The Ultimate Guide to Leopard Gecko Care

Welcome to your Leopard Gecko Care Hub

Leopard geckos, their scientific name is Eublepharis macularius. They are one of the most popular reptile pets because due to being very easy to care for, friendly nature, and they produce some fascinating behavior. If you are a beginner or an experienced reptile keeper, providing optimal care is essential for your gecko’s health and longevity. This comprehensive guide covers habitat setup, diet, health care, handling, and breeding, ensuring you have all the knowledge needed to keep your leopard gecko thriving.

Learn how to create the perfect enclosure with the best substrate, heating, and lighting solutions, and discover the essential feeding guidelines, including the best insects and supplements to promote longevity and well-being. In addition to essential care, this guide delves into common health issues, emergency care, behavioral insights, and breeding techniques. Whether you’re troubleshooting shedding problems, dealing with metabolic bone disease, or understanding your gecko’s unique vocalizations and behaviors, this guide has you covered.

Designed for easy navigation, this pillar page serves as the central hub for all things related to leopard gecko care, linking to in-depth articles for more specialized topics. By following this guide, you’ll develop the expertise needed to provide an optimal environment, proper nutrition, and proactive health management for your leopard gecko—ensuring a happy and healthy pet for years to come.

Habitat & Enclosure Setup

Creating the perfect environment is crucial for your leopard gecko’s well-being. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tank Size & Setup: A 20-gallon tank is ideal for one leopard gecko. Ensure proper ventilation and secure lids.
• Temperature & Heating: Maintain a temperature gradient with 88-92°F (31-33°C) on the warm side and 75-80°F (24-27°C) on the cool side. Use an under-tank heater (UTH) for belly heat.
• Best Substrates: Avoid loose substrates like sand, which can cause impaction. Opt for reptile carpet, slate tiles, or paper towels.
• Hides & Enrichment: Provide at least three hides—a warm hide, a cool hide, and a humid hide for shedding support.
• Lighting: While leopard geckos don’t require UVB, low-level UVB lighting (2-5%) can improve calcium absorption and overall health (Source).

Diet & Nutrition

Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet should consist entirely of live insects. Some essential feeding tips:

• Staple Feeders: Crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms are excellent protein sources.
• Supplementation: Provide calcium with Vitamin D3 and a multivitamin powder to prevent metabolic bone disease.
• Feeding Schedule: Juveniles should eat daily, while adults can be fed every other day.
• Hydration: Always have fresh water available and occasionally mist their enclosure to support hydration

Health & Common Issues

Understanding common health problems ensures early intervention and proper care.

• Shedding Issues: If your gecko struggles to shed, increase humidity in their hide or provide a warm soak.
• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium deficiency; prevent it with proper supplementation and occasional UVB exposure.
• Impaction: Avoid loose substrates and ensure a diet with proper fiber content.
• Respiratory Infections: Keep humidity below 40% to prevent bacterial growth and infections (Source).

Behavior & Handling

Leopard geckos are naturally curious and can become quite tame with regular interaction.

• Handling Tips: Always support their body and avoid sudden movements.
• Signs of Stress: Tail waving, hiding excessively, and vocalizations may indicate stress or discomfort.
• Do They Like Company? Leopard geckos are solitary animals and should not be housed together to prevent aggression.

Breeding & Genetics

Breeding leopard geckos requires careful planning and attention.

• Sexing Leopard Geckos: Males have preanal pores and a visible bulge near the tail base.
• Egg Incubation: Maintain 80-90°F (27-32°C) for proper egg development. Temperature affects hatchling sex—warmer temperatures favor males, while cooler temperatures favor females.
• Morph Varieties: Leopard geckos come in numerous color morphs, including Tangerine, Albino, and Blizzard (Learn more).

Beginner’s FAQs & Ownership Guide

New owners often have many questions. Here are some common ones:

• How long do leopard geckos live? With proper care, they can live 15-20 years.
• How much does it cost to own a leopard gecko? Initial setup costs range from $100-$300, with ongoing care expenses of $10-$30 per month.
• Where to buy a leopard gecko? Reputable breeders, pet stores, and reptile expos offer different purchasing options (Find breeders).