Leopard Gecko Care Guide for Beginners|TopFlight Dubia

Leopard Gecko Care: Beginner Guide By TopFlight Dubia

The Leopard Gecko is the second most popular pet lizard after bearded dragons and for a good reason. These captivating reptiles are not only low maintenance but also amazing to care for. 

However, just like any other great pet, they need the right conditions to thrive. As a beginner, it is normal to feel uncertain about how to properly care for your gecko. While starting to care for these reptiles, you may find yourself facing common challenges such as:

• Creating the right environment.
• Understanding their nutritional needs.
• Providing the proper diet.
• Maintaining the right temperature and humidity.

These challenges can feel stressful and overwhelming, but don’t worry. Here is the comprehensive guide by TopFlight Dubia experts that you can trust for accurate and reliable information. Let’s dive in to provide the best care for your leopard gecko.

Leopard Gecko Overview

Other Species of Gecko

While leopard geckos are popular, other species of gecko are worth looking for. 

Behaviour and Temperament

✔They don’t require constant interaction like some pets but can still form bonds with their owners. 

✔They prefer to be curious on their own time, crawling and climbing throughout their habitat.

✔They are most active at night. 

✔They may exhibit defensive behavior if they feel threatened.

✔These reptiles tend to enjoy being handled but in moderation.

✔They don’t require lots of toys or stimulation in their enclosure. 

Leopard Gecko Habitat

Leopard geckos' natural habitat can be traced to the semi-desert areas in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and northwest India. They generally bask on rocky outcroppings or search for food in the semi-deserted areas.

How To Set Up a Gecko Habitat?

Now, you know the natural habitat of this reptile. Let’s learn how to create an ideal habitat for them.

Housing

Size of Enclosure

• For a single adult leopard gecko, a 20-gallon tank is appropriate.

Substrate

Reptile Carpets or Paper Towels

• These are safe, easy to clean, and prevent the risk of impaction. Ceramic tiles also work best and create a stable, easy-to-clean surface.  They don’t pose a risk of impaction.
• Avoid the sand as it can be ingested by the gecko, leading to impaction.

Hides

Provide three hiding spots: 

• One on the hot side.
• One on the cool side.
• One humidity side. 

Accessories

• Include climbing accessories like rocks, logs, and branches to encourage natural behavior and offer enrichment. 
• Add a water bowl to help your gecko drink water from it. 

Environment

Light 

UVB Lighting

• They don’t require UVB lighting, but they benefit from the regular day-and-night cycle. 
• Use a basic daylight bulb for a 12-hour light cycle and a 12-hour dark cycle to simulate natural conditions.

Heat Source

• You may choose a heat pad or a heat lamp. 
• A heat pad should be placed under one side of the enclosure to create a warm setup. 

Temperature 

• The recommended temperature for the warm end of a gecko’s habitat is 80–90°F, while the cooler end should be kept at 75–80°F.
• The night temperatures should range between 65-70°F to simulate natural conditions.

Humidity

These reptiles don’t need high humidity, but a moderate level is important for healthy shedding. 

So, aim for 30 to 40% humidity in the setup.  Also, you can provide a humidity hide filled with damp sphagnum moss to maintain the necessary moisture level for healthy shedding.

 

NOTE: Always monitor the humidity levels using a hygrometer to prevent moisture buildup or excessive dryness.

Leopard Gecko Diet

What Does the Leopard Gecko Eat?

Leopard geckos are insectivores, and they eat a variety of live feeder insects, such as:

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Dubia roaches
• Waxworms (they are high in fat, so offer them as a treat).
• Superworms
• Locusts

What is the Best Diet for a Leopard Gecko?

As per a Reddit query, many owners suggested their gecko’s diet plan. They mentioned some of the feeder insects they feed to their pet:

• Staple: Crickets, Dubia roaches, locusts, silkworms, and black soldier fly larvae.
• Variety: Mealworms and superworms ( occasionally only).
• Treats: Waxworms should be limited to as a treat due to their high fat content. 
• Size: It is important to feed the appropriately sized prey so they are not too large to handle. 

Common Health Problems That Leopard Geckos Are Prone to

Impaction

• Cause: It occurs when a gecko ingests substrate like sand or other objects, leading to blockage in the digestive system.
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lethargy, a bloated belly, failure to poop. 
• Prevention: Do not use loose substrate such as sand, and avoid feeding prey in shallow dishes to prevent ingesting non-food items. 
• Treatment: Consult a veterinarian. 

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

• Cause: It is caused by calcium deficiency, which weakens bones. 
• Symptoms: Lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, broken bones, or rubbery legs. 
• Prevention: Ensure proper calcium supplementation and provide proper UVB lighting.
• Treatment: Severe cases may require a veterinarian. 

Shedding Problems

• Cause: Shedding problems may result from inadequate moisture, dehydration, stress, or poor diet.
• Symptoms: Less active, lethargic, have a dull or grayish color, and sometimes stop eating temporarily. 
• Prevention: Maintain humidity levels between 30% and 40% and provide a humidity hide.
• Treatment: Provide a humid hide and offer warm water soaks. 

Respiratory Problems

• Cause: It is caused by improper environmental conditions, such as poor hygiene, malnutrition, etc. 
• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy.
• Prevention: Keep the proper temperature and humidity levels, ensure a proper diet, and provide a water source. 
• Treatment: Seek immediate veterinary care. 

 

NOTE: It is essential to have regular health checks and always discuss the leopard gecko's care with a veterinarian.

Tips for Handling Leopard Geckos

• Allow your pets to adjust to their new environment for a few days before handling.
• Approach the gecko gently and calmly.
• Start slowly by letting your gecko explore your hand and get used to your scent and presence. 
• Use both hands for support. 
• Place one hand underneath their belly and the other hand gently to support their back or tail. 
• Avoid handling during shedding.

The Bottom Line 

Leopard geckos are fascinating, low-maintenance pets that can thrive with the right care. You can ensure your pet is happy and healthy by providing them the proper habitat and diet and handling them gently and calmly. Make sure to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Give them nutritious, live insects such as Dubia roaches, crickets, and more. Also, the temperature and humidity levels should be monitored closely. Regular veterinary consultations are essential for ensuring the proper well-being of this reptile. With these expert tips, your leopard gecko will live a long, vibrant life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do leopard geckos live as a pets?

Leopard geckos' lifespan is between 10 and 20 years when cared for properly. The average lifespan is around 15 years. Some geckos also live even longer, especially if given optimal care. 

2. Should I spray my leopard gecko with water?

No, they become stressed when directly sprayed with water. However, you can mist the enclosure with water to keep adequate humidity and allow the gecko to drink water quickly.

3. What is the best food for leopard geckos?

The best food for leopard geckos are live, moving insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and many more.