Introduction

 

It is known that leopard geckos are originally from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Although these days most are now found in captivity. It has been recorded that they can live around 20 years of age, and can grow up to 11 inches in length. One of the most exciting things about Leopard Geckos is that they can be found in a number of different colours and morphs.


Before you buy

 

Please read the below before buying a gecko, this may be very helpful if you have any worries or questions. Before bringing it home you should have everything ready and all the supplies necessary for its care. You want your new pet Gecko to be happy, healthy and thrive in its new home.

 

Leopard geckos are very easy to maintain in that:

 

• They can reach up to a foot in overall length, and don't outgrow a ten or fifteen gallon aquarium  
• They are nocturnal and don't require the use of expensive UV light bulbs.
• They don't require high heat, a temperature of 80F is sufficient enough.
• They eat mealworms, crickets and hoppers and don't require a vegetarian diet.

      

Quarantine

 

The one thing you must remember when buying an additional gecko is that it must be kept in quarantine for at least 30 days. This is due to the fact your addition may be carrying a disease that could easily be passed to your other geckos. To quarantine your new gecko is easy, you just need to put it in an area away from your other reptiles. As soon as the 30 days is up you can then introduce it to your other geckos.  

 

Housing

 

Geckos need the following for their new home :

 

• Vivaruim or tank (minimum size 25" by 25" by 12" for one adult.)
• Heat mat or heat bulb
• Thermometer
• Thermostat
• Substrate - e.g paper towel or tiles as both are easy to clean
• Hide
• Humid hide for when they are shedding
• Calcium powder
• Live food
• Water dish - fresh water is needed every day

 

 

With all or most of the above your new gecko will be happy and enjoy living in it new environment.

 

Feeding

 

Geckos love to feed on a variety of insects, these include crickets, mealworms, hoppers, waxworms, locusts, butterworms and superworms. However wax worms are high in fat and should only be given to the gecko as a treat. It is said that the food must be no bigger then the geckos head. All food needs to be gut loaded before feeding to your gecko. This is done by feeding the insects carrot, bread, parsnips, apple, orange, and leafy greens. Geckos also require a calcium supplement every week. This can be obtained by dusting the live food 2-3 times a week. For the babies the dusting needs to be done every day. Nutrobal is a very good supplement to use.