Leopard Gecko Habitat

leopard gecko habitat

Leopard Geckos are insectivores and need a diet of living insects. They prefer crickets, mealworms, super worms and dubia roaches. They can be fed a few times a day, but it is important to feed them only as many crickets as they can eat within an hour so that the food does not spoil and lead to disease. All live prey should be “gut loaded” and supplemented with multivitamins and calcium.

Unlike most reptiles, leopard geckos do not need a humid environment. Their natural habitats are arid with very low humidity, but they can live in a dry climate if provided with access to both a warm and cool area of the habitat. Make sure the temperature gradient is emulating their natural habitat, and use a thermometer to monitor it. A hygrometer will be useful to monitor the moisture in the cooler end of the habitat, which should be around 30% to 40%.

The cool side of the tank should be shaded and insulated, so leopard geckos can retreat there to escape the heat or to hide during the day. It is also a good idea to provide them with hiding places and low branches or rocks for climbing. Some owners create their own hides, like a Tupperware container turned upside down or a cardboard box with a cut-out door, while others purchase commercial reptile caves that are made to look natural in the habitat.

Leopard geckos are nocturnal and should be fed late in the evening so that they can digest their food before they go to sleep. Providing them with a screen lid will help to protect them from children or other pets that may be interested in them, and will also keep them safe from potential predators.