Some people are drawn to the cuddly companionship of dogs and cats, while others prefer something more manageable. Leopard Geckos are one such adorable pet that is much simpler to care for and, for some people, even more rewarding.
This guide will help you if you are considering adopting a baby Leopard Gecko. Perhaps you are a proud new owner, or you want to learn as much as possible before you adopt one.
Take Care of Baby Leopard Gecko
Either way, we’ve got you covered with everything (every precise details) that you desire to recognize about setting up your leopard gecko’s new home, how to feed them, & the quality time that they might need fro, your end.
Leopard Gecko Facts
The genus Eublepharidae includes Leopard Geckos. These remarkable geckos have unique features that are different from most others. They have moveable eyelids but don’t have toe pads as other species. This means that leopard geckos can’t climb on smooth surfaces.
It’s normal for Leopard Geckos to shed their skin from time to time. This is normal and positive behavior.
As a defense mechanism, they shed their skin to keep their scents from being picked up and eaten by predators. Leopard geckos can be found in semi-desert areas of the Middle East, including countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.
If they are well cared for, they can live up to 20-30 years. Leopard Geckos are one species of reptile that loves to be handled, particularly if they were raised around humans or with human contact.
This, along with their long lifespan, means you can have a pet reptile friend for your entire adult life. Adopting a baby leopard gecko can be a big commitment. You must be prepared to live with your gecko for the long-term.
Are Leopard Geckos Good Pets?
For their first year, Leopard Geckos can be considered babies. They grow quickly during this first year. They can begin breeding around 12 months old, but they should not for their continued health.
Leopard geckos are considered one of the most loving pets for reptiles. They are easy to take care of and foster a loving and positive relationship.
Leopard Geckos are generally docile and happy animals. Leopard Geckos are also one of the most beautiful geckos. They are friendly and will become more open to you as they age. However, they do not require much of your time every day.
Where Can I Get a Baby Leopard Gecko?
Leopard Geckos can be purchased at any pet shop that sells reptiles. You can order them online, or you can work with a smaller local pet shop to have them delivered.
Local breeders might be able to help you find Leopard Geckos. People who have been a leopard geckos owner for many years might also be able to breed them casually. You might try looking online to find out if they are available locally.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Leopard Gecko?
Adopting a baby leopard gecko is a $30-$100 investment. The price of a baby will depend on its morph, color and base pattern.
- You will need a glass tank between 10 and 20 gallons to keep the leopard geckos safe.
For young geckos that have just hatched, you can use plastic terrariums. - It is important to provide them with a large enclosure they can grow in so that they thrive. The price of a tank can be significantly affected by whether it is new or used.
- They cost anywhere from $10 to $200 depending on the quality and size of the animal. A substrate and light will be needed to support their heat.
- It will usually cost between $50 and $100. You will also need to provide them with a steady diet of insects, which you can usually buy at any pet shop.
- The leopard geckos diet is usually not very expensive at around $10-20 per week, especially if purchased in bulk.
What Kind of Home Does My Baby Leopard Gecko Need?
Baby leopard geckos can keep their environment small with a plastic terrarium. This will allow them to grow up in a more manageable space.
It is not necessary, however, if they want to move into their final home.
A leopard gecko needs a glass terrarium. A 10-gallon tank is possible if you have only one.
You should get a gallon tank of 15 to 20 gallons if you are concerned about having more than one leopard gecko.
It is best to pair leopard geckos that are approximately the same age as each other, as some adults will eat baby geckos.
To ensure your gecko has plenty of habitat and substrate, you need to fill up the tank.
Many substrates work well for leopard geckos. Reptile carpet is one example. This stops them from ingesting it while they catch their prey. The bottom of the enclosure can be lined with newspaper, tiles, and paper towels.
Avoid small pebbles or sand substrates, even though they might be the most common in their natural habitats. If not properly managed, they can cause impaction.
Heating and lighting are two of the most important elements in a leopard gecko enclosure. To live happy and long lives, they need to be kept at a constant temperature.
A heat lamp can be used to provide heating and lighting. Instead of turning on the light constantly, simulate day-night cycles for around 12 hours.The temperature of the cage should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your reptile’s tank should have a temperature of between 85 and 94 degrees. The cool side should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can provide tank accessories to keep your leopard gecko happy and allow them to have their own time. These accessories include hidey-holes or basking platforms. You can also add non-toxic plants to the garden and natural materials like rocks.
What Should I Feed My Baby Leopard Gecko?
Even as a baby, a Leopard Gecko can eat a variety of foods. A baby leopard gecko can be fed the same food as an adult leopard gecko.
They will eat mealworms and crickets as their staple food. You can supplement their diet with super worms and wax worms as well as silkworms and silkworms.
Leopard geckos, in addition to their usual diet, will need a vitamin supplement after every meal.
This is particularly important for baby Leopard Geckos. They might not grow properly without it and may not have a strong skeletal system.
Calcium deficiency should be the first thing you look out for in your gecko’s diet. You don’t need to worry if they eat calcium powder.
How Do I Take Care of My Baby Leopard Gecko?
Every day, baby leopard geckos should be fed. They develop quickly in their first six months. You will only need to feed them once a year.
For every inch of their height, it is a good rule of thumb to feed them two insects per day. This is when they are most active so it’s best to feed them later in the day.
You should also be aware of the fact that they will shed approximately every 5 to 7 days once they hatch after their first month. They will then shed approximately once per week until they reach adulthood.
Your Baby Leopard Gecko’s colors will turn duller, so you can easily tell when they will shed.
The skin becomes whiter and separates. They won’t waste any nutrients once the skin has shed and they will eat the skin.
You should wait at least two weeks before handling your Baby Leopard Gecko. They must get used to their new environment first.
Hold your Baby Gecko for at least 24 hours after they start to eat. Start with the basics.
Let them get to know you by putting your hand into their tank at night. But don’t touch them. You can eventually let them climb on your hand.
How Do I Know If My Baby Leopard Gecko Is Sick?
Even though leopard geckos can be tough, their babies are more vulnerable. You should be aware of the risks that a baby leopard gecko might get ill if they are not properly cared for.
A baby leopard gecko’s most serious risk is calcium deficiency. To ensure proper development, your gecko will need to be gut-loaded or dust with minerals and vitamins.
Another potentially fatal disease in baby geckos, gastrointestinal (GI), impaction, is another. When hunting insects, lizards mistakenly eat small pieces of sand.
Gradually, the sand in their GI tract builds up until it becomes blocked. Your pet will eventually stop eating and strain to pass stool.
Baby geckos can also suffer from a condition called shedding skin retention. Instead of growing new skin, they become dehydrated and cannot shed their skin.
It is usually caused by a lack humidity. They will lose weight quickly if they are unable to shed their skin.
You should immediately contact your vet if you see any of these symptoms. These symptoms can usually be reversed if you wait until the end. Your gecko may die if it is left unattended for too long.
Conclusion
It is not easy to take care of a baby leopard gecko and requires learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have many happy years with a pet that loves spending time with you.