Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko Care Guide

Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are one of the most popular reptile pets, known for their docile temperament and manageable care requirements. This guide covers everything you need to keep your leopard gecko healthy and thriving.

🦎 New Owner Note: When arriving at a new home, leopard geckos may refuse food for 5–7 days — this is completely normal. Do not panic. Keep offering food at night and give them space to eat alone without anyone watching. Leopard geckos are crepuscular (most active at dusk and dawn), so you will most likely not see them out and about during the day. This is normal behavior, not a sign of illness.

Housing

A single leopard gecko should start in a minimum 40-gallon breeder enclosure. Leopard geckos are terrestrial, so floor space matters more than height — bigger is always better.

Temperature & Heating

Leopard geckos are ectotherms and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Provide a thermal gradient using an overhead basking light paired with a UVB bulb — this is the current best practice for a naturalistic and healthy setup:

  • Basking spot: 88–90°F
  • Cool side: 72–78°F
  • Nighttime: No lower than 65°F

Always use a digital thermometer with a probe or infrared temp gun to verify temperatures. Dial thermometers are inaccurate and should be avoided.

Lighting

UVB lighting (2.0–5.0%) is strongly recommended by reptile veterinarians to support vitamin D3 synthesis and overall long-term health. Maintain a 12-hour light/dark cycle.

Substrate

Safe substrate options include:

  • Paper towels (great for juveniles)
  • Tile
  • Bioactive mixes with topsoil and sand (for adults)

Avoid loose calcium sand or fine particle substrates for juveniles due to impaction risk.

Humidity & Hides

Maintain ambient humidity around 30–40%. Provide at least three hides: a warm hide, a cool hide, and a moist hide (filled with damp sphagnum moss) to aid shedding.

Feeding

Leopard geckos are insectivores. Offer a variety of gut-loaded insects:

  • Dubia roaches
  • Mealworms
  • Black soldier fly larvae

Dust feeders with calcium (without D3) at least 4x a week and with D3 at least once a week. A multivitamin supplement 1–2x per week. Juveniles eat daily; adults eat every 2–3 days.

Water

Always provide a shallow dish of fresh, clean water. Change it daily.

Handling

Start with short handling sessions of 5–10 minutes and gradually increase as your gecko becomes comfortable. Always support their full body and avoid grabbing from above, which can trigger a stress response.

Common Health Concerns

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium/D3 deficiency — prevent with proper supplementation and UVB.
  • Stuck shed: Ensure a moist hide is always available.
  • Cryptosporidiosis: A parasitic infection — quarantine new animals and see a reptile vet if weight loss occurs.

If you have any questions about leopard gecko care or need supplies, browse our store or reach out to us directly!