Leopard Gecko Care Sheet (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Leopard geckos are among the most popular pet reptiles for a reason—they’re hardy, easy to care for, and incredibly cute!
Whether you’re just starting out or adding a new reptile to your collection, this guide will help you set up everything your leopard gecko needs to thrive.

📌 Basic Information

Common Name: Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Adult Size: 7–10 inches (18–25 cm)
Origin: Deserts of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan
Temperament: Docile, calm, easy to handle

🏡 Habitat Setup

Leopard geckos are ground-dwelling desert reptiles that thrive in dry, warm environments.

Enclosure

Size: Minimum 20-gallon long tank for one adult
Type: Glass terrarium with screen lid
Important: Horizontal space is more important than height

Heating & Lighting

No UVB Required, but low-level UVB (2–5%) can be beneficial
Belly Heat Pad: Preferred over overhead lights
Warm Side Temp: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
Cool Side Temp: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Night Temp: Can go down to 70°F (21°C)

Hides

Provide three hides:
- Warm hide
- Cool hide
- Moist hide (for shedding)

Substrate

Best for Beginners: Paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile
Avoid: Loose sand or calcium sand (impaction risk)

🥩 Diet & Feeding

Leopard geckos are insectivores—they eat only bugs!

Staple Insects

Crickets
Dubia roaches
Mealworms
(Occasional treats: waxworms, hornworms)

Feeding Frequency

Juveniles: Daily
Adults: Every 2–3 days

Supplements

Calcium with D3: 2–3x/week
Multivitamin: 1x/week
💡 Always dust feeder insects before offering.

Water

Shallow dish of fresh water should always be available.

🩺 Health & Maintenance

Common Issues:
- Impaction (from loose substrate)
- Shedding problems (lack of humidity)
- Metabolic Bone Disease (from calcium or D3 deficiency)
Tail Health: A fat, plump tail means a well-fed gecko.
Cleaning: Spot clean daily, deep clean weekly or biweekly

✋ Handling & Socialization

Start Slow: Let your gecko get used to your presence
Lift Gently: Scoop from below and support the body
Never Grab the Tail: It can drop as a defense mechanism

They are usually calm and easygoing with regular handling.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can leopard geckos live together?
A: It's best to house them separately. Never house two males together.

Q: Do they need UVB lighting?
A: Not strictly, but low UVB can be beneficial for long-term health.

Q: What should I do if my gecko won’t eat?
A: Check temps first. If stable, try different insects or consult a reptile vet.

✅ Final Tips

Don’t use heat rocks—they can burn your gecko.
Track feeding and shedding in a simple notebook.
Monitor weight regularly—a digital scale helps.

Thanks for being a responsible reptile keeper.
Happy gecko days ahead! 🦎✨

Caring for your Leopard Gecko