So You Want a Leopard Gecko? A Basic Guide.
featuring Savage! My 2 yr old Leo.
1. Before Arrival
• 40 gal tank (20 gal is ok for leos under 1 yr old, but 40 is required over that)
• 3 hides (cool, humid, and warm)
• Repticalcium (without D3, this will be in a small bowl in their enclosure)
• Reptivite (with D3, dust this on their food)
• Reptisafe (for their water)
• Basking and UVB lamp (100w-75w)
I suggest having the tank set up before your gecko comes home, this allows for stress to be more limited once they arrive for both you and your leo!
2. Arrival Day
• Do NOT handle (unless its to set them inside the enclosure)
• Allow your leo to adjust (leave the room, do your own thing)
• Check the tank temperature every now and then to make sure its the right temperature
• Place in a quiet room (or be as quiet as possible in your room, no tv)
• Feed them (your leo may not eat for a couple weeks, but always offer)
3. What do they eat?
Leos are insectivores, meaning they only eat bugs! They should never eat fruits or veg, becsuse they cannot digest it.
• Mealworms
• Waxworms
• Crickets
• Dubia Roaches
• Black Soilder Fly Larvae
Stay away from superworms with your leo, their pincers can tear through your leos stomach lining
Also avoid feeding them dead bugs, they lack nutritional value. Always feed your live feeder bugs on feeding day for your Leo.
4. Tips
• NEVER reach above your gecko to grab them (they will get scared thinking youre a predator)
• Hand feed with tongs (builds trust)
• humidity 30-40% (60% when shedding, I suggest getting a humidity gauge)
• Do not cobabitate them, put other leos in their own tanks (they will fight)
• They do not need nighttime lights, use a heating pad at night if the temperature drops too low (below 68° F)
• Do not handle for 2-3 weeks after you bring them home.
• Temperature 80-90° F (at night 70s)
• Check your Leo's toes after they shed (stuck shed can make them lose their toes from lack of circulation)
Thats all for now! Follow for more posts like this and leave a comment asking questions or telling me what you would like to see next.
Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are fascinating reptiles that make great pets. Proper care involves creating a suitable habitat with a 40-gallon tank for adults, equipped with hides and appropriate lighting. Start by setting up their environment before bringing them home to minimize stress. On arrival day, allow them to adjust without handling; keep the tank temperature stable. These insectivores require a diet of live insects such as mealworms, crickets, and dubia roaches. Avoid feeding fruits or dead bugs. Important care tips include monitoring humidity (30-40% and up to 60% during shedding), not cohabitating multiple geckos, and handling them gently to build trust. Regularly check your gecko’s toes to avoid health issues related to stuck shed. With the right care, your leopard gecko will thrive!
Is it ok if I got a 30 gallon tank that’s wide for one or does it have to be 40