Post by reptileman27 on Nov 27, 2005 22:28:18 GMT -5
Leopard Gecko Care Sheet
Introduction: Leopard Geckos are one of the most popular species of lizards or herps out there and for good reason. They are a very attractive,easy to care for,docile,and hardy species. In my opinion theres no better begginer lizard out there.
Housing: One adult leopard gecko can be housed in a 10 gallon tank. I like to say 1 adult leo per 10 gallons,so 2 in a 20 long etc.. Covers are not a must for leos because they cant climb glass but it is a must if you have cats or dogs that need to be kept out.
Heating + Lighting: Leos are nocturnal and dont require any UVB or any special lighting. Under Tank Heaters work best for heating leos but a nocturnal or regular house hold bulb can be used to for heating. Day time temps should be between 80 and 85 degrees and at night temps can drop to 75 or 80 degrees. The UTH or heat lamp should be placed on one side of the that is the warm side and the hide spot should be on the warm side. The water dish should be on the cool side. By doing this you allow the leo to thermoregulate.
Food + Water: Leopard Geckos are insectivores which means they eat insects. Leos are most commonly fed crickets but mealworms are good to. You can also feed wax worms but only as a treat because they are very fattening. Leopard geckos should have a shallow water dish with fresh water avaliable at all times. Baby leos must have their cricks or mealies dusted with a calcium powder with vitimain D3 in it atleast 2 to 3 times a week and adults 1 or 2 times a week. Its also important to have a small dish with just regualar calcium powder in the cage at all times.
Substrate: This is one area of leo care that is always debated but the fact is that responsible owners should look for whats safest and not what looks the best. NO LOOSE SUBSTRATES ARE SAFE FOR LEOS, the best and safest substrates are paper towels,newspaper,tiles,or slate rocks. If you want the most natural thing then slate rocks is your best choice not sand.
Additional Info: Leopard geckos are also potty trained unlike other lizards and will usaully find one corner to poop in which makes for easy clean up. Leos should also have whats called a humid hide which is important to help with shedding. A humid hide is something that can be made by takeing a small plastic container and cutting a hole in the side and putting moist paper towels in it. Leos also come in a wide variety of morphs if you want something a little different then a regular leo which in my opinion is pretty enough.
Introduction: Leopard Geckos are one of the most popular species of lizards or herps out there and for good reason. They are a very attractive,easy to care for,docile,and hardy species. In my opinion theres no better begginer lizard out there.
Housing: One adult leopard gecko can be housed in a 10 gallon tank. I like to say 1 adult leo per 10 gallons,so 2 in a 20 long etc.. Covers are not a must for leos because they cant climb glass but it is a must if you have cats or dogs that need to be kept out.
Heating + Lighting: Leos are nocturnal and dont require any UVB or any special lighting. Under Tank Heaters work best for heating leos but a nocturnal or regular house hold bulb can be used to for heating. Day time temps should be between 80 and 85 degrees and at night temps can drop to 75 or 80 degrees. The UTH or heat lamp should be placed on one side of the that is the warm side and the hide spot should be on the warm side. The water dish should be on the cool side. By doing this you allow the leo to thermoregulate.
Food + Water: Leopard Geckos are insectivores which means they eat insects. Leos are most commonly fed crickets but mealworms are good to. You can also feed wax worms but only as a treat because they are very fattening. Leopard geckos should have a shallow water dish with fresh water avaliable at all times. Baby leos must have their cricks or mealies dusted with a calcium powder with vitimain D3 in it atleast 2 to 3 times a week and adults 1 or 2 times a week. Its also important to have a small dish with just regualar calcium powder in the cage at all times.
Substrate: This is one area of leo care that is always debated but the fact is that responsible owners should look for whats safest and not what looks the best. NO LOOSE SUBSTRATES ARE SAFE FOR LEOS, the best and safest substrates are paper towels,newspaper,tiles,or slate rocks. If you want the most natural thing then slate rocks is your best choice not sand.
Additional Info: Leopard geckos are also potty trained unlike other lizards and will usaully find one corner to poop in which makes for easy clean up. Leos should also have whats called a humid hide which is important to help with shedding. A humid hide is something that can be made by takeing a small plastic container and cutting a hole in the side and putting moist paper towels in it. Leos also come in a wide variety of morphs if you want something a little different then a regular leo which in my opinion is pretty enough.
