Species Overview

  • Common name: Leopard Gecko

  • Scientific name: Eublepharis macularius

  • Origin: Arid and rocky desert regions of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Iran

  • Lifespan: 15–20 years (some up to 25 with optimal care)

  • Adult size: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)

  • Temperament: Docile, easy to handle, suitable for beginners and children (with supervision)

  • Activity: Nocturnal/crepuscular (active at dusk and night)

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Hatchling: 2ft vivarium.

  • Adult: 3ft vivarium or larger.

  • Enclosure must be escape-proof and well-ventilated.

Substrate

  • Best options: Reptile-safe sand/soil mix or a fine excavator clay mix to allow natural burrowing.

  • Avoid loose calcium sand — risk of impaction.

Furnishings & Enrichment

  • Minimum of three hides:

    • Warm hide: Under the heat source.

    • Cool hide: At the opposite end.

    • Moist hide: Filled with damp sphagnum moss or kitchen towel to aid shedding.

  • Include low rocks, cork bark and decor for climbing and enrichment, as well as a mealworm dish..

  • A shallow water dish should always be available.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature Gradient

  • Warm area: 31–33°C Controlled by thermostat

  • Cool end 24–26°C

  • Nighttime drop of 18-20°C

  • Check with digital thermometers daily.

Lighting

  • Although nocturnal, Leopard Geckos benefit from 7% UVB for healthy vitamin D₃ levels.

  • Light cycle: 12 hours on / 12 hours off.

  • Ensure UVB reaches the basking area covering 2/3rds of the enclosure.

Humidity

  • Maintain ambient humidity 30–40%, with the moist hide at ~70–80%.

  • Use the moist hide to prevent stuck shed, particularly on toes.

Diet & Feeding

Diet

  • Insectivores: Feed a variety of live insects such as:

    • Crickets, locusts, dubia roaches, mealworms or smaller silkworms.

  • Insects must be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods for at least 24 hours before feeding).

  • Dust insects with:

    • Calcium: every feed (without D₃ if UVB provided or with D₃ if not).

    • Multivitamin: once weekly.

Feeding Frequency

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

  • Remove uneaten insects after about 15–20 minutes.

Water & Hydration

  • Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water at all times.

  • Refresh daily or immediately if soiled.

  • Misting is only required inside the moist hide — not the whole enclosure.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Known for being calm and tolerant when handled gently.

  • Support the full body; never grab the tail (can drop it).

  • Handle for short sessions (5–10 minutes) several times per week.

  • Avoid handling during shedding or right after feeding.

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Daily: Remove faeces, uneaten insects and refresh water.

  • Weekly: Clean decor and spot-clean substrate using F10 disinfectant.

  • Monthly: Replace substrate, deep clean enclosure, and steam clean.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Retained shed: Dull patches, skin on toes. Increase moisture in the hide; aid manually if needed.

  • Metabolic bone disease: Causes weak limbs and deformities. You should review or change UVB/calcium and seek vet care

  • Impaction: Swollen belly and no faeces. They need a ‘baby warm’ bath and possibly vet care; check substrate and temperatures.

  • Parasites: these cause weight loss and poor appetite. Faecal testing is required by a vet.