Leopard geckos make fantastic pets. They are small, but sturdy enough to be handled. Leopard geckos are also hardy, clean and don’t need a huge enclosure. In this post, we will introduce you to leopard geckos and tell you different facts about them. This post can also help you to decide if you want a leopard gecko as a pet, or learn more facts about your current pet.
Where do leopard geckos live in the wild?
Leopard geckos inhabit most parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and some parts of India. They are part of the Eublepharidae family, geckos with movable eyelids. Leopard geckos are also called Eublepharis macularius.
Leopard geckos’ natural habitat gets very hot during the days, so they spend half of the day hiding under the rocks. In colder months, they also tend to hide between rocks and in caves.
Why do leopard geckos have spots on their bodies?
Leopard geckos are spotted because they are being bred selectively for specific yellow skin pigmentation. There are many morphs that you can find on the market. Different colors and patterns on leopard geckos make them very popular!
How long do leopard geckos live for?
With good care, leopard geckos live long lives. Leopard geckos are hardy, too. While male leopard geckos often live longer than females, the average lifespan for leopard geckos is 15-20 years old! In captivity with average to good care, expect your leopard gecko to live for 6 to 12 years, but it can be much longer!
Are leopard geckos easy to keep? Do leopard geckos make good pets?
Leopard geckos make good pets because they are hardy and highly adaptable. They are also docile and make perfect 
pet lizards for beginners. Advanced reptile keeps might be also interested in leopard gecko morphs for their complex genetics. You can handle you leopard gecko, as they are docile and calm. They are suitable for busy people, who can live them alone for a day or few.
Leopard geckos are very entertaining and cute! Also, leopard geckos are also easy to keep and will adapt to different conditions. They are also easy to breed, have fun personalities and are very beautiful! Their soft skin, big eyes and pretty colors make them ideal pets to keep, watch and handle.
So, how often can I handle my leopard gecko?
It is best not to handle baby leopard geckos, as this will cause stress. Start handling leopard geckos when they are around 5 months old. Handle your leopard gecko around 5-6 days a week, for around 20-30 minutes maximum.
Handling your leopard gecko will make your pet calm and docile. If you don’t handle and interact with your leopard gecko at all, it won’t become tame and can bite. Start building relationships from the beginning, by coming close to the cage and hand feeding your leopard gecko. This way it will get used to you.
What do leopard geckos eat?
Leopard geckos are carnivores, which means that they are feeding on meat such as small mice, and mainly insects. They enjoy eating beetles, flies, spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, scorpions, mealworms, waxworms, superworms and silkworms. You will need to measure food portions and offer some foods only occasionally.
Your leopard gecko will also need supplements – vitamins and minerals. Check an article on leopard gecko diet for a full feeding and supplementation guide.
Can leopard geckos climb?
Leopard geckos don’t have sticky toe pads to stick to the vertical surfaces, so they can’t climb any smooth surfaces and walls. But at the same time, they can climb on rocks and branches.
How big do leopard geckos get? What is the average leopard gecko weight and length?
Hatchling leopard geckos reach around 3.5 inches, and the adults – around 7-10 inches. Hatchlings weigh around 3 grams and reach 50-100 grams when mature. Leopard geckos reach their full length by 14-18 months of age.
Do leopard geckos have nails and teeth?
Leopard gecko’s nails are very small and not sharp. When a leopard gecko is crawling on your skin, it should only tickle and not scratch. Leopard geckos have teeth, but they are not very sharp.
Do leopard geckos bite?
Leopard geckos bite very rarely. Biting is more common with younger leopard geckos and babies, for example when they are snatching food from your hands.
Also, a leopard gecko can bite if you make any sudden movements when handling it or if your interrupt breeding displays. In general, leopard gecko bites are not serious.
Can you keep leopard geckos with other pets in the house (dogs, cats)?
You must be careful if you want to keep your leopard gecko with other pets nearby. Domestic cats and dogs as well as some snakes can injure and even eat your leopard gecko.
Make sure your leopard gecko’s vivarium is suitable to avoid any escapes. Placing a vivarium in the room where other pets don’t come in often can be a good idea. But don’t choose a basement or a garage – it can be too cold in there.
Can I keep my leopard gecko with other pet lizards or other leopard geckos?
As we have discussed before, leopard geckos don’t like being handled too much and too often – they are not the most sociable pet lizards. This also means that there can be a problem if you house other lizards with your leopard gecko.
Good news is that you can try keeping your leopard gecko with other lizard species that live in similar conditions. These are, for example, South-African flat lizards.
But still, the best practice is to keep leopard geckos separately. This is because leopard geckos are carnivorous and they might eat smaller lizards. There is also a risk of cross contamination.
But there is a main rule that you need to follow – never house two or more males together. Males are territorial and can become aggressive. To keep your leopard gecko with lizards of different species, the vivarium should be large, as leopard geckos are territorial. Also, never keep leopard gecko with other small lizards, as they might eat them.
To keep few leopard geckos together:
Do leopard geckos make any sounds?
Yes, leopard geckos make quiet clicking noises from time to time, often when you are handling them.
Are leopard geckos diurnal or nocturnal?
Leopard geckos are crepuscular and nocturnal, which means that they get active during twilight, dawn and night. This is because in their natural habitat, temperatures during the day get very high and leopard geckos hide under rocks.
When temperatures drop, leopard geckos come out and become active. This also means that you won’t need to have a special UV lighting in the vivarium – which can save you money and time! Leopard geckos are thigmotherms, which means that you will need to heat their vivarium for them to warm themselves up.
Are leopard geckos venomous?
No leopard geckos are not venomous. Their teeth are not very sharp, either.
Thank you for reading this facts article! Make sure to read more on leopard gecko care and to learn about diet, terrarium setups, illnesses and more!