Leopard Gecko – Complete Care Guide for Beginners
Leopard Geckos are popular, gentle, and easy-to-care-for reptiles. They
suit first-time reptile owners and hobbyists. This guide covers their
appearance, housing, diet, handling, common health issues, and simple
care tips to keep them healthy and calm.
What is a Leopard Gecko?
The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a ground-dwelling
lizard from parts of Asia. It is known for its spotted pattern, stout
body, and friendly nature. Unlike many geckos, leopard geckos have eyelids
and a calm temperament.
Appearance and Morphs
Wild-type leopard geckos have yellow to tan skin with dark spots. Captive
breeding produced many morphs. Morphs change color, pattern, or eye type.
Common morphs include albino, tangerine, blizzard, and patternless.
Housing Essentials
A good enclosure keeps a leopard gecko safe and stress-free. Use the
following as a basic checklist.
- Tank size: Minimum 20 gallons for one adult gecko.
- Substrate: Use reptile carpet, tile, or paper towels.
Avoid loose sand for young geckos to prevent impaction. - Hide boxes: Provide at least three hides — warm, cool,
and moist (for shedding). - Temperature: Warm side 88–92°F (31–33°C). Cool side 75–80°F (24–27°C).
- Heating: Use an under-tank heater (UTH) or heat mat. Avoid hot rocks.
- Lighting: Leopard geckos are crepuscular. UVB is optional, but it can help health.
- Humidity: Keep ambient humidity 30–40%. Provide a moist hide with sphagnum moss for shedding.
Diet & Feeding
Leopard geckos are insectivores. A varied, gut-loaded diet helps them stay
healthy. Feed appropriately sized live insects.
- Main foods: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae.
- Supplementation: Dust insects with calcium at most feedings. Use a multivitamin powder weekly.
- Feeding schedule: Juveniles: daily. Adults: every 2–3 days.
- Water: Always provide a shallow bowl of fresh water.
Handling & Temperament
Leopard geckos are generally calm and tolerate handling well when introduced
correctly. Start slowly and keep sessions short.
- Approach from the side rather than above to avoid startling.
- Support their body and do not grab the tail; they can drop it to escape.
- Allow the gecko to walk onto your hand. Offer short, frequent handling sessions.
Common Health Issues
Knowing common problems helps with early detection and treatment.
- Impaction: Caused by ingesting substrate or large prey. Use safe substrates and monitor feeding.
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Results from calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency. Use proper supplements and UVB if advised.
- Shedding problems: Retained shed on toes or tail can cause constriction. Provide a moist hide and proper humidity.
- Parasites & respiratory infections: Watch for weight loss, wheezing, or runny eyes. Seek a reptile vet.
Breeding Basics
Breeding leopard geckos requires experience. Key points:
- Sex adults carefully; males may fight if housed together.
- Provide seasonal temperature shifts to mimic natural cycles.
- Egg incubation requires consistent moisture and temperature control.
- Only breed if prepared for hatchling care and finding homes.
Starter Checklist for New Owners
- 20–40 gallon tank (depending on plans)
- Under-tank heater and thermostat
- Safe substrate (tile or reptile carpet)
- Three hides: warm, cool, and humid
- Digital thermometer and hygrometer
- Feeder insects, calcium, and multivitamin powder
- Reptile-safe cleaning supplies
FAQ: Leopard Gecko
How long do leopard geckos live?
With proper care, leopard geckos often live 10–20 years. Some reach 20+ years in excellent conditions.
Can leopard geckos live together?
Housing multiple geckos can be risky. Males will fight. A single male with multiple females requires experience and careful monitoring.
Do they need UVB light?
UVB is not strictly required, but low-level UVB can support overall health and calcium metabolism. Many keepers use UVB safely with a proper photoperiod.
What temperature is best for breeding?
Breeding setups often use a warm side around 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cooler side of 75–80°F (24–27°C). Seasonal temperature variation helps trigger breeding behavior.
What food should I avoid?
Avoid wild-caught insects (risk of pesticides and parasites) and large prey items that exceed the size of the gecko’s head.
Final Notes
Leopard geckos are resilient and rewarding pets. They require a stable
habitat, a balanced diet, and gentle handling. Regular vet checks and
attention to environmental quality will keep them healthy for many years.