Are you thinking of adopting a gecko? While there are many other types of geckos, the most common is the leopard gecko, which is a lovely and friendly reptile that is quite easy to raise. These reptiles, like all others, require appropriate habitats to survive. In reality, providing a suitable setting is half the battle when it comes to caring! A Las Vegas, NV veterinarian shares some advice on this below.
Choosing Your Gecko’s Habitat
When selecting a cage, there are a few considerations, but the most important is size.
Adult geckos require at least a 20-gallon habitat. Juveniles may have smaller tanks. We recommend getting at least 10 gallons for a baby lizard. Of course, if you plan to have more than one, you’ll need a larger cage.
It is best to choose a habitat with glass sides. habitats with open tops can be pretty appealing, but they will not be suitable for every household. If you have other pets and/or youngsters, choose something with a screened lid. Leopard geckos, unlike some other lizards, cannot climb, which protects them from predators like cats.
In terms of form, a tank with more horizontal than vertical room is best for a leopard gecko. Make sure the cover is properly closed, especially if you have cats.
(Note that geckos vary in size. We’re focusing on the leopard gecko in this article, so if you want a different type, do some study on that particular lizard. For example, if you’re adopting an arboreal gecko, such as a crested or tokay gecko, choose something tall enough to provide them some climbing space, as you’ll want to place miniature trees in there for them.)
Leopard Gecko Habitat Lighting
Most reptiles require UVB light to flourish. If reptiles do not receive enough UVB, they may develop MBD (metabolic bone disease), an extremely unpleasant and possibly lethal ailment. That is not the case with leopard geckos. Indeed, leopard geckos vary from other reptiles in this regard. These individuals are crepuscular. That implies they are most active around twilight and dawn, and spend the majority of the day sleeping. Geckos do benefit from UVB rays, but don’t need as much as other reptiles. However, they do require sufficient lighting. A modest 12 watt bulb is suitable for a leopard gecko. You’ll want to set this to a timer so it mimics natural light cycles.
How Do I Choose Substrate For My Gecko?
Choosing the correct substrate is also crucial. These are often divided into two types. Solid substrates include reptile carpet, butcher paper, paper towels, and newsprint, whereas loose substrates include quartz sand, excavator clay, and desert soils.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each variety. Solid substrates are easy to clean. They also weigh less and are frequently cheaper. However, they do not allow your pet to dig and may not provide adequate traction. They can also cause mild discomfort. Reptiles, like humans, may become sore from standing on a hard surface! Loose substrates allow for digging and may be easier to clean. However, they are more expensive and heavier. There is also a higher risk of impaction, parasite burden, and dehydration, especially if circumstances and other care requirements are inadequate.
We would not recommend using sand, especially on juvenile geckos. They may mistakenly consume it. This can result in intestinal obstructions, which are both uncomfortable and hazardous. You can, however, use a combination of sand and soil.
Contact your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian for additional information on substrate.
What Temperature Do Geckos Need?
Leopard geckos live in cooler climates than many other reptiles do. Unlike many of their kin, they dislike extreme heat. Keep the habitat between 80 and 90F on the warm side and 70 to 75 on the cool side. You can lower the temperatures at night. You’ll also need to provide an area for basking. This should be hotter, around 95 degrees Celsius. Under-tank heaters or heated pads are a nice option. Geckos frequently get burned by heat rocks, so avoid using them.
Ask your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian for particular advice on this, including where to acquire heating equipment.
What Kind of Hides Do Geckos Need?
Everyone needs a spot to decompress and get away from it all. That applies to reptiles as well! You will need to offer some form of hide. Geckos frequently hide in cracks and crevices in nature, as they have a strong instinct to flee danger. Your pet’s cage should have something that offers safety and privacy. You may find excellent hides at pet stores, but you can also get creative and use a plant pot, a plastic container with a ‘door’ cut into it, or anything similar.
You will need to purchase two. One of them will need to be set up in a way that allows your lizard to shed. You can accomplish this by using moist paper towels, moss, vermiculite, or other materials. Ask your vet for more information.
What Do Geckos Need for Accessories?
Geckos don’t play, therefore there’s no need to add any toys. However, like other pets, they do require stimulation and enrichment. For reptiles, this primarily requires climbing and exploring. You can include safe plants, climbing rocks, logs, and other items. Small figurines or even works of art can be a fun addition. These things can also make the habitat more appealing and interesting!
They also require dinnerware. This would include a small water bowl and a little calcium powder dish.
What Type Of Gecko Should I Get?
There are over 1500 varieties of geckos. However, only a few of these are suitable for pets. Though the leopard gecko is at the top of the list, additional alternatives include the crested gecko and the African fat-tailed gecko. If you choose a different variety, you’ll want to get precise care instructions based on the type you get.
Conduct thorough research before acquiring a leopard gecko or any other reptile. Size, habitat requirements, temperament, lifespan, and care complexity are all important factors to consider. Diet is also a huge factor. Most of these guys eat live insects like crickets, Dubai roaches, and waxworms. This means you’ll need to be comfortable buying, storing, and handling bugs.
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