The leopard gecko is a one-of-a-kind reptile known for its striking leopard-like looks and massive fat-storage tail. Geckos are small lizards that are cute, obedient, and friendly. They have a range of interesting traits and adorable vocalizations. They adapt quickly to handling, and they are simple to care for, even by a new owner!
When threatened, mating, or hunting, this species, Eublepharis macularius which is their scientific name, rattles its tail. Would you like to know more about them? Read this article to know everything you need to know about your beloved leopard gecko.
What Is A Leopard Gecko?
The Eublepharis macularius is a lizard that lives in semi-arid to arid deserts and forest edges from Northwest India to Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Their desert scrub habitats can usually be found on the rocks.
They have captured the imaginations of many people due to their unusual appearance, and they are known by a variety of common names:
- Panther geckos are reptiles that live in the rainforest.
- Desert’s fat-tailed geckos.
- Geckos with spots on their tails.
- Long-tail geckos
These lizards are shy with excellent predator-evasion abilities that blend in tall grasslands or dry-desert rocks, as a result of their leopard print. Because of their fat-storing tails, this species can remain hidden for long periods until the threat is removed. They also shed more often than most lizards to avoid predators detecting their scent.
Finally, the leopard gecko makes a loud vocalization. He will vocalize during many things, such as mating, self-defense, or when he is excited by chirping, barking, or hissing.
Why You Should Get Them As a pet
I know that a leopard gecko can be an unusual pet, but there are some benefits of having them as pets, and like any other pet, there are some disadvantages too. I have listed the pros and cons of having a leopard gecko as a pet for your consideration:
Pros
Because of their calm behavior, they are ideal pets for newcomers.
They only require a small aquarium to live in.
It is simple to pet a group of them together.
Cons
When they are threatened, they will drop their tail (i.e., autonomy).
Temperature is a major factor in the survival of this species.
They only appear at night.
Their Diet and Food Habits
Your gecko must have live insects to eat because they do not eat plants or vegetables. Mealworms or crickets are the best options, but waxworms, Dubia Roaches, or super worms can be given to your pet once a week if You want to. If you’re wondering where you can find good quality live insects like Dubia Roaches, then don’t worry as there are many good online platforms like https://www.topflightdubia.com/ available from where you can order good quality insects for leopard geckos from the comfort of your home. But do remember one thing pinky mice should not be given to leopard geckos.
Before feeding your leopard gecko any insects, they must first be fed a nutritious powdered diet for at least 12 hours. This is referred to as “gut loading,” and it is critical to your pet’s health. All feed stores carry chick or hog mash, and several good commercial diets are also available. Simply place the insects in a tub or bowl of gut-load diet, along with a piece of potato that can serve as a water source.
Dusting the insects which will be fed to your leopard geckos is one method of providing essential vitamins and minerals to them. Dusting powder and insects might be gently mixed in a Ziploc bag or a deep tin container to coat the insects’ bodies. When placing the dusted insects in the cage, take care not to get powder in the eyes of the geckos.
Another way to provide extra powdered supplements to your gecko is to keep a small jar lid that is filled with vitamin-mineral powder on hand all the time. The gecko understands how much powder its body requires and will lick it up as needed.
The Watering Needs of a Leopard Gecko
At all times, a shallow water dish containing fresh water must be available for your leopard gecko. It must also be stable so that it does not spill. Keep the cage substrate dry at all times to avoid spills. Check that and make sure both young and adult leopard geckos can easily climb out of the dish you’re using. The water you’ll be using should not contain vitamin drops.
The Size and Lifespan of a Leopard Gecko
Hatchlings range in size from 3 to 4 inches. Females average 7 to 8 inches in length, while males average 8 to 10 inches. Males from the giant bloodlines can reach nearly a foot in height.
Leopard geckos outlive other reptiles. Your gecko will live for six to ten years on average, but many males will live for ten to twenty years. At least one male is still reproducing at the age of 27½ years.
The Caging Needs of a Leopard Gecko
One or two leopard geckos can be kept in a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium, from hatchling to adult. Larger tanks end up causing the geckos to stray from their designated heat and hide box. Any cage you choose must be at least one foot tall.
Make sure your gecko cage has a secure screen top that can support a light fixture, provide adequate ventilation, and keep troublesome cats out. To shed its skin properly, your leopard gecko will require a hide box filled with moist moss or vermiculite. If you intend to breed geckos, this safe environment is also required for egg-laying.
The Temperature and Lighting Needs Of a Leopard Gecko
Using an under-tank heating pad or tape is the best method to keep your leopard gecko warm. These can be purchased from any of the pet stores or online shops. It is preferable to heat only one of the cage’s ends. This provides your lizard with the temperature variation it requires. Heat rocks, which could become excessively hot for leopard geckos and cause burns, should be avoided.
A light simple low-wattage can be placed overhead on the screen-cage top and left on 12 hours a day for viewing. Leopard geckos do not require a special UVB light to bask because they are active at night.
Final Thoughts
Because of its obedient and playful nature, the leopard gecko is an excellent choice as a pet for first-time owners and experienced owners alike. They are stunning lizards, with their leopard-like looks, and their lips have such shape as if they’re giving you a perfect smile whenever you look at them.
With a simple diet and cleaning requirements, maintenance and domestication are very simple. They will gladly jump into your palms as long as you are gentle and feed them properly! I hope this will guide you to take care of your pet appropriately. All the best with your new petting experiences!
