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Natural behaviour of the leopard gecko:
Nocturnal and crepuscular: They are most active during twilight and night, which means they will be most awake during these hours. During the day, they tend to hide to avoid heat and bright light.
Territorial: Leopard geckos tend to be solitary and territorial, especially males. It is advisable to keep them alone or in groups with a single male and several females to avoid fighting.
Active hunting: In the wild, they are active hunters that feed on insects. In captivity, their feeding behaviour remains instinctive: they attack, hunt and consume live insects.
Care in captivity:
Suitable terrarium:
Size: A single Leopard Gecko needs a terrarium of at least 40 litres (10 gallons), although a larger space is always better.
Substrate: It is essential to avoid loose substrates such as sand, which can cause impaction (intestinal blockage) problems. Use paper towels, reptile mats, or stone substrates such as slate.
Hideouts: Provide several hiding places in different areas of the terrarium. There should be at least two: one in the warm area and one in the cool area.
Temperature and heating:
Leopard geckos require a thermal gradient in their terrarium.
Warm zone: between 29-32°C (85-90°F) during the day. Use thermal blankets or heat lamps to generate this area.
Cool zone: between 24-26°C (75-79°F).
Night temperature: can drop to around 21-24°C (70-75°F).
No UVB lamp: Unlike other reptiles, leopard geckos do not necessarily need UVB light, but controlled, moderate exposure can be beneficial.
Humidity:
Leopard geckos need a low humidity level in general, around 30-40%.
Provide a moist cave in the terrarium to help them moult. Place damp moss or moistened paper towels in this area to maintain high humidity in that space (between 70-80%).
Feeding:
Insects are their main diet: crickets, cockroaches, mealworms and silkworms. Avoid insects that are too large to avoid digestive problems.
Frequency: Adults should be fed 3-4 times per week, while juveniles need to be fed daily.
Supplementation: It is essential to dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease. In addition, weekly multivitamin supplementation is recommended.
Water:
Provide fresh water in a shallow container and change it regularly. Leopard geckos do not like stagnant water, so a clean drinking fountain is essential.
Impaction:
As mentioned above, the use of loose substrates, such as sand, can lead to accidental ingestion of particles, which can cause intestinal impaction. Avoid loose substrates or switch to safer alternatives.
Moulting problems:
Leopard geckos sometimes have problems completing the moult, especially on the legs and tail. This can lead to infections or loss of toes if left unresolved. Providing a moist cave helps prevent this.
Respiratory infection:
Leopard geckos can develop respiratory infections if the terrarium is too damp or cold. Keep a constant check on humidity and temperature conditions.
Tail fatness:
In leopard geckos, the tail is a place where they store fat, which is an indicator of their overall health. A thin tail can be a sign of malnutrition or disease, while a thick tail indicates that the gecko is well fed and healthy.
Handling:
Although they are generally docile, they should be handled with care. Avoid picking them up by the tail, as they may drop it as a defence mechanism (although it will grow back, it will not be the same). Handling should be calm and gentle to avoid stress.
Veterinary check-up:
Although they are usually hardy animals, it is important to watch for signs of illness such as loss of appetite, lethargy, open-mouthed breathing or changes in faeces. Take your gecko to a reptile veterinarian for annual check-ups or if you notice abnormal symptoms.
Additional precautions:
Avoid stress: Sudden changes in environment or excessive handling can stress them. Keep them in a calm environment.
Beware of other animals: If you have other pets, such as dogs or cats, make sure they cannot access the terrarium to avoid accidents.
Caring for a leopard gecko involves maintaining a controlled environment and a balanced diet. These reptiles, although easy to care for, require a constant routine and attention to keep them healthy and active.
SUMMARY OF KEY FEATURES :
Suitable size: minimum 40 litres for a single gecko.
Safe substrate: avoid loose substrates.
Temperature control: thermal gradient (warm zone and cold zone).
Controlled humidity: low overall humidity with access to a humid cave.
Hiding places: at least two shelters, plus a humid cave.
Food: live insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation.
Fresh water: always available.
Regular cleaning: daily waste removal and monthly deep cleaning.
Ventilation: essential to avoid respiratory problems and keep the air fresh.
With these features, you can ensure that your leopard gecko has an optimal environment that allows it to thrive in captivity while maintaining its natural health and behaviour.
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