How to Raise Baby Leopard Geckos

The leopard gecko is considered a hardy, prolific species that comes in a variety of colors. Popular with owners and breeders, this type of gecko is easy to care for and can live up to 16 years on average. Leopard geckos have caudual autonomy which means they can voluntarily detach their tails to escape from predators. Geckos also shed their skin and will typically eat it. They require a thermal gradient range from 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit on one end of their living environment and 70 to 80 degrees on the other end at all times to allow them to maintain body heat and energy.

Things You'll Need

  • Leopard gecko
  • 15 gallon aquarium with fluorescent light
  • Terracotta plant saucer
  • Under tank heating pad
  • Plastic container
  • Lizard litter
  • Peat moss
  • Small crickets (live)
  • Water dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the under tank heating pad to the underside of one end of the aquarium. Plug it in and adjust the temperature gauge so it will heat between 86 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill the tank about 2 inches deep with lizard litter substrate. Punch a small gecko-sized hole in the side of the terracotta plant saucer. Place the saucer in the aquarium upside down like a hut over the heated area.

    • 2

      Punch a gecko-sized hole in the side of the plastic container. Fill it half full with peat moss and moisten. This moss will need to be kept constantly moist to allow the gecko to have a humid area to aid with the care of its skin. Place the container in the aquarium. Make sure your aquarium comes with a fluorescent light which will act like sunlight during the day time. Fill the water bowl up and place in tank.

    • 3

      Purchase a leopard gecko and small, live crickets from a local pet store. Put the gecko in the aquarium. Give the gecko six to eight crickets four to five times a week. Make sure the gecko has fresh water daily.

    • 4

      Clean the lizard litter bi-weekly or when it smells musty. Replace and moisten the peat moss regularly. When your gecko grows into adulthood, you can feed it adult crickets.