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Leopard Gecko 101: The perfect pet for reptile enthusiasts

Want a pet? Gecko might just be the perfect choice! Read this article to learn more about the fascinating side of geckos and how to be the perfect owner.

Introduction

Wild leopard geckos can be found in the arid and semi-desert areas in Afghanistan, Iraq,

Iran and northwest India. These geckos have a captivating array of 100 morph colours. If you

buy leopard geckos as pets, their price range can vary significantly, ranging from as low as

US$50 to a staggering US$3500, depending on their rarity. I personally own a mack snow

leopard gecko. Actually, my favorite gecko is black night leopard gecko. It is extremely rare

so it is extremely expensive and hard to find.


Wild leopard geckos can be found in the arid and semi-desert areas in Afghanistan, Iraq,

Iran and northwest India. These geckos have a captivating array of 100 morph colors. If you

buy leopard geckos as pets, their price range can vary significantly, ranging from as low as

US$50 to a staggering US$3500, depending on their rarity. I personally own a mack snow

leopard gecko. Actually, my favorite gecko is black night leopard gecko. It is extremely rare

so it is extremely expensive and hard to find.

Figure 1: Different morph-coloured geckos

What makes leopard geckos a popular choice among beginner pet owners?

Firstly, these reptiles are resilient creatures that thrive on a simple diet of mealworms, crickets and water. Their feeding routine is hassle-free. Secondly, leopard geckos are known for their generally calm temperament, which allows for occasional handling, even though they may not enjoy it.


Tip 1. How to clean a leopard gecko's tank?

As a general rule of thumb, regular spot cleaning of your leopard gecko’s tank, such as removing feces. Weekly cleaning involves washing their bowls and flooring with dish soap or pet disinfectant, while a monthly deep cleaning of their entire enclosure by scrubbing all surfaces.


Tip 2. How to play with your gecko? 

Playtime doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but can just be giving your leopard geckos some

opportunities to explore outside of their enclosure. They will find new places to crawl and

explore, but make sure you are keeping a close eye on the leopard gecko, or you could risk

losing it.





Figure 2: A leopard gecko is trying to find a way out of the maze


Tip 3. What to do when your leopard gecko loses its appetite?

It is not uncommon for leopard geckos to experience a loss of appetite. Here are five

possible reasons why your leopard geckos are not eating. 

  1. Brumation period: Some leopard geckos will enter a brumation period, during which their activity levels will be reduced to save energy.

  2. Shedding: Before and after shedding, leopard geckos often lose appetite. The shedding process can be physically uncomfortable for them.

  3. Cold tank floor: If the gecko’s tank floor is too cold, it can reduce their appetite. Geckos require a warm environment to properly digest their food. 

  4. Stress: When leopard geckos feel stressed, they are unlikely to eat. Stress can be caused by changes in their environment, handling and/or presence of other animals.

  5. Picky eating: Just like some humans, leopard geckos can become bored with their regular diet. They may lose their appetite if they are not offered a variety of food options.

Tip 4. How do leopard geckos express their emotions? 

Leopard geckos tend to use different movements of their tail to express their emotions. 

 Stress: When they feel stressed, they may wag their tail as a sign of discomfort or

unease. 

  1. Courtship interest: During the mating season, male leopard geckos wag their tail to show their interest in a mate for courtship purposes.

  2. Defensiveness: If a leopard gecko feels threatened or encounters another gecko in its territory, it may respond with tail wagging. This is a sign of defensiveness to ward off rivals. 

  3. Aggression: In a situation where a leopard gecko encounters aggression from other animals, including humans or other geckos, they may show aggressive tail movements. 

  4. Intense focus: While hunting for prey, leopard geckos show focused and attentive behaviour. A still tail indicates their concentration on capturing targets.

Tip 5. Do leopard geckos live alone or in groups?

Leopard geckos are generally solitary creatures by nature. They can live alone, in a group consisting of a single male and several females, or in a group of just females. However, it is important to note that housing two or more male geckos together is not recommended as this can lead to aggressive behaviours.


In conclusion, leopard geckos provide a rewarding reptile pet experience. Their unique characteristics and minimal care requirements make them an ideal choice for beginner reptile enthusiasts. By understanding their needs and providing necessary care, you can enjoy the company of geckos for years.


Below is a summary of facts about leopard geckos:

Citation

1. “Leopard Gecko | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants.” Sandiegozoo.org, 2020,

animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/leopard-gecko.

2. “Leopard Gecko Care: How to Care for a Leopard Gecko | Petco.” Www.petco.com,

www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-

center/caresheets/leopard-gecko.html .

3. “Common Leopard Gecko - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio.” Animalia.bio, 2023,

animalia.bio/common-leopard-gecko.

4. RSPCA. “Leopard Gecko Care Sheet | Advice for Owners | RSPCA.” Rspca.org.uk, 2017,

www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/leopardgecko.

5. Wesley. “How to Play with Your Leopard Gecko.” Https://Oddlycutepets.com/,

oddlycutepets.com/play-with-leopard-geckos/.

6. David, Johnathan. “Leopard Gecko Care Sheet and First-Time Owners Guide.” Everything

Reptiles, 17 Apr. 2020, www.everythingreptiles.com/leopard-gecko/ .

7. “How to Care for a Leopard Gecko | RSPCA.” Rspca.org.uk, 2017,

www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/leopardgecko#:~:text=Leopard%20geckos%20e

at%20a%20diet .

8. Leopard Gecko Diet & Food: What Do Leopard Geckos Eat? 2018,

www.terrariumquest.com/leopard-gecko/diet/.

9. Leopard Gecko Food and Diet Advice - Exotic Direct. 27 Feb. 2018,

exoticdirect.co.uk/news/what-should-leopard-geckos-eat-food-and-dietary-requirements.‌


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