Read About Baby Leopard Gecko

Baby leopard geckos are gentle, long-living and easy to care for reptiles that make wonderful pets. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Baby Leopard Gecko - Facts

1. Description:

   Leopard geckos are native to the countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. They get their name from the leopard-like spots that cover the body of the adult reptiles.

2. Varieties:

   Some varieties of leopard gecko are giant high yellow, carrot tails, blizzards, albino and tangerines. The main difference in variety is the color of the skin. Some geckos have no spots at all.

3. History:

   Leopard geckos are from the subfamily Eublepharinae. They have been breeding in the wild for thousands of years.

4. Physical Traits:

   Depending on the variety, leopard geckos may have a lot of spots, or no spots at all. They grow to be about eight inches in length, and weigh between five and eight ounces. Baby geckos do not have spots, but get them as they mature.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   It is difficult to tell the sex of leopard geckos, as they are extremely similar in appearance. However, a female gecko has one long bulge at the base of the tail, and the male this bulge is divided in two.

6. Habitat:

   Leopard geckos are best housed in fish aquariums with locking lids. A good rule of thumb is ten gallons of space for each gecko. Acrylic tanks should not be used, as the heat lamp needed to keep the gecko warm will melt the acrylic. Paper towels, walnut-shell bedding, or carpet are good types of bedding for geckos. A "hide" should also be available, as this is where the gecko will sleep. They also enjoy grapevines or similar things to climb on. Geckos feed on live crickets and mealworms.

Baby Leopard Gecko - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Leopard geckos are easy to care for, and can live for up to thirty years. It is also rare for leopard geckos to bite.

2. Liabilities:

   Geckos lose their tails occasionally if they fight with other geckos in the aquarium. This is natural, but since fat is stored in the tail, a gecko may die unless it is fed consistently and kept warm.

3. Health Issues:

   Leopard geckos are naturally deficient in vitamin D3, which is found in calcium. Calcium powder is a good way to provide this vitamin. Otherwise, leopard geckos do not generally have many health problems.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Geckos enjoy being handled, and will often perch on your shoulder. They should be fed as many crickets or mealworms as they will eat at one time.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Leopard geckos are good with children, as long as the child handles the reptile very carefully. Young children should be supervised when around reptiles. Other pets should not be allowed access to the gecko.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Be sure that children and pets cannot get to the gecko unless you are there to supervise, to avoid injury to the gecko.

Baby Leopard Gecko - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   A healthy leopard gecko should be alert, with bright eyes. The tail should not be skinny, because it may not have been fed properly.

2. Supplies:

   Besides the aquarium, a gecko needs a "hide", where it can go to escape stress and to sleep. Bedding is needed, along with crickets or mealworms (and occasionally wax worms) for food.

3. Expense:

   Leopard geckos are available for around thirty dollars.