Leopard geckos have been considered one of the most commonly chosen pet reptiles as they are small, easy to keep, come in a variety of colors and patterns, and are cheaper compared to other reptiles available in pet stores and they can get used to handling.
Geckos are among the few captive-bred reptiles to be sold as pets. The average lifespan of the leopard gecko is considered to be 10 to 20 years. However, their life expectancy varies differently for those that lived in their external environment (20 years) compared to those bred in captivity (10-15 years). Here are some important tips that all leopard gecko owners and enthusiasts should know to extend the life of their pets:
1. Control your pet’s diet. Most leopard geckos eat live insects such as crickets, locusts, and mealworms. Since they prefer live ones, the safekeeping and storage of these insects, keeping them healthy and alive should be a priority. From time to time, give them treats by feeding them other more expensive insects like butterworms, silkworms, and waxworms. There should also be plenty of water source available for your pets.
2. Provide good food supplements. Since some insects do not contain the necessary nutritional value, calcium and vitamins should be given to your pets. Calcium powders are available at pet stores that you can sprinkle on the food you feed your pets. However, be careful because giving large doses can be dangerous.
3. Maintain a sufficient and adaptable environment. Most geckos are found in dry, rocky, tropical landscapes. This should be replicated in their shelter such as cages, tanks, or aquariums. Initially, sand or other granular substrates were used to cover the grounds. However, these materials cause impactions.
Substrates that are considered safe would include used newspaper, paper towels, and wood chips. Also, since leopard geckos are cold-blooded and require external heating, their tanks should be provided with multiple skins (warm, cold, and moist). The different skins help maintain the temperature requirements of these reptiles. They can shed their skin whenever they need a warm or cold environment, especially during molting and egg laying.
4. Reduce the risk of stress. The presence of another leopard gecko in the refuge tends to increase the problem of stress and territorial disputes. These shelters need to be large enough, especially if you plan on putting two or more in a tank.
An average of 20 gallons should be the ideal tank size for two geckos and an additional 10 gallons per gecko should be maintained. Housing male and female geckos together should also be supervised. Since males tend to be more sexually aggressive than females during breeding, enclosures must be created to separate the male from the female.
The life expectancy of leopard geckos varies depending on how it interacts with its environment. Those kept in captivity can outlive their outdoor counterparts if given proper care, feeding, and atmosphere. Follow the tips mentioned above and your pets will surely live longer than expected. It will also strengthen the position that we as human beings can provide a good environment for these animals.