Badgerland Reptile Rescue

Leopard Gecko Care Guide

Leopard Gecko

Eublepharis macularius

Native Range

The native range of the leopard gecko includes south-Asian Afghanistan, Pakistan, north-west India, western Nepal, and some parts of Iran.

History

This species was first described by English zoologist Edward Blyth in 1854.

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult leopard gecko is an enclosure that measures 30″ x 12″ x 12″. If possible, leopard geckos are best kept in enclosures 36″ x 18″ x 16″ or larger.

Please note leopard geckos are solitary animals. While some individuals may house two females in the same enclosure, we recommend this is only done with caution as bullying and aggression can occur. Additionally, if a male and female leopard gecko are housed together, breeding will occur.

There are many different substrates available for leopard geckos, including paper towels, tile, or a mixture of sand/soil. We do not recommend using reptile carpet or calcium sand substrates.

Heating & Humidity

Adult leopard geckos should be provided a hotspot of 90-95° during the day. Night-time temperatures should typically be between 65-70°. In most cases, the ambient humidity should be around 30%

Please note that a reliable thermostat must always be used with any heat source!

UVB Lighting

We recommend the following: Arcadia ShadeDweller 7% or Arcadia Forest 6%, Zilla Tropical 25, ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0

Diet

Leopard geckos are insectivores and eat a diet of exclusively live insects. Most keepers offer the following types of live insects:

  • Dubia roaches
  • Crickets
  • Mealworms
  • Superworms
  • Black soldier fly larvae (also referred to as “Phoenix worms”)

Hornworms and waxworms can also be offered, but these should be given in moderation, as enrichment, due to the high amounts of fat.

Average Lifespan

10-20 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

  • Bright, alert, and active in evenings
  • Appropriate fat build-up in their tail for their size
  • No lumps or swelling around their body
  • Clear, open eyes
  • Noses should be clean and dry; no discharge
  • Skin appears clean, without any sores, abnormally discolored areas, or any signs of infection or disease.

Sources

“Companion Reptile Care Series: Leopard Gecko Information Sheet.” Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), amccorona.com/reptile/association-of-reptile-and-amphibian-vets-arav-species-care-sheets/.

Dukart, Seri. “Leopard Gecko.” Creature Care Cards, www.creaturecarecards.com/leopardgecko.html.

Hallatt, AJ, and Nicole D’Avignon. “Leopard Gecko.” BeWild Reptile Rescue, bewildnc.org/leopard-gecko/.

Healey, Mariah. “Leopard Gecko Care Guide.” ReptiFiles®, 26 June 2017, reptifiles.com/leopard-gecko-care/.

“Husbandry Handbook: Leopard Gecko – Eublepharus Macularius.” Zilla Reptile, www.zillarules.com/information/care-sheets/leopard-gecko.

“Leopard Gecko Care.” Avian and Exotic Animal Care & Veterinary Hospital, www.avianandexotic.com/care-sheets/reptiles/leopard-gecko/.

Mede, Erica. “Leopard Gecko Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/leopard-gecko-care.html.

Pollock, Christal. “Basic Information Sheet: Leopard Gecko.” LafeberVet, 25 Feb. 2011, lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-leopard-gecko/.