Leopard Gecko
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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. | ||
== Difficulty == | == Difficulty == | ||
| - | + | Leopard geckos are a great beginner gecko. They are friendly, and require smaller enclosures then some other lizards. They are fairly simple to care for, but do have specific heating needs. | |
== Basic Info == | == Basic Info == | ||
=== 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 == | ||
| - | Either an aquarium or terrarium should be used. The rule of thumb is one gecko per ten gallons of tank. Only one male gecko should be housed per a tank. Multiple females can be housed together. Housing a male and female together will often create stress on the female as the male will constantly pick on her to mate. Leopard geckos mate easily in captivity, so avoid housing a male and female together unless you are willing to deal with breeding and incubating the eggs. A moist hide, a small container with moss or dirt misted daily, helps with shedding. You'll also need a shallow water dish, food bowl, and a calcium bowl. | + | Either an aquarium or terrarium should be used. The rule of thumb is one gecko per ten gallons of tank. Even with this rule, a ten gallon tank is not recommended for an adult leopard gecko. A 20 gallon long or larger would better suite an adult. |
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| + | Only one male gecko should be housed per a tank. Multiple females can be housed together. Housing a male and female together will often create stress on the female as the male will constantly pick on her to mate. Leopard geckos mate easily in captivity, so avoid housing a male and female together unless you are willing to deal with breeding and incubating the eggs. A moist hide, a small container with moss or dirt misted daily, helps with shedding. You'll also need a shallow water dish, food bowl, and a calcium bowl. | ||
=== 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 === | ||
=== Humidity === | === Humidity === | ||
| - | + | The main environment of a leopard gecko should contain no humidity. They are from dry, arid climates. | |
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| + | A moist hide, which consists of a hide (such as a Tupperware container with a hole cut in it) filled with dampened moss. This is used to aid in shedding. | ||
=== Lighting === | === Lighting === | ||
| - | Lighting is not necessary as Leopard Geckos are nocturnal and do not bask in the sun. | + | Lighting is not necessary as Leopard Geckos are nocturnal and do not bask in the sun. |
== 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 === | ||
=== Sexing === | === Sexing === | ||
Male geckos are larger and have a line of small pores on their belly between their back legs. Females are smaller and lack the pores. The sex can't be determined until the gecko is 5-6" in length. However most leopard geckos sold is stores are females. | Male geckos are larger and have a line of small pores on their belly between their back legs. Females are smaller and lack the pores. The sex can't be determined until the gecko is 5-6" in length. However most leopard geckos sold is stores are females. | ||
| + | {|- | ||
| + | |[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Male.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Male]] | ||
| + | |[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Female.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Female]] | ||
| + | |} | ||
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== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
== 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 === | ||
