Murphy Leopard Gecko

The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is one of the most popular pet reptiles, especially for beginners, thanks to its calm nature, ease of care, and charming appearance. Native to arid regions of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Leopard Geckos are ground-dwelling and nocturnal. Unlike many other geckos, they have eyelids and... Read More

The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is one of the most popular pet reptiles, especially for beginners, thanks to its calm nature, ease of care, and charming appearance. Native to arid regions of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Leopard Geckos are ground-dwelling and nocturnal. Unlike many other geckos, they have eyelids and do not climb glass surfaces. With proper care, Leopard Geckos can live long, healthy lives—often 15 to 20 years in captivity.

Leopard Gecko Care Guide:

Enclosure Size:
Juveniles: Minimum 20-gallon long tank.
Adults: Minimum 20–30-gallon long tank.
A glass enclosure with a secure screen lid is ideal for proper ventilation.

Substrate:
Paper towels, reptile carpet, or slate tile are recommended substrates.
Avoid loose substrates like sand or coconut fiber to prevent impaction if ingested.

Hides & Enrichment:
Provide at least three hides: one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and one moist hide to assist with shedding.
Add rocks, branches, or décor for environmental enrichment, ensuring no sharp edges.

Humidity:
Humidity: 30–40%
Use a moist hide filled with damp sphagnum moss or paper towel to aid shedding.
Avoid misting the enclosure directly.

Lighting & Temperature:
UVB: Not required, but a low-output UVB (2.0 or 5.0) may benefit overall health.
Warm Side: 31–33°C
Cool Side: 24–27°C
Night Drop: No lower than 21°C
Use an under-tank heat mat regulated by a thermostat to provide belly heat, which is essential for digestion.

Diet:
Food: Live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms.
Feeding Schedule:
Juveniles: Feed daily.
Adults: Feed every 2–3 days.
Avoid feeding wild insects or large prey items.
Supplementation:
Dust insects with calcium without D3 at every feeding, and provide calcium with D3 and multivitamins once a week.

Water & Hydration:
Provide a shallow water dish at all times.
Refresh the water daily and keep the dish clean.

Handling:
Leopard Geckos tolerate handling well and are generally docile.
Support the gecko’s entire body and never grab or pull its tail, as they can drop it when stressed.

Leopard Geckos are hardy, easy to care for, and full of personality. With proper husbandry, they can thrive for 15–20 years in captivity and are a great addition to any reptile lover’s home.