Leopard Gecko
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Current revision (23:56, 20 November 2010) (view source) m (→Websites) |
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
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| + | [[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Fiona.jpg|thumb|left|Photo of Fiona by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=63 Quig]]] | ||
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Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots. Baby geckos start out with a stripped pattern that changes into spot as they mature. Never pickup or grab a leopard gecko by its tail as it will break off. | Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots. Baby geckos start out with a stripped pattern that changes into spot as they mature. Never pickup or grab a leopard gecko by its tail as it will break off. | ||
=== Lifespan === | === Lifespan === | ||
| - | + | With proper care and nutrition, a leopard gecko can live 20 years or longer. The average lifespan in captivity is generally between 15-20 years. | |
=== Handling === | === Handling === | ||
| - | + | Do not pick up your gecko from above, this tends to startle them and they will run for it or sometimes even bite. The best way to pick up a leopard gecko is to get it walk onto your hand and lift it up that way. Always be careful not to grab them by the tail, it will break off. | |
== Housing == | == Housing == | ||
=== Substrate === | === Substrate === | ||
| - | Paper towels, reptile carpet, ceramic tile, or slate are all good choices of substrate. Avoid loose substrate, as it creates a risk of impaction. Leopard Geckos will often eat the substrate while hunting food, and the substrate is not always digested. | + | Paper towels, reptile carpet, ceramic tile, or slate are all good choices of substrate. Avoid loose substrate, like sand, as it creates a risk of impaction. Leopard Geckos will often eat the substrate while hunting food, and the substrate is not always digested. |
=== Temperature === | === Temperature === | ||
== Feeding == | == Feeding == | ||
=== Diet === | === Diet === | ||
| - | Crickets or mealworms are the suggested diet for a leopard gecko. Waxworms are considered a treat and should be feed sparingly. Adult geckos, especially breeding females, can be fed a pinkie mice occasionally. When selecting crickets a rule of thumb is the cricket should be half the size of the gecko's head or smaller. It is recommend to gut load the crickets to provide more nutritional value. | + | Crickets or mealworms are the suggested diet for a leopard gecko. Waxworms are considered a treat and should be feed sparingly. Adult geckos, especially breeding females, can be fed a pinkie mice occasionally. Adults are also large enough to consume superworms, phoenix worms, and other larger species. Blaptica Dubia Roaches are also a good option, and unlike crickets, they don't make any noise. When selecting crickets a rule of thumb is the cricket should be half the size of the gecko's head or smaller. It is recommend to gut load the crickets to provide more nutritional value. |
=== Supplements === | === Supplements === | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
=== Websites === | === Websites === | ||
| - | + | * http://www.leopardgecko.com/emcare.html | |
| + | * http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?showtopic=14864 | ||
| + | * http://www.leopardgeckocare.net/ | ||
| + | * http://leopard-geckos-info.com/leopard-gecko-food | ||
=== Books === | === Books === | ||
