Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm doing some research on the leopard gecko, cause i plan to get one very soon.... i'm quite familiar with reptiles, i already have a collared lizard and a water snake. from what i read, leopard gecko are nocturnal, does that mean that they are nowhere to be seen during the day ? Also, i'm planning my terrarium with some nice hiding place, and some log to climb...do they like to climb ?
Finally, for substrate, coconut fiber ? Thats a very soft substrate that can keep humidity to a nice level. I will surely have more question in the few next day

Mizar 21

Hi Mizar:

First off, yes, they are nocturnal, but once they've gotten comfortable it's very common to see them lounging throughout the tank, even during the day.

I do think that the coconut fiber is a bad idea. You want to keep their humidity very low, like somewhere in the 40% range, so any kind of substrate that keeps moisture is very bad... they are very suseptible to respiratory problems.

Thirdly, they would appreciate having the hides and the ability to climb if they want to. Out of my 12 leos, I have about 5 that climb, and the rest that stay on the ground.

I hope all this helps you, and good luck.

Jeff

from what i read, leopard gecko are nocturnal, does that mean that they are nowhere to be seen during the day ?
They are nocturnal, but you'll see them during the day sometimes, some will even sleep outside of thier hides if they're very comfortable with thier surroundings.

Also, i'm planning my terrarium with some nice hiding place, and some log to climb...do they like to climb ?
They need lots of good hiding places, including a humid hide to aid in shedding. Many do like to climb.

Finally, for substrate, coconut fiber ? Thats a very soft substrate that can keep humidity to a nice level.
Coconut fiber is not an ideal substrate for leos...it is difficult to clean, holds moisture, and can be eaten. Leopard geckos should not have sustained high humidity as it can cause health problems. They are from desert regions and like dry enclosures (with the exception of the humid hide and a dish of water). As far as a good substrate, my favorite is tile. It's very easy to clean, holds heat well, and if you get vinyl it can be cut very easily to fit your tank. It's also attractive and fairly natural looking compared to their natural habitat (if you get the right colored tiles...lol).

I'd recommend looking up some caresheets so you can get more information.
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Christina

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)

-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)

-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)

-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

I agree with all the advice already given, but heres a tip if you want to see your geckos awake earlier. Mine sleep out in the open as well, but you can also set their feeding time at around 5 pm. Just before your dinner or so, then they will wake up and wait for their food. Thus be awake and amusing.
Also good idea with the climbing mine LOVE to climb, i see them in very odd places and have no idea how they get there, but don't make it very high, mine seem to have NO perception of height or fears of falling.
They just walk off edges. Is it just mine or do other ppls do that too?

Good to here there are more responsible people comeing into the leo area of herps. To start off answering your questions, you will tend to see your leo from time to time even though they are nocturnal. Also humidity is not an important issue in leos except for inside the humid hid (tupperware container with a hole cut in it and a good moisture keeping substrate inside. Also for the coco nut fiber, I see that as beeing more so of a humid hide substrate other than a whole cage sub.. If you looking for a nice substrate for a display type tank, I'd go with *my favorite* paper toweling. I know it doesn't look natural but its really the best substrate IMO! Hope everything goes well for you!
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3.0 Hypo Tang Leos, 1.0 Blizzard Leo, 0.1 het Blizzard Leo, 2.1 Tremper Tang/Albino Leos, 1.0 Knight Anole, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx, 1.1 Green Iguana, 1.1 Ball Pythons, 1.0 Green Anole, a Common Snapping Turt, 1 Dark Fire/1 Normal Crested Geckos, 0.1 Columbian Red-Tail Boa
UPDATED 03/14
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