Diet
Gut-loaded insects with calcium and vitamin supplementation
Reptiles
Leopard geckos care
Leopard geckos need a secure dry vivarium, controlled heat, hides, supplements and carefully sized live insects.
Change pet
Reptiles selected. Switch group or choose a specific pet.
Lifespan
10-20 years
Typical costs
GBP 25-GBP 80 per month plus energy costs
Space
Secure vivarium with warm, cool and humid hide areas
Care basics
What to get right first.
Housing
Thermostat-controlled heat, hides, safe substrate, water dish and shedding support
Social needs
Solitary. Cohabitation can cause stress and injury
Exercise
Environmental enrichment, hides and occasional calm handling
Cleaning
Spot clean waste and refresh the humid hide safely
Handling
Handle low over a surface and never hold or pull the tail.
Common health concerns
- Retained shed
- Metabolic bone disease
- Obesity
- Impaction
Often misunderstood
- Loose sand for young or vulnerable geckos
- Heat without thermostat
- No supplement plan
- Handling by the tail
Related information
Care guides
Expert reviewed
Leopard gecko safe setup checklist
Heat, hides, supplements, substrate and handling basics for a calm leopard gecko routine.
6 min readReviewed 27 July 2026
Read guide