How to Build a Habitat for Leopard Geckos
If you're looking for an easy to care for inexpensive pet, then a Leopard Gecko is the correct choice for you. Not only can they survive with even the most simple-minded owners, but they are cheap, fun, and easy to handle and care for. In this article, you will find out exactly how to create the perfect habitat for your new pet.
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Things You'll Need
- 10 x 10 inch plastic or glass terrarium (20x20" for 2-3 geckos) with a screened lid
- Substrate (sand, shredded paper towels, newspaper, etc.)
- House for each gecko (small box, rock hut, etc.)
- Heat lamp
- Substrate heater
- Water dish
- Shed box (tupperware container with hole cut in lid)
- Decorative Items (sticks, bark, artificial moss or jungle vine, etc.)
Instructions
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1
On one side of the bottom of your terrarium, place your substrate heater (follow the instructions on the box).
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2
In your terrarium, add your substrate. It should be about 1 1/2 inches thick to avoid high temperatures due to the substrate heater.
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3
Add your gecko's house. It should not be placed directly above or under a heat source. This is where geckos go to sleep.
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4
Insert your water dish with fresh clean water. Never wash your gecko's water dish with soap as it can kill your gecko.
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5
Add a small amount of substrate to your shed box and spritz it a few times with water every now and then to ensure that it stays humid. Geckos need humidity to help them with shedding.
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6
Add your decorative items to the terrarium. If you have retrieved these items from outside, boil them in hot water for 10 to 20 minutes and let them dry. This removes parasites and bacteria that may harm your pet.
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7
Add your heat lamp. Put it on one side of the terrarium away from the house and water.
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8
Add your geckos.
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Tips & Warnings
Add a couple pieces of bark beside the shed box so that when the gecko exits the shed box, the bark can help remove some extra skin that may have stayed on.
Clean your terrarium and replace substrate every 1 to 2 months.
Remove feces and urates daily.
Change the gecko's water daily.
Crickets and meal worms should be fed to your gecko 1 to 3 times a week (three crickets per gecko).
Do not use heat rocks as they will burn your gecko.
