Complete Leopard Gecko Care & Setup Guide
Like 5 Dislike 0 Published on 1 Feb 2017
WATCH THE UPDATED 2018 CARE GUIDE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mXK13p16ew
Interested in a leopard gecko? Here’s a complete care guide with everything from their setups to feedings and much more. Keep reading the description for more info!
See the complete care guide written out at http://goherping.com/leopardgeckos
TIMESTAMPS
Enclosure - 1:25
Supplies - 3:10
Substrate - 3:40
Temp/Humidity - 6:10
Lighting - 10:05
Hides - 10:50
Water - 13:10
Food/Supplements - 14:30
HELPFUL VIDEOS
Worst substrates ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Suuams4L1w&t=0s
Impaction ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsDNkefP92k&t=0s
Decreasing humidity ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsIHV6CnEnE&t=0s
Can they see red light? ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghXEgKws1HE
Do they need light? ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjb-V-NElTY&t=6s
Quick care tips ▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VE4iqtSQ9c&t=6s
ENCLOSURE
GoHerping recommends keeping your leopard gecko in a 15-20 gallon plastic tub or glass aquarium, with an additional 10 gallons for each gecko.
SUBSTRATE
You have many options when it comes to leopard gecko substrate, including various loose substrates, carpets, and a few others. Some of the easiest substrates include simple materials, such as newspaper and paper towels. If you want something more aesthetically pleasing, "reptile carpet" comes in multiple varieties and colors. The downside of reptile carpet is it requires thorough cleaning. Excavator clay is another great option, and also offers a naturalistic feel.
HIDES
Leopard geckos, being nocturnal creatures, need places to escape the light associated with day time and to feel Comfortable. This is where hides come into play. Firstly, they require a simple hide like any other reptile, preferably over their heat mat (learn more about heating below). This hide is must be available to allow the gecko a safe place while providing heat, which reptiles need to digest their food. Secondly, they require a "humid" or "moist" hide. This hide mimics a burrow in the wild, which typically are more humid than the surface of the area in which they live. The purpose of this hide is to provide an environment where the gecko will be able to shed its skin without any problems, as well to hydrate, if they drink the droplets from the walls of the hide.
WATER
Tap water often has chlorine and other chemicals, which can be dangerous to reptiles. Filling a jug of tap water and leaving it out for 24 hours will allow harmful chemicals to evaporate. You can also use "ReptiSafe" water drops made by ZooMed, or similar products, to remove these chemicals.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
The humidity in your home is generally fine for a leopard gecko, as they do not require much. Since you should have a moist hide available, as mentioned above, you won't need to increase their humidity, even if they are in shed. Do your best to avoid humidity surpassing 30-40%, as high humidity can cause problems, such as respiratory infections.
To allow your gecko to properly digest food and avoid impaction, a hot spot around 87-91 degrees Fahrenheit, do not exceed temperatures over 91, otherwise you run the risk of burning your gecko. The cool side of your enclosure can drop down to as low as 75 degrees F. This cool side temperature is also adequate for your night time temps. Stick a heat pad to the outside bottom of your enclosure below the hide to allow your gecko to stay warm, as belly heat is extremely beneficial to leopard geckos, since they are adapted to absorb the heat retained in the rocks they crawl on, although some may say otherwise, basking bulbs and other top-down heat sources are not ideal for leopard geckos. The easiest way to ensure your enclosure is heated correctly is by purchasing a thermostat made for reptiles.
FEEDING
The most common choice is crickets, however, they are not very nutritious compared to alternatives. Some people choose waxworms and superworms, however, both of these worms are very high in fat and could potentially cause your gecko to become overweight. However, they are good options if you are trying to increase the weight of your leopard gecko. Mealworms are a great choice, and dubia roaches are arguably the best. Learn more about why crickets are a poor choice here.
Supplements are also an important part of their diet. Calcium and reptile multivitamins should be added to your leopard gecko's meal. A common schedule to follow is to add a multivitamin supplement to every fourth meal. The three others should be supplemented with calcium. Following this pattern is a good way to get your gecko the vitamins and minerals it needs, without overdosing.
READ THE WHOLE GUIDE AT http://goherping.com/leopardgeckos
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Music by Andrew Applepie
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