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Thinking of getting a Leopard Gecko, is this set up ok?
Ok, so I haven't actually bought anything yet because I am moving in a couple of months and I am in the process of building a adult size cage for my Iguana. I can't get the leo until after the move, but I have been researching their care so I want to make sure that I have a good understanding of what I need.
- 10-20g Tank for one (maybe two if I can get the genders) gecko.
- No UVB because they are nocturnal.
- Newspaper substrate (I use that for my other reptiles)
- Crickets/Meal worms (I'm not sure how many a baby should have, so if you can suggest then that would be great)
- Two hides and a shed box with moss . . . could I use a sponge? I've used moss with my frogs before and the heat of the tank causes it to mold within a couple of days.
- UTH (what wattage should I use to get the warm side of the tank close to the required temps, high 80's low 90's)
And I believe that's it for the basics. Anything that I may have missed please let me know and correct me if I am wrong about anything.
Also, how fragile are their tails? Will it just fall off if it is restrained or would someone have to really pull on it to make it come off? I just want to know how gentle I have to be with them before getting it. And if you have any handling tips please post them. I love to hear what owners have experienced.
Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavourite answer
The tank size should be fine, at least for now - 20g or larger if possible (ALWAYS, the bigger the better).
They do have night UVB lights, you could even sleep with them on, they're completely dark but still do produce the rays.
I personally would get a "terrarium liner" or "terrarium carpet," it is a small piece of felt fit to a terrarium size and is washable and reusable. And safer.
Three small-sized crickets per day per baby, one mealworm per day (never too many mealworms as they are high in calories and reptiles can develop fatty liver).
Hide boxes and shed box sounds great... COULD use a sponge. Wash regularly.
I would start with a 60 watt? If that isn't keeping temp then move up. Cool side 70's.
Wouldn't touch their tails at all until you are used to them ... had one tail fall off of mine for no APPARENT reason (maybe have been from handling but I don't think so...) Be very gentle.
I would mist them daily as well just to help with shedding also.. they are delicate shedders and can lose toes so easily. Humidity 40-60% (may need temp/humidity gauges?) or if you notice that they are going through a shed, they can be soaked in lukewarm water 10 min. a day till it's over. He'll hate it and may hiss at you but oh well, at least he'll end up with all his toes at the end.
They're funny to watch and very neatly colored! Have fun!
- 1 decade ago
Be very gentle with their tails and don't handle them too much when they are younger. your set up sounds great and when feeding the babies 1-1/2 small crickets should work fine ;) and when they are older 3-4 every 3 days
Source(s): i major in study of reptiles
