I have recently saved 'Ernie' from a friend of mine, who is guilty of passing interests.

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A 6 month old leopard gecko, who has only just begun to enjoy life. My friend has also informed me of the following requirements of this animal:

Temperature: No intervention necessary, this is one of the few lizards that simply lives by room temperature.
Feeding: Buy some crickets, throw in tank. When he is rummaging around for food, buy more.
Cleaning: When the tank is dirty, clean it
Housing: Currently included was a 10 gallon tank, with reptile mat on the bottom. Has a single hide right now.

I started looking around, and these are some of the biggest hits on Google:

http://www.leopardgecko.com/leopard-gecko-care
http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizar...opardgecko.htm
http://www.geckosetc.com/htm/care.htm
http://www.progeckos.com/caresheets/leos.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WJfLHeuckU&NR=1

I have made the following changes:

Temperature: Under tank heater is a must, but I still need to get one. I have a under cabinet light under one side of the tank. These guys need temperature gradiants, and the one I am creating is fairly harsh <95* right on top of the light to 60* on the other end>, but I think that is better then nothing for the moment. My apartment, during the winter, does not see the north side of 60* in winter time very regularly, rarely above 65*, and has yet to be heated beyond 70* in the winter. The recommended room temp is 73* or above as mentioned in one article, but that will simply not be happening. I think with enough tank heating, it should be fine.

Feeding: Looks like I get to feed him almost daily. Crickets, etc, the usual. Should be fun! Dusting is a must! Probably going to get a second tank for either the crickets, or the gecko, not sure yet.

My questions:

Sand: I live in the desert, and have a lot of the stuff. There are conflicting views on using this. Mainly that the babies like to eat it. I get the impression that as long as it has enough calcium <between dusting and supplement being out for it> I don't believe it to be an issue. Please correct me if I am wrong. The finer particles the better.

Housing: I have a shelf of about 2'x5'. Debating, plastic bin, or bigger tank, or multiple levels on the current tank. I hope to see the setups of any others that might care for these guys for ideas. I want the area to be a complement to the animal.


What do you guys think, what have I got to learn? I would prefer to keep the focus of this discussion with those who are experienced in this subject, and not the Google bums that float around. Even I can surf Google.

I can tell you as far as sand goes its no real issue my brothers lepoard gecko lived in sand for the 7 months he had it no problem yes crickets/wax worms are good food and they neeed 80-90 degrees and a ''cool zone'' of about 70 and def a place to hide

Oh and if you buy crickets in bulk like we did buy 30 for like 3 bucks plus tx th way to keep them alive is cut up potatoes in a variance of slices and chunks the crickets live off them just replace em when they look ''old''

be careful which veggies you feed it. My buddy had an Iquana and its bones got soft, and eventually died from being fed Lettuce to often (to much water content). A undertank heater is a good idea but make sure it doesnt cover the whole bottom, they have to be able to excape the heat if they want to. Mist him and the cage with water, every now and then, and try to feed him a variety of food. Crickets, waxworms, veggies, jumbo meal worms, and depending how big he gets, pinky mice. Also try to add foliage, or differant levels so he can climb, with out having to climb the glass.

I have had lots of exotic pets/reptiles. including Boa Constrictors, Pythons, Bearded dragons and even had a Komodo Dragon for a couple years. O and a few Tarantula'* but didnt really like em. All i have right now is a 7+ foot Female Argentine Boa (endangered species under cites appendix I) which i have had for over 10 years, i got her when she was the size of a pencil about.

the only big snake he has hahah

OH thats a Quote right there hahaha ^^^^

hahahaha

Weak :( Im about to have my old lady become a member so she can correct you all... LOL.. Here is another thread John wont revisit. hahaha

i dont think you can have two members claim the same car..lol

why? We got a member that claims a car on his siggy but doesnt even own a car