Leopard Geckos as pets
Written by Nico Fuhriman
When I first laid eyes on Henry 8 years ago, I just knew he was the one. I remember that it was on my birthday—probably the best birthday present I could’ve asked for. He and his gorgeous yellow-green eyes were so unique, unlike any I’ve ever seen before. I remember watching him from across the store, waiting to go to where he was. I could feel the spark lighting between us. I grabbed what I assumed would be his favorite meal…crickets. He was the cutest baby leopard gecko in the pet store, and he just looked like his name should be Henry.
Having a leopard gecko as a pet is an amazing experience, and it’s something I would recommend to anyone responsible enough to take care of themselves and an animal. As long as the proper research is done on caring for a leopard gecko, they are easy animals to own. They are animals you can build a relationship with based on trust, and they rely on you. Giving them the proper amount of time to interact while staying on schedule (not interrupting their sleep schedule) is a great way to build a connection with them and keep them in good health.
Leopard geckos are super curious animals, and with proper care, they can live up to 20 years. Their cute and inquisitive nature makes them a lifelong friend. You can also have many cute tanks, whether you go for a more natural look or a more fun, colorful one, all while meeting their needs.
Though some people might think that leopard geckos are minimal pets, they have many needs. They require different vitamins provided by food, proper lighting, and crevices to fit into as they like to hide a lot, but they will come out to climb and explore. Their tank cleaning is simple because they tend to only poop in one corner! You may even make a mini litter box for them to make it more convenient.
As much as I’d want to say they aren’t space-consuming, it all depends on the enclosure you provide. (The bigger, the better!) The minimal requirement for a cage is at least 40 gallons for an adult leopard gecko. They prefer loose soil, such as sand and dirt mixed, and you can even add clay to this mixture so it’s moldable for their desires. Being a desert-dwelling animal, they need a dry cage while still having some moist areas for when they are shedding.
Overall Leopard geckos are pets that are not too time-consuming but still fun to interact with and observe. I’d recommend doing as much research as you can about them and making sure you can provide them with the best care possible.
*There is a lot of misinformation about these animals and lots of places selling harmful products for animals for economic gain rather than for the animals' health. Unfortunately not everyone does their research before investing in a pet which leads to neglect, poor health and even death. It is encouraged to do research on any animal before purchasing to ensure the best life for them. Do not be an animal abuser by being ignorant or uneducated. Make sure to check credibility and crosscheck information on different websites*