What bedding should I use for my Leopard Gecko?
The best substrate for leopard geckos is either reptile carpet, excavator clay, or coconut husks. You can also use paper towels if you’re working on a tight budget. To learn more about which substrates to use and which to avoid, read on.
What bedding is best for geckos?
Here are a few types of leopard gecko substrate that we recommend:
- Reptile Carpet. One of the most popular substrates for its ease of use, reptile carpet is a safe and attractive substrate for leopard gecko tanks.
- Newspaper.
- Paper Towels.
- Prepackaged Bedding.
- Stones and Slate.
- Tile Flooring.
- Shelf Liner.
What do leopard geckos need in their cage?
Leopard Geckos require “humidified shelters” or a “moist box” to help facilitate shedding. These moist hideaways can be created by lining a shelter or box with moist substrate, such as sphagnum moss, peat moss, damp soil or other products.
Do you need a heat pad for leopard geckos?
Leopard gecko tanks need a heat and light source to simulate the temperature and light differences between night and day. The best option for this is a heat lamp and a heat mat combo. Without both, leopard geckos can get too cold and are eventually unable to maintain the correct body temperature.
Do leopard geckos need bedding?
Summary Table
| Substrate | Suitable | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Newspaper/Paper Towel | Yes | Not sustainable. |
| Pine, Fir, or Cedar | No | This wood contains oils toxic to reptiles. |
| Reptile Carpet | Yes | Gets dirty quickly and is expensive. |
| Reptile Sand Mat | Yes | Hard to spot-clean. |
Should I turn my leopard geckos heat mat off at night?
With correct set up there should be no need to keep a night time temp the same as day temp. If you are providing appropriate day time temps then some heat retention will occur in the object present in the viv. Low temps for 12 hours a day will have no effect on digestion.
What is toxic to Leopard Geckos?
Other common plants and seeds that are poisonous to geckos include apple seeds, apricot pits, peach pits, pear seeds, oak trees, English ivy and tomato plants. Be safe and double check any plants that are in pet geckos’ habitats, including both the vivarium and any areas where they are allowed to roam.
What does it take to take care of a leopard gecko?
To care for your leopard gecko, start by filling its water dish every day with clean bottled water and keeping it on the cooler side of its tank. Then, feed the gecko 8 crickets every few days, or daily if it’s a young gecko.
Is it hard to take care of a leopard gecko?
While leopard geckos are easy to take care of, they can also be prone to health problems. One of the conditions that can be a burden is metabolic bone disease, which is an outcome of not having enough calcium and Vitamin D3 in their diet.
What is everything I need for a leopard gecko?
Power strip with programmable digital timer Substrate Sphagnum moss Leopard gecko decor kit Food dish Water dish Calcium supplement (no vitamin D) Multivitamin powder Kitchen scale Live feeder insects. Keep in mind that everything should be purchased and set up BEFORE you get the gecko.
Do leopard geckos need a vet?
While your gecko is submerged you should gently massage its belly. If that doesn’t help your gecko pass their stool and urates you should take your gecko to a vet. Your vet may need to administer an enema to your leopard gecko or they may discover it has intestinal parasites or needs other medical attention.