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Keeping Australian Geckos

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WELCOME TO THE AUSTRALIAN HERPETOLOGY
Housing Your Leopard Gecko Page
by
John Fowler & Rachel Barnes


The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is one of the most popular species of geckos kept in the world.

Note that it is normally illegal to keep Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and other exotic (not native) species of reptiles in Australia, however much of the information about keeping Leopard Geckos applies to geckos in general.

 

HOUSING YOUR LEOPARD GECKO
(Eublepharis macularius)


Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

When it comes to providing a home for your gecko, you will have to keep some basics in mind. It needs warmth, humidity, a place to hide, and a substrate for the flooring. Purchase and set up your equipment before you acquire your Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). While they are fairly hardy, it's not a good idea to leave them sitting and waiting in their carrying boxes while you scurry to get their homes in order. When it comes to the enclosure itself, your best choice is a glass aquarium, readily available at any pet store or, possibly, from garage sales or flea markets. Glass allows you to easily observe your pet, which is a must in order to catch any early signs of problems. A pair can live comfortably in a 10 -15 gallon tank (20 to 24" 50 to 60cm). Crowding your geckos will only cause stress, health issues and territorial fights.



Arrange your tank so that the temperature is 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (31 to 32 degrees Centigrade) on one side, using heat lamps to get to that level if necessary, and arrange the other side to remain down in the mid 70s Fahrenheit (low 20's Centigrade). It's important to allow the animal a temperature gradient, as that will let it regulate its own body temperature. You can use a 40 to 60 watt incandescent bulb, and that will effectively take care of both heat and light however keep an eye on the temperature. As geckos are naturally nocturnal creatures, there is no need to invest in any special lamp, such as UVB lighting. You may also wish to provide an under tank heat mat for your geckos, which will allow them to bask and receive that heat directly into their bellies.
Direct sunlight should not be allowed to fall on an aquarium as it may cause the tank to overheat

 

Be careful about the substrate you choose. Avoid aquarium gravel, walnut shells or calcium sand to prevent impaction. When a gecko eats the substrate and it becomes impacted in its gut, it blocks digestion and will result in a very costly trip to the veterinarian. Newspaper, paper towels, slate or tiles will make fine substrate. Lastly, provide your gecko with somewhere to hide to make him feel more secure. Inverted plant saucers, plants or wood will all suffice for this, and be sure to put something on both the warm and cool sides of the tank. To help your gecko shed properly, add in moist peat moss, sphagnum moss or paper towels to keep the humidity level just right.


OTHER FEATURED LINKS

Techniques in Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Feeding

What to Do When Your Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Gets Sick?

Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Australianherpetology.com

 



 

Caring For and Handling a Crested Gecko

Design a Vivarium For Your Crested Gecko

Common Health Issues Faced By Crested Geckos

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