Leopard geckos are
one of the best reptiles for beginners due to their manageable size, docile
nature, and relatively simple care needs. Here's a beginner-friendly care
guide:
Leopard Gecko Care Guide for Beginners
Basic Info
· Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
· Lifespan: 10–20+ years in captivity
· Adult Size: 7–10 inches
· Temperament: Calm, easy to handle
Enclosure
· Size:
o 10–20 gallons for one adult
o 30+ gallons for two (avoid housing males together)
· Type: Glass terrarium
with secure screen lid
Temperature & Lighting
· Temperature Gradient:
o Warm side: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
o Cool side: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
· Night temperature: Not below 70°F (21°C)
· Heat Source: Under-tank heater (UTH) is best. Avoid heat rocks.
· Lighting: No UVB required, but a low-output UVB (2.0–5.0) can be
beneficial.
· Lighting Schedule: 12 hours on/off to mimic a natural day/night cycle
Substrate
· Best options:
o Paper towels (easy to clean, great for young geckos)
o Reptile carpet
o Tile
· Avoid: Loose substrates
like sand (impaction risk)
Humidity & Water
· Humidity: 30–40% (ambient room humidity is usually fine)
· Humidity hide: Must-have! Use moist sphagnum moss or paper towel to help with
shedding.
· Water: Shallow water
dish with clean water, changed daily
Diet
· Insects: Gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches
· Feeding Frequency:
o Juveniles: Daily
o Adults: Every other day
· Supplements:
o Calcium (no D3) in the tank at all times
o Calcium with D3 1–2 times a week
o Multivitamin once a week
Cleaning
· Spot-clean daily (remove poop, uneaten food)
· Full clean every 2–4 weeks (replace substrate, clean decor
and tank)
Handling Tips
· Wait a week after bringing home before handling
· Handle gently, support the body
· Avoid grabbing the tail (they can drop it if stressed)
Signs of Good Health
· Bright, alert eyes
· Regular eating and pooping
· Full tail (stores fat)
· Regular shedding
Red Flags
· Lethargy
· Weight loss
· Not eating for more than a week
· Retained shed (especially on toes)
· Runny or abnormal stool
The Complete Guide to Leopard Gecko Care and Ownership:
Covering Morphs, Vivariums, Substrates, Handling, Feeding, Bonding, Shedding,
Tail Loss, Breeding, and Health Care
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Are You Ready to Welcome a Leopard Gecko into Your Life?
Whether you already have your Leopard Gecko, or are looking to find just the right one, this guide is the perfect place to start your ownership journey. Learn how to find and select the perfect gecko, from a detailed list of the most common morphs, to ensuring your potential gecko is healthy and fit. Also, learn the rich history of Leopard Geckos in the wild and how it impacts their behaviors today, as well as how you care for them.
Crafting the Ultimate Gecko Habitat: The Perfect Vivarium
Learn exactly how to create a thriving home for your gecko. What substrates should you use? What should you avoid? Why are hides so important? And how should you decorate your tank to ensure your gecko is happy? What are the ideal lighting, temperature and humidity for your tank? Learn all this and more inside these pages.
Nurturing Wellness: Feeding and Health Care for Your Gecko
Embark on a journey of responsible gecko ownership by understanding their dietary needs and health requirements. Learn about proper nutrition, explore supplements, and find out how to ensure your gecko stays hydrated. You’ll be prepared to recognize and address common health issues like impaction, parasites, malnutrition, Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), Stick Tail disease, and more.
Forging a Bond: Handling and Bonding Tips
Create a loving bond with your gecko through patient and gentle handling. Learn the proper way to handle them so that they feel safe and secure. Learn how to read their body language and understand their unique behaviors and preferences, building trust over time. Learn the advanced techniques that will ensure you create a strong bond that enhances both your lives.
"The Complete Guide to Leopard Gecko Care and Ownership" is your passport to becoming a confident and responsible Leopard Gecko owner. Get your copy now and embark on a path of discovery, learning, and unforgettable companionship. Your gecko's adventure begins with you – take this opportunity to become the best gecko owner you can be!
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