Changes

Leopard geckos are largely insectivorous and suitable food includes crickets, small locusts, waxmoth larvae, mealworms (''Tenebrio molitor'') and nestling mice. A staple diet of crickets along with occasional waxworms and mealworms make a good diet. Adult geckos can also be fed an occasional pinkie mouse.

Leopard geckos are largely insectivorous and suitable food includes crickets, small locusts, waxmoth larvae, mealworms (''Tenebrio molitor'') and nestling mice. A staple diet of crickets along with occasional waxworms and mealworms make a good diet. Adult geckos can also be fed an occasional pinkie mouse.

Juveniles can be feed every day and adults every day or every other day (four food items per feeding is usually sufficient for adults) These geckos do not rely on UV radiation for their vitamin D3/[[Calcium|Ca]] metabolism, but must obtain all their nutritional requirements from their food supply. Supplementation is therefore a must. Insects should be both nutrient loaded and dusted with a supplement.

Juveniles can be feed every day and adults every day or every other day (four food items per feeding is usually sufficient for adults) These geckos do not rely on UV radiation for their vitamin D3/[[Calcium - Reptiles|Ca]] metabolism, but must obtain all their nutritional requirements from their food supply. Supplementation is therefore a must. Insects should be both nutrient loaded and dusted with a supplement.

If possible feed in a separate container so that ingestion of the substrate is minimised. If feeding within their enclosure any uneaten food should be removed.

If possible feed in a separate container so that ingestion of the substrate is minimised. If feeding within their enclosure any uneaten food should be removed.

These geckos are semi-nocturnal and non-illuminating heat sources are ideal. High temperature heaters such as ceramics will require screening and thermostatic control. Incandescent bulbs (40W) can be used over specific basking areas to provide further heat. A thermometer should be used to monitor the temperature of these basking areas versus the ambient air temperature in the vivarium. Alternatively a simple spotlight (with the appropriate wattage bulb) used without a heating mat can provide both daytime light and heat. A photoperiod of about 12 hours is adequate. At night, low wattage red incandescent light bulbs can be used for heating.

These geckos are semi-nocturnal and non-illuminating heat sources are ideal. High temperature heaters such as ceramics will require screening and thermostatic control. Incandescent bulbs (40W) can be used over specific basking areas to provide further heat. A thermometer should be used to monitor the temperature of these basking areas versus the ambient air temperature in the vivarium. Alternatively a simple spotlight (with the appropriate wattage bulb) used without a heating mat can provide both daytime light and heat. A photoperiod of about 12 hours is adequate. At night, low wattage red incandescent light bulbs can be used for heating.

Since Leopard geckos are nocturnal they do not have any special lighting requirements as far as vitamin D3/[[Calcium|calcium]] metabolism is concerned and no special UV lighting is required. Leopard geckos are especially active at night and will appreciate open areas to roam and therefore the vivarium must not be too cluttered.

Since Leopard geckos are nocturnal they do not have any special lighting requirements as far as vitamin D3/[[Calcium - Reptiles|calcium]] metabolism is concerned and no special UV lighting is required. Leopard geckos are especially active at night and will appreciate open areas to roam and therefore the vivarium must not be too cluttered.

If keeping a group of Leopard geckos, keep one male and two or more females. Two males kept together will not tolerate one another.

If keeping a group of Leopard geckos, keep one male and two or more females. Two males kept together will not tolerate one another.

Create a temperature range of 25-29ºC for daytime with a basking place of up to 34ºC. Night-time temperatures should not fall below 20ºC.

Create a temperature range of 25-29ºC for daytime with a basking place of up to 34ºC. Night-time temperatures should not fall below 20ºC.

[[Category:Lizard_Species]]

[[Category:Lizard_Species]]

[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]

[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]