Leopard geckos make wonderful pets, but as with any animal, they require proper care to thrive. Unfortunately, many new owners make common mistakes that can lead to health issues or discomfort for their gecko. Let’s dive into 8 mistakes every gecko owner should avoid!

1. Improper Temperature and Humidity Levels

Leopard geckos need a controlled environment to stay healthy. Without proper temperature gradients, they struggle with digestion, shedding, and overall health. To create the right setup, provide a warmer zone (around 90°F) and a cooler area (around 75°F) for your gecko to regulate its body temperature. Humidity should be kept low to moderate, around 30-40%. Using a thermometer and hygrometer helps ensure the conditions stay within the proper range, preventing stress and any other potential health issues.

2. Inadequate Substrate Choice

Selecting the wrong substrate for your leopard gecko can lead to serious health issues, particularly if the substrate is too loose. Sand, for example, is often ingested by geckos while they dig or hunt, potentially causing digestive impaction, which can be life-threatening. Instead, use safe, non-loose options such as reptile carpets, ceramic tiles, or paper towels. These substrates are easy to clean, provide a safer environment, and help to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels in the tank, reducing risks and promoting overall health.

3. Feeding the Wrong Diet

Many new gecko owners make the mistake of feeding their pets only one type of food, such as mealworms. While mealworms are fine, a varied diet is essential for their health. Leopard geckos should be fed a range of live insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and waxworms. Additionally, gut-loading insects with nutritious food and dusting them with calcium and vitamin D3 powder can prevent nutritional deficiencies. A lack of variety and proper supplementation can result in weakened bones or metabolic bone disease.

4. Failure to Provide Proper Hides

Leopard geckos are naturally shy and require adequate hiding spaces to feel secure and relaxed. A common mistake is providing only one hide or no hide at all. To ensure your gecko feels safe, offer at least two hides: one for warmth and another for cooling down. A moist hide is essential for helping with shedding, while a dry one serves as a retreat for relaxation. These hides not only promote health but also reduce stress, preventing behavioral issues such as refusal to eat or increased anxiety.

5. Overhandling or Improper Handling

Handling leopard geckos too frequently or inappropriately can lead to stress and tail loss. Leopard geckos are solitary and shy creatures and can become frightened or stressed from excessive handling. Always support their bodies fully and avoid grabbing their tails, as they can drop them if scared. Overhandling can also affect their feeding habits and overall well-being. Limit handling to a few short sessions per week, and ensure that your pet is comfortable with human interaction before increasing it.

6. Not Providing UVB Lighting

While leopard geckos are nocturnal and don’t need direct sunlight, they still benefit from UVB lighting. Many owners mistakenly believe that UVB light isn’t necessary for this species. UVB helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is crucial for calcium absorption. Without proper UVB exposure, geckos can develop metabolic bone disease and suffer from weakened bones. Provide a low-level UVB bulb that mimics natural sunlight to ensure they stay healthy, even in a more controlled, artificial environment.

7. Not Monitoring Shedding Process

Leopard geckos shed their skin regularly, but new owners may not recognize when their gecko is having trouble shedding. Failure to monitor this process can lead to skin retention, particularly around the toes, eyes, and tail. This is especially common when the humidity levels are too low. If shedding issues occur, ensure a moist hide is available and consider using a shedding aid like shedding gel. Frequent inspection and assistance in their shedding process can prevent painful or serious skin issues.

8. Improper Tank Size

An often-overlooked mistake is housing a leopard gecko in a tank that’s too small. While hatchlings can thrive in smaller enclosures, adult geckos need more space to roam. A 20-gallon tank is typically the minimum for an adult leopard gecko, though larger tanks are always better. Overcrowding can cause stress and aggression, and a cramped environment may not allow the gecko to fully express natural behaviors. Providing ample space for your gecko to explore will improve its quality of life significantly.

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