The leopard gecko, has become quite
popular as a pet. It is a hearty, insectivorous, nocturnal lizard
that with patient handling is easily tamed. It is highly
recommended for first time reptile owners
Leopard geckos are indigenous to
southwestern Asia and are found in arid to semiarid, rocky, scrub
type desert, fringe habitats. They possess a large tail slightly
less than one half their body length. There are large fat stores in
the tail which may provide a metabolic water source. Fat stores may
allow leopard geckos to go without feeding for longer than most
lizard species. They tend to thrive better than other lizard
species in times of illness and stress because of this extra energy
storage.
Defense
As a defense mechanism the tail can be dropped off when attacked by
predators, grabbed, pulled or traumatized. Do not pick up your
gecko by the tail. The tail will re-grow but will have a different
appearance that is often smoother and more bulbous and have a more
jumbled pattern of spots. Regeneration of the tail takes from two
to six weeks depending on the amount of tail loss and the age, diet
and health status of the gecko.
Colors
The color pattern changes significantly as leopard geckos mature.
Juveniles are yellow with black or brown bands on their bodies and
black and white banded tales. These bands are replaced by a spotted
pattern as pigment cells migrate as the gecko s mature. Adults have
a yellow to tan background with patches of chocolate brown spots.
The skin has many small wart-like growths or tubercles.
Sizes
Normal healthy hatchlings are approximately 8 cm long and weigh 2-3
g. Leopard geckos reach adult size at nine to eighteen months of
age. They can weigh from 40 to 100 g and reach a total length of
over 20cm (10 inches). Adult males tend to be larger than the
females.
Housing
The healthiest gecko is the one that is reared in an enclosure by
itself. Social interaction is not necessary. The competition for
food and territory can be quite stressful and can lead to injuries.
Juveniles and adults should be housed separately to prevent
cannibalism. No more than one male can be put in the same enclosure
as they will fight and may even kill each other.
A 10 gallon aquarium can be used to
house a geckos. Preferred day temperatures should be from 70F to
86F, with a slight decrease in temperature at night. Placing an
under tank heater on one side can create a temperature gradient
from one side of the enclosure to the other. If temperatures exceed
90F leopard geckos can become stressed, hyperactive, and dark in
color. Above 100F they become moribund and death follows.
Bright lights are stressful to
geckos and seem to depress feeding. Ultraviolet or full spectrum
lighting is likely to not be necessary, as geckos are nocturnal,
but may be helpful. A 12 hour day/night cycle is sufficient. Use
newspaper, indoor/outdoor carpeting, or plastic grass matting for a
substrate. Do not use sand or gravel. This can be eaten and can
cause intestinal impaction. Enclosures and matting can be cleaned
as needed using bleach that is diluted with water ( 1 part bleach
to 30 parts water).
Hide boxes must be provided. They
can be made by using flat rocks to form a cave or an overturned
plastic container with a hole in it can be used. Leopard geckos
also need a dark, dampened microclimate to shed. This can be
accomplished by placing a slightly moistened paper towel in another
hide box, or by lightly misting the gecko. Juveniles shed as often
as every two weeks. Adults shed every three to four months. Too
much humidity in the habitat, however, can create respiratory
problems and skin infections.
