Top 20 Leopard Gecko FAQs (part 1)
Answer Box (Quick Take)
Leopard geckos are hardy, ground-dwelling lizards from arid regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. They thrive with dry habitats, moderate heating, and a diet of live insects. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years, making them an excellent reptile for first-time keepers.
Top 20 Leopard Gecko FAQs Condensed Table
1. What is a leopard gecko?
A ground-dwelling lizard native to dry, rocky areas of South Asia. Known for their spotted “leopard” patterns, they’re one of the few geckos with movable eyelids — so they can wink at you if they like.
2. Are leopard geckos good for beginners?
Yes — they’re hardy, forgiving of minor mistakes, and easy to feed. They’re also docile, making them a popular choice for first-time reptile owners.
3. How long do leopard geckos live?
With proper care, expect 15–20 years. They’re a long-term commitment, so think of it as adopting a scaly roommate who eats bugs.
4. How big do leopard geckos get?
Adults typically reach 7–10 inches from nose to tail tip, with females slightly smaller than males.
5. Do leopard geckos need heat lamps?
They need a warm basking spot to digest food. Many keepers use an under-tank heat mat to provide belly heat — mimicking how they absorb warmth from sun-heated rocks.
6. What do leopard geckos eat?
They’re insectivores, meaning their diet is 100% bugs. Offer gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Waxworms are candy — only for treats.
7. How often do they eat?
Juveniles eat daily. Adults eat 2–3 times per week, with portions they can finish in 10–15 minutes.
8. What’s the best enclosure size?
A 20-gallon long tank is minimum for one adult.
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9. Do leopard geckos need humidity?
They prefer 30–40% humidity, but require a humid hide to help with shedding. Too much moisture can cause respiratory issues.
10. Can you handle leopard geckos?
Yes, but support their body and avoid grabbing their tail. Gentle, frequent handling helps build trust.
11. Will they drop their tail?
Yes, if frightened or grabbed. It regrows, but the new tail is shorter and thicker.
12. Do leopard geckos bite?
Rarely — and it’s more surprising than painful. Most bites happen when fingers smell like food.
13. Can leopard geckos live together?
One per enclosure is best. Males will fight, and cohabitation can lead to breeding you didn’t plan for.
14. Do leopard geckos need UVB lighting?
Not strictly, but low-level UVB helps with calcium absorption and overall health.
15. How do you clean a leopard gecko enclosure?
Spot clean daily. Once a month, do a deep clean with reptile-safe disinfectant and fresh substrate.
16. Do leopard geckos need vet care?
Yes — annual check-ups help catch problems like metabolic bone disease before they’re severe.
17. Do leopard geckos brumate?
Yes — in cooler months, they may eat less and be less active. This is natural, but monitor their weight and health.
18. Can kids care for leopard geckos?
Yes, with adult supervision for feeding and handling. They’re a good pet for teaching responsibility.
19. Are leopard geckos nocturnal?
Yes — they’re most active at night and prefer dim lighting.
20. Where should you get a leopard gecko?
From a reputable breeder or reptile rescue. Avoid impulse purchases from poorly run pet shops.
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🦎 More Reptile Care & Setup Guides
Learning about leopard geckos is just the start. If you’d like to dive deeper into reptile housing and feeding, here are a few related guides from our blog:
DIY PVC Reptile Enclosure Build: Step-by-Step with Costs — a practical look at building enclosures on a budget.
Beginner’s Guide to Feeding Live Insects to Your Reptile — tips for choosing, gut-loading, and feeding insects safely.
Keeping Up Blog — our full collection of reptile care, feeding, and setup articles.
Use these resources alongside this FAQ to give your gecko the healthiest and happiest home possible.
