You are about to embark on a journey that will be intriguing and exciting. Leopard geckos are becoming more and more popular because of their beauty and uniqueness, ease of care and breeding, and low maintenance. You will be able to create "designer" geckos if you choose to be a breeder along with being an owner.
The scientific name for a leopard gecko is "Eublepharis macularius." If you break down the name it means - eu = good, true; blephar = eyelid; macularius = spotted. Leopard geckos were originally found in Northwestern India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
People are attracted to these lizards because they are unique and the colors can be so vibrant. These geckos have continued to morph over time thus we are seeing more colors and patterns. There does not seem to be any limits on the patterns and colors that are morphing. With the creation of these leopard geckos comes a variety of names, names such as; las vegas (rainwater), bell albino, giant, carrot-tail tangerine, albino, red stripe, reverse stripe, mack snow, eclipse, patternless, and enigma.
If you have not purchased your first leopard gecko, find a reputable breeder or store that specializes in this type of gecko. It is important to find breeders who understand geckos and are not just about making money.
Here are some basic facts and information to know about geckos. Geckos, when they are mature, can range in size from 8 to 12 inches and can weigh from 60-100 grams. When you purchase a baby lizard, they will probably be about 3 inches long and weigh about 3 grams. Their preference is to live in the ground and are known as terrestrial. The lifespan of a leopard gecko, when properly cared for, can be as long as 20 years. There have been a few reported that are approaching 30 years. The majority of these lizards only live 2 years because of improper care.
Geckos require a specific type of environment to live a long life. The habitat needs to be the right size, have the right temperature, the right level of humidity, and the right food. All of this is important because your gecko will be shedding its skin, so the environment is important.
Most people will start with a 10 gallon vivarium for a single gecko. You would need to double that size if you decide to have up to 3 leopard geckos. Inside the vivarium, you will need to have shredded newspapers or paper towels. Some people have used sand but have found that baby geckos will ingest the sand and become impacted. It's best to use the newspapers or paper towels until they have grown to a length of 6 inches or longer. Then you can have sand in the vivarium. Include a shallow dish or container for water and a heat source.
Geckos favorite and most healthy food, are crickets - crickets that are commercially-raised for food. Also meal worms support a good and healthy diet. The key is to make sure your gecko is getting the proper nutrients and vitamins. You can tell if your gecko is healthy by the tail. If the tail is fat, your leopard gecko is being feed properly; if not, you will need to tweak their diet.
There is a lot more to learn about raising healthy, happy, and gorgeous leopard geckos. Take your time and do your research. The more you know, the more excited you will be about owning and breeding these geckos.
Jon learned the hard way (death of his first leopard gecko within 3 weeks) about the proper care, handling, and breeding of these lizards. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of 20 years if cared for properly. Start here today learning how to raise healthy, happy, beautiful geckos. Leopard Gecko Info, visit http://www.leopardgeckocaresite.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Owens
No comments:
Post a Comment