworms to adult lizards. Uneaten live food must never be left with the lizard. Many lizards have died due to this practice. The insect searches for food while the reptile is sleaping. Crickets can then chew on your pet and cause wounds that get infected.

Cleaning: Leopard geckos feed every other day and they defecate every other day. Leopard geckos will habitually use a toilet spot. Spot cleaning this area is usually sufficient. If an odor develops then with the lizard out of the enclosure, remove the bedding and clean the glass with a glass cleaner. Then rinse the glass with water to remove cleaner residue. Replace bedding and cage furniture.

Handling: Young Leopard geckos should be handled sparingly until they are feeding aggressively and regularly. As they grow Leopard geckos may be handled almost freely. Always pay attention to your lizards’ demeanor. If they seem nervous, scared or flighty, then they are getting tired from handling. This will tell you when it is time to put them back into their enclosure.

Environment: Leopard Geckos originated in the harsh deserts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Having been bred in captivity for many generations Leopard geckos are very tolerant to many different environments. They thrive in the conditions provided in our homes. That is, in which we humans are comfortable. If you keep your home very cold then an additional heat lamp may be necessary during the winter months. If your lizard has trouble shedding properly (check the toes), then the humidity is too low. You must be sure of the moisture content of the hide cave. Your lizard will sleep in here moistening his skin for better sheds. That said, as long as water bowls are filled, appropriate sized food is provided, and the cage is kept very clean, your lizard will thrive. Enjoy your new pet.

Necessary Reading: The Leopard gecko Manual; DeVosjoli et al. ISBN #1-882770-62-5