~nocturnal, terrestrial,
insectivorous~
Size:
Adult leopard
geckos are about 6"-7" in length, including tail. Full size may
be attained in about 18 months. An average adult weighs 45-60g
and can weigh as much as 100grams.
Life Span:
Unlike other gecko
species, leopard geckos can actually live a long time. Under
ideal captive conditions, leopard geckos can live up to and over
20 years, with males typically living longer than females.
Lighting:
Because they are nocturnal,
they do not really need any UVA or UVB, but it is still better than
nothing. As long as they have a hiding spot (should stay humid) to get
out of the light, the light shouldn't bother them.
Housing:
Keep young in a
10-gallon aquarium with a secure screened lid. One adult
requires a minimum of a 15-gallon aquarium. Floor space is
important since they cannot climb on glass like other geckos. A
male can be kept with females but never with another male. Line
the bottom of a juvenile's enclosure with newspaper and paper
towels. Sand can be used with adults, but never juveniles!
Provide several hiding places throughout the cage as leopard
geckos are nocturnal and hide during the day. Keep one of those
hiding places moist by placing slightly dampened sphagnum peat
moss inside to help the gecko shed properly. Rocks and logs add
interest and make good resting areas. Water must always be
available in a heavy shallow dish. The cage should have a cool
end (about 80F) and warm end (85 to 90F) so your pet can
regulate its own body temperature. Use an undertank heater and a
nocturnal incandescent reptile lamp to help maintain an optimum
air temp of 86F by day and 82-85F by night. Avoid direct
sunlight to avoid overheating.
Diet:
Leopard geckos thrive
on a diet of crickets, mealworms, and, for adults, an occasional
pinky mouse. Feed babies and juveniles every day until full
(4-15 small insects). Feed adults 6 to 10 insects every other
day. Dust crickets every feeding with a calcium and D3
supplement like RepCal Calcium and D3 or SFT Miner-All "I".
Remove uneaten crickets after ½ hour to prevent them from
annoying your gecko.
