Interested in being a reptile parent but never cared for one before? A leopard gecko could be an ideal choice for you! Leopard geckos only grow to be about 25 cm (10 inches) in length, they’re quiet, mainly nocturnal, and are happy with minimal interaction or attention. Their docile nature, integrated with the comfort they can be handled, makes them the perfect choice for beginners. They’re fantastic pet options for those looking for an odor-free companion; unlike some animals, as long as your Leopard Gecko’s environment is clean and well maintained, there are minimal smells that these animals give off.
Ways to Help Your Leopard Gecko Live a Happy Life
Make Its Habitat Comfy
Geckos usually live in a semi-arid desert in the wild, so naturally, love a dry and warm environment. But believe it or not, this environment isn’t always the most convenient for them. Though Leopard Geckos’ bodies are adjustable to inconsistencies in food and water, imitating their natural habitat in captivity is the best way to see your Gecko live a whole lifespan. Leopard geckos tend to live longer in captivity as long as they obtain appropriate attention, husbandry, and veterinary care. The best environment for this type of animal is a well-ventilated terrarium with a screened lid. One terrarium can be used for numerous geckos, as long as there is only one male.
Prioritize Its Health
Though leopard gecko care is typically pretty straightforward, there are still some things you should make your top preference. First off, your lizard’s diet is crucial to its survival. Ensuring it has proper nutrition is the first step to boosting its health. Adding a calcium powder to your geckos’ diet is vital as most feeding insects lack the nutrients your Leopard gecko needs.
For Proper Supplementation In Your Leopard Gecko’s Diet:
Feed your reptile a healthy and well-balanced diet made up of insects such as:
- Small Mealworms
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Waxworms
- Superworms
- Hornworms
Make sure to feed your gecko size-appropriate insects. Baby geckos need smaller insects, and mature geckos will enjoy larger ones.
Be On The Lookout For Signs Of Distress
Regular visits to your vet could help your leopard gecko live a longer, happier life. If your lizard begins acting a bit differently or is showing some concerning symptoms, it could be a sign that it’s time to visit the vet. It’s likely a good time for a check-up at the vet if you notice these symptoms:
- Eating or drinking less
- Hiding more than usual
- Swollen joints
- Losing weight
- Abnormalities with the nose, eyes, or mouth
- Runny or abnormal droppings for more than two days
- Discolored skin and apparent shedding problems
- Lack of droppings for extended periods
- Labored breathing
- Retained shed on toes
- Bumps, sores, or abrasions on the skin
Properly taking care of your lizard could help expand its lifespan, but even if it doesn’t you can be confident that it will have lived a happier life under your care.
