Leopard geckos pet trade is widespread, considering the lizards are easy to breed and manage. Moreover, they have perky personalities and are fun to watch. You can enjoy your pet for over 20 years with the right leopard gecko care and feeding. Below, we look at the factors to consider when housing the reptile. You can buy one from a reputable seller like https://www.topflightdubia.com/leopard-gecko-care-and-feeding.html .
How Big are Leopard Geckos
The leopard geckos grow to 10 inches from head to tail. A 15 to 20-gallon tank can house two or three lizards.
The Natural Habitat for Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos live in rocky, desert, and dry grassland regions of north-west India, south-Asian Afghanistan, and Pakistan. These areas are warm and dry.
Use a heat light in the enclosure and a thermometer for measurements to maintain these conditions. The temperatures should be 29 to 35 degrees celsius.
Leopard Geckos Regulate Their Temperatures
Reptiles regulate their body temperatures, given their cold-blooded nature. When it is too hot, they shelter in crevices to cool off. In winter, low temperatures force the creatures to go semi-hibernation, where they live on fat reserves.
Provide a range of temperatures to adapt the terrarium for these conditions. Additionally, have cool places of 10 degrees Celsius. Remember to use a thermometer for accurate measurements.
Leopard Geckos Are Nocturnal
Nocturnal reptiles are active at night when the temperatures are cool. During the day, they retreat to burrows and shelters.
Thus, provide hiding places such as logs for your lizard. You may not need UV light as the sunlight exposure is enough. However, give 2% to 7% UVB to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Leopard Geckos Are Not Climber
Usually, lizards climb walls and other vertical spaces. But the leopard gecko does not have sticky hands to hold onto surfaces. Instead, these species love burrowing in clay and sand substrates. But they do avoid sand as a primary substrate.
In captivity, you can use slated rocks and sand as a substrate for adult geckos. The baby lizards tend to ingest the tiny sand particles; consider using paper towels or outdoor carpets. Avoid wood shavings for adults and young ones as they might hurt the small feet. Additionally, wood chips, corncob, walnut shells, and gravel are unsafe.
Shedding
Geckos shed their skin within 24 hours of hatching. Before the first shedding is complete, they cannot eat. Generally, the leopard gecko sheds every 4 to 8 weeks, but the rate can vary, depending on the growth rate, stress, reproductive status, and injury/illness. They eat their skin after shedding.
Adapt your cage for this property by providing a damp hide box for shedding. Also, give your gecko a delicious Dubia roach meal after their first shed.
Aggressive Behaviours
Male geckos are aggressive to other males by making short dashes and vigorous bites. These reactions lacerate the skin and cause severe injuries. Therefore, keep only one male in a cage.
In closing, these tips help with leopard gecko care and feeding. They ensure that the gecko is in a natural environment. You can research and choose from one of the reputable sellers like https://www.topflightdubia.com/leopard-gecko-care-and-feeding.html and buy one. The payment is many years of a bright, vibrant lizard.