Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm a member in the bearded dragon forums and I'd really like to get into leopard geckos. Can someon explain to me what the leopard gecko needs in there enclosure (size, any UVB, heat, food, substrate, furnishings). I'd also like to know what to look for (bodywise) when buying a leopard gecko. Or if you have any links that would provide this information would be most helpfull. Thanks guys

-Keith
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Keith Ecklund II
Northeast Ohio
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1.0.0 Bearded Dragons
0.0.5 Fire Bellied Toads

Hi Keith!
I think you will really enjoy the leos, they are addicting!
Anyways, they are fairly easy to care for . . easier than beardies at least! One gecko will do just fine in a 10 gallon but you can keep 2-3 comfortably in a 20 gallon long. For substrate, I highly recommend either paper towels or, if you want it to look more natural, CareFresh bedding. I have been using CareFresh for several years now and have never had any problems with it being too dusty or the geckos eating it. Since these animals are nocturnal, you do not need UV lighting. A simple heat pad and an overhead lamp (for cooler days) on one side of the enclosure will suffice. They should have two types of hides, one dry hide and a moist hide so they can shed. I use a tupperware container with a non-toxic simple sponge cut to fit. This keeps it nice and humid. I hide the tupperware with a large log for decorative purposes.
I feed mine gut-loaded superworms 3x per week and mealworms are available around the clock. Once or twice a month, they get a small f/t pinky mouse and butterworms as a treat. Keep a dish of calcium with Vitamin D3 available as well and dust their food once per week. As far as how a gecko should look, you should check out some of the breeder's sites. I recommend hisss.net, geckosetc.com, leopardgecko.com, goldengategeckos.com, and theurbangecko.com. All of these sites have care sheets available as well. When you buy a gecko, try and get one from one of these reputable breeders. I have communicated with all of them and have found them to be very helpful and caring when it comes to their animals. I personally do not recommend pet store geckos.
Hope this helped!
Nicole

>>I'm a member in the bearded dragon forums and I'd really like to get into leopard geckos. Can someon explain to me what the leopard gecko needs in there enclosure (size, any UVB, heat, food, substrate, furnishings). I'd also like to know what to look for (bodywise) when buying a leopard gecko. Or if you have any links that would provide this information would be most helpfull. Thanks guys
>>
>>-Keith
>>-----
>>Keith Ecklund II
>>Northeast Ohio
>>-----------------------------
>>1.0.0 Bearded Dragons
>>0.0.5 Fire Bellied Toads

carefresh? really? i use that for my rats and in my ferrets litter boxes. i wouldnt think it would be safe for geckos. any other input on this subject? on the bag it does say its good for reptiles but i never trusted it enough to use it. i would imagine it could cause a pretty nasty impaction if eaten.
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brandy

Hi Brandy,
Yes, CareFresh might cause an impaction however it would be highly unlikely. I personally have used it for many years without a problem. As far as loose substrates go, I think it is one of the safer ones out there. The pieces are large, lack substance and would be difficult for a gecko to "chew" and swallow. But then again, every gecko is different. I think that the most important thing is to keep your leos well-supplemented to prevent them from wanting to eat their substrate in the first place. My old girls seem to enjoy rearranging and digging in the CareFresh and I have yet to see them trying to ingest those big, dry, papery pieces. It is also great at neutralizing odor and absorbing waste. Of course, this is just my own experience and opinion. Everyone is different and might assess the risk/benefits differently. Either way, I'll let you know if I hear any horror stories about it.