Looking for a beginner-friendly reptile with easy care and a great personality? The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is one of the most popular reptiles in the pet trade—and for good reason. This complete Leopard Gecko care guide from Herp Overload covers everything you need to know about proper housing, heating, diet, and daily maintenance to keep your gecko healthy and thriving.
Ideal Leopard Gecko Temperature Setup
A correct temperature gradient is essential for digestion and overall health.
Warm side: 88–92°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Night temps: Safe down to 70°F
Best heat source: Under-tank heat mat with a thermostat for accuracy
Providing the correct heat ensures your Leopard Gecko can properly digest insects and maintain strong activity levels.
Lighting Requirements
Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, so they do not require strong UVB, but 2.0–5.0 UVB can boost appetite, coloration, and overall wellness.
Use a 12-hour day/night cycle.
Avoid bright overhead lights that cause stress.
Adding mild UVB is recommended for the most natural, healthy setup.
Best Leopard Gecko Enclosure
For adult Leopard Geckos, a minimum enclosure size of 20-gallon long is recommended for proper movement and enrichment.Safe substrates include:
Reptile carpet
Paper towels
Tile
Shelf liner
Avoid loose substrates like sand or dirt to prevent impaction.
Essential Hides
To reduce stress and support natural behavior, provide three hides:
Warm hide for digestion
Cool hide for thermoregulation
Moist hide to prevent shedding issues
A proper hide setup is one of the most important parts of a good Leopard Gecko habitat.
Humidity Levels
Leopard Geckos thrive with 30–40% humidity, matching their natural arid environment.The moist hide should stay humid using damp moss to help with shedding.
Leopard Gecko Diet & Feeding Schedule
Leopard Geckos are insectivores, and a varied diet keeps them healthy.Offer:
Crickets
Dubia roaches
Mealworms
Superworms (moderation)
Hornworms (treat)
Waxworms (rare treat)
Dust insects with:
Calcium without D3 available daily
Calcium with D3 once weekly
Multivitamin once weekly
This ensures proper bone health and prevents metabolic bone disease.
Water & Hydration
Provide a shallow water dish with fresh, clean water daily.Spot-clean waste and remove uneaten insects each night.
Handling & Temperament
Leopard Geckos are naturally calm and easy to tame.
Handle gently and support the body
Never grab the tail
Allow 1–2 weeks to settle in before frequent handling
Their docile nature makes them perfect for new reptile keepers.
