Description
Defining characteristics:
- Beautiful colours
- Nocturnal, terrestrial gecko
- Hardy and easy to care for
- Excellent beginner gecko
- Calms down with regular handling
Recommended Enclosure: Juveniles can be kept in an 18x18x12 enclosure. A single adult should be provided with at least a 24x18x12 glass enclosure.
Paper towels provide an easily replaceable substrate. Loose substrate like sand (do not use calcium or vitamin-based sands) can be used so long as it is spot cleaned; impaction is a minimal risk provided proper hydration, basking temperatures, as well as a cup of calcium in the enclosure to minimize substrate consumption. The best setup involves multiple hides placed on both the warm side and cool side of the enclosure, as well as at least one humid hide.
Feeding: Leopard geckos are insectivores and will thrive on a varied diet of feeder insects. Hatchlings are large enough to fed a staple of ¼-inch crickets or dubia roaches, which should be provided in a feeding dish. Within a few months, leopard geckos can begin feeding on a staple of mealworms. Waxworms, butterworms, and small hornworms make excellent treats, but should only be offered occasionally. Feeder insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with a calcium and multivitamin supplement.