Leopard geckos are a type of lizard that is easy to care for and live in captivity. They can be thought of as the “starter” reptile, and though they are not as flashy as a snake, they are among the more interesting reptiles around. Leopard geckos are one of the few lizards, along with some turtles, that are capable of “ready-to-go” care in captivity. This means that they will eat common food items and their tank mates won’t be stressed or killed by the gecko since they will not be poisonous to them.
Cleaning
Leopard Gecko cages should be cleaned daily in order to prevent infection. Use a small net or dustpan to pick up any small uneaten pieces of food laying around on the floor. You can also use an old toothbrush or feather duster to gently clean out any debris inside the cage. You should also remove feces and urine with a damp paper towel, as well.
Water
When cleaning your leopard gecko’s tank, check the water dish to make sure it has enough clean water in it at all times. If the water level is low, fill with more clean water before replacing the dish in its spot in the cage. You should also completely replace the water in your leopard gecko’s tank once a week. This will remove any toxins or impurities that may have formed and keep your gecko happy and healthy. You can buy bottled spring water at almost any pet store for this purpose.
The Leopard Gecko’s water source should always be clean, fresh and of normal temperature. If the water is stagnant or chilled, it will accumulate bacteria over time which can lead to infection in your gecko. The water should be changed daily in order to remove impurities and keep your gecko happy and healthy.
Temperature
You should keep your leopard gecko’s cage at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and change the temperature of the enclosure every day. This is because they are a “cold blooded” animal, which means they produce very little heat on their own. The ambient room temperature around your home should be low enough so that your leopard geckos will not hibernate at night. An ambient room temperature of 70 degrees works well for most people in Florida, or a little warmer if you live in a cooler environment.
Feeding
Leopard geckos are omnivores and will eat almost anything so long as it is not poisonous to them. You can feed them a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and insects. Once you give them the proper diet, their teeth will grow back and they will be able to eat most fruits and vegetables without harm. Their enclosure should be allowed to “air out” for about 15 minutes every day so that airborne bacteria which can cause disease is left behind.
Diet
Leopard Gecko’s diet is very important to the health and well-being of lizards, so it is essential that you feed them a high quality diet. They will eat almost anything, as long as it is not poisonous to them. In captivity, they can be fed a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, insects like mealworms or wax worms, dry dog food or pinky mice. Their food bowl should be cleaned daily and replaced in order to remove any debris which could infect your leopard gecko.
In conclusion, leopard geckos are easy to care for and hardy pets that make excellent starter lizards. Take good care of your pet leopard gecko and it will live a long, healthy life.
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