🦎 Reptiles

Leopard Gecko

The perfect starter reptile.

Leopard geckos are docile, hardy and easy to handle. They don’t need UVB as critically as diurnal reptiles (though low-level UVB helps) and come in many colors.

Lifespan15–20 years
SizeSmall · 7–10 in
Care levelBeginner
Typical cost$20–40 / month
Great for
BeginnersKids with supervisionSmall spacesDocileCalmNocturnal
Leopard Gecko

Photo: George Chernilevsky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

20-gallon long minimum (40 preferred); warm side 88–92°F with a thermostat; humid hide for shedding.

Gut-loaded insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms) dusted with calcium and vitamins.

Enrichment through climbing décor and supervised exploring.

Check for stuck shed on toes and tail tip.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Impaction
  • Stuck shed
  • Cryptosporidiosis
  • Egg binding
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Reptile vet check after adoption, then yearly with fecal tests.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.