The Leopard Gecko is one of the most popular lizard types. It is small, easy to handle, and it requires less care than most lizards. They are interesting to watch and they have bubbly personalities. Most Leopard geckos are white or yellow. They may have black spots. The hatchlings have stripes but their appearance changes as they grow.
The lizards are popular for their size. Unlike with bigger reptiles, their bites are not strong and handling them is easy. Even though they can be fussy, these leopards cannot hurt you. If you handle them correctly, you may never have to worry about bites. Caring for them is easy and they do not require much attention. Keep reading to learn about a few tips to care for your Leopard geckos.
1.Warmth
Keep your Leopard gecko warm using a normal white light during the day. A blue or red light may be a great source of light at night. Refrain from using undertank heating pads as they may burn your gecko. Since they are cold-blooded creatures, lizards need to regulate their body temperature externally, and you can visit this page to learn more about how to set the temperature for your lizard just right. They prefer a thermal gradient or temperature range to maintain warmth in their bodies. Ensure that they have a basking spot for the day with a temperature of about 88 degrees Fahrenheit and the thermal Fahrenheit of about 75 Fahrenheit. Even though keeping the lizard warm is important, you should avoid placing it next to doors or windows.
2.Water and Food
Ensure that your Leopard gecko has access to sufficient food and water. Some of the best foods are crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Ensure that the tank is empty when feeding them to avoid ingesting substrates.
You need to feed the younger ones a few times a day but the adults can skip a few days. Feed insects a nutritious meal at least 24 hours before giving them to your lizard. Consider coating them with a vitamin D3 or Calcium supplement. Place some supplement powder in a ziplock bag and then add the crickets or worms.
Shake the ziplock bag a few times before dropping the insects in your lizard’s tank. Your Leopard Gecko should have access to freshwater in a shallow dish at all times. The bowl is not only for your pet to drink but also a source of humidity. Some geckos may choose to soak in the water.
3.Humidity
Pay attention to the humidity levels in your gecko’s cage. It is one of the most important aspects of care. Since they are desert lizards, you do not keep their humidity very high. Your lizard may have trouble shedding if the humidity in its cage is too low. If it is too high, your gecko may be uncomfortable. Ideally, humidity levels should remain between 30% to 40%. Consider using a humidity gauge in the cage.
4.Look Out for Health Problems
Leopard geckos can suffer from various conditions and one of the most common ones is a metabolic bone disease. Some of the simplest ways to prevent diseases are isolating new pets and feeding them a healthy diet. Like humans, geckos can get sick if they do not get enough vitamin D or calcium. Metabolic bone disease is likely to cause deformities in the limbs and a painful spine. Some of the most apparent signs of the disease are tremors and poor appetite.
If you notice that your leopard gecko has bubbles around the armpits, it may be storing calcium, fat, protein, vitamins, or minerals. It is not a cause for concern as the bubbles typically go away once the lizard attains a healthy weight. If your leopard gecko is malnourished, it may have a shrinking tail or watery stool. These are the signs of gastroenteritis. Even though the condition is treatable, it can be fatal.
The geckos may be susceptible to various respiratory infections that require immediate medical attention. If you notice bubbles of mucus around their mouth or nasal passages, they may have respiratory problems. Consider seeking the help of a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.
5.Substrate
Leopard geckos do not need a sand substrate. If they ingest it, they may have intestinal blockage. Consider using carpet or paper as they are easy to change. Wood shavings are not good as they may irritate your gecko’s feet. When choosing substrate, ensure that your gecko cannot ingest it.
The leopard gecko is one of the most popular lizard types. It is a cute, little reptile with a perky personality and it does not require much effort in care. It is one of the best lizards for beginners looking for companionship. When caring for the gecko, it is important to consider factors such as warmth, humidity, and general health.