Considering getting leopard geckos as a pet? Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. They’re easy to care for, live well in captivity, and make companions that don’t require as much maintenance as other reptiles. But before you bring home your first leopard gecko, there are some things you should know about these fascinating creatures. 

Here we’ll explore everything from their diets and housing needs to what kinds of accidents might happen if you have one around or how easily they can escape. We will also cover the pros and cons of leopard geckos as pets. We hope this makes it easier for you to decide whether a leopard gecko suits your lifestyle.

Why Leopard Geckos Make Good Pets For You

leopard gecko eating a grasshopper

Leopard geckos make great pets because they’re easy to care for. They also don’t make much noise or smell, so you can keep them in your home without worrying about bothering anyone else.

In fact, leopard geckos are some of the quietest lizards on earth! Their habits mean they won’t bother other pets or people around your house, either.

Leopard Geckos Are an Ideal Choice for First-Time Reptile Owners.

Are leopard geckos good pets for beginners?

Yes, leopard geckos are a perfect choice for first-time reptile owners. They’re low maintenance, easy to care for, and don’t require a lot of space. They can live up to 20 years and only need a bowl or two dishes of dry food every few weeks.This makes them one of the best pets for kids who want to learn about reptiles without sacrificing quality or longevity. 

They’re Easy To Care for and Live Well in Captivity.

Leopard geckos are  good pets for beginners because they don’t require as much maintenance as some other types of reptiles, making them an overall great option for those who want to get into reptile ownership but aren’t quite sure if they’re ready yet.

Leopard geckos are also pretty docile, so they make good companions when kept alone overnight or while you’re away on vacation. You’ll need to ensure your leopard gets enough food and water daily, but most owners find this isn’t too much trouble.

They Require Less Maintenance.

They can be housed in an aquarium or terrarium that is no more than 8 inches deep and 20 inches in diameter, with the lid closed during the day. The enclosure should have a substrate of sand or bark chips beneath, which you place moistened vermiculite. You can also provide them with live plants if you wish. These will provide them with fresh air and food they will chew on when not eating insects or small animals, such as crickets.

Leopard geckos will eat any kind of fruit fly that comes across their path. If there aren’t any around your home, you may need to give them regular treats, like mealworms or waxworms instead.

How much is a leopard gecko, you might ask? Leopard geckos are relatively inexpensive compared to other reptiles, such as turtles or snakes. You can get one for $30 to $50, depending on its quality, size, breed, and lineage. 

These lizards do not bite or scratch, making them suitable for children’s hands!

Leopard geckos are healthy lizards that have been bred from hundreds of different species throughout history—some even come from wild origins in Asia!

They Have Long Lives.

How long do leopard geckos live? Leopard geckos can live between 10 and 20 years with proper care, but they’re typically between five and seven years old when bought. 

They Eat a Variety of Insects and Small Animals.

Yes, leopard geckos can be fed insects and other small animals. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Leopards need fiber in their diets to aid in digestion and prevent obesity. 

You can feed them crickets, worms, mealworms, or waxworms as long as you know the size of each of these foods because there are different sizes for each animal type. For example, a cricket should be approximately an inch long, while a worm should be around two inches long. Mealworms measure ¾  inch long, and waxworms measure 1½  inches long 

When feeding your leopard gecko food items like these, ensure they have access to water at all times. Make sure to also have a feeding schedule.

Why Leopard Geckos May Not Be the Right Pet for You

Leopard geckos are not the right pet for everyone. In addition to being nocturnal, they can be aggressive and messy. They also require a lot of space, which may not fit into some people’s homes.

Leopard Geckos May Require Special Handling.

leopard gecko on model's left hand

Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for but need a lot of attention and care. They will require a cage or tank with climbing structures, hiding spots, and plenty of food and water. You should also consider getting ultraviolet (UV) light to ensure your leopard gecko gets all the vitamins it needs to grow healthy.

Leopard geckos are not meant to be kept in captivity. They need a large cage that allows them to move around easily and is escape-proof. It should also give them plenty of space to move around. The best practice is to get a screen top so you can see your leopard gecko and ensure they’re doing well, but it’s only necessary if you have children.

You may ask, “Can you hold a leopard gecko?”

If the cage is large enough for your leopard gecko to move around comfortably, then there’s no need for you to handle them often. If they become stressed or agitated from being held too much, stop holding them until they calm down.

They Are Nocturnal and Sociable.

Leopard geckos are social creatures who like being kept in groups of at least two individuals. If you want your leopard gecko to be happy, then you should ensure that it has plenty of other animals around it, especially if you plan to keep them outside their cage! 

Leopard geckos are nocturnal creatures, so they’re active during the night hours until early morning when they sleep most of the day. Keep this in mind before buying one. 

A graphic table for the pros and cons of having a Leopard Gecko as a pet

Getting Leopard Geckos as Pets

In conclusion, yes, leopard geckos are good pets. They make a great choice for first-time reptile owners because they’re easy to care for and live well in captivity. In terms of cost, they’re also relatively inexpensive compared to other reptiles, like snakes or iguanas. You can also expect an average lifespan of up to 20 years with appropriate care. 

Leopard geckos are great if you have time to care for them. They’re easy to take care of, don’t require much maintenance, and can be handled occasionally. However, this may need some time to get used to. 

They can fit on most shelves or in small cages, though it would be best to get something with a divider. You should also keep in mind that these lizards need access to sunlight at all times, so if you live somewhere where there isn’t much natural light available, then this may not be the best choice for you, or you might need to provide them with artificial UV light.