How To Prepare For Your New Leopard Gecko

When you are thinking of getting a leopard gecko

. You must think about there habitat in which they live. There natural habitat is the desert of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Does this mean that every leopard gecko terrarium should contain sand? Well, no. A common mistake that people make is to hear that these geckos live in desert regions in the wild and to think desert = sand. It's hard to shake the visual association of the word 'desert' with 'endless shifting sand dunes,' but the fact is that only about 20% of the areas of the world that are classified as deserts are covered in sand. Desert means dry, but it does not necessarily mean sandy, and the desert areas where leopard geckos live in Asia are characterized more by rocks and grasses than by sand.

This is probably the major reason why sand remains a popular substrate for the bottom of the leopard geckos terrariums, despite its known health risks. Then again, it's not the only reason. Many leopard gecko owners would probably still prefer to use a sand substrate even if they knew it wasn't a natural environment just because it looks good. It's hard not to have a little sympathy with this position, because you could argue that it doesn't matter whether a pet's environment in captivity is natural, so long as the pet is happy living in it. After all, what's 'natural' about human beings living in cities?

You may choose from a couple different kinds of set ups from the traditional sand. A slate tile in the bottom of you leopard geckos terrarium looks good, is very easy to clean, and approximates a rocky habitat in the wild pretty well. If you want to, buy a selection of smaller tiles in different colors and patterns and mix-n-match them to create a more interesting visual. Add fake rock features and plants for an even more authentic look.

For those with the time and the will, the five-star habitat option for leopard gecko owners is something that truly replicates the leopard geckos home in the wild. Start with a large tank, at least 20 gallons (ideally 40 gallons) for one leopard gecko - this is necessary, as creating a natural environment means more of the floor space is covered, meaning less space for your leopard geckos to run around on. Put a one-inch layer of a mixture of equal parts peat moss, potting soil and play sand into the bottom of the tank as drainage for the plants. Play sand being the same sand you would use in a sand box. Then add some plants (you'll be able to find lists of plants which are reptile-safe on the internet). Next put in a layer of sand/soil mix, then add rocks, logs, and finally fill any gaps with more play sand.

So after making your decision for the best fit for your new leopard gecko enjoy them they are amazing and fun pets to watch grow and play with in a respectful manner. Remember pets are a big responsibility and are not to be taken for granted.

by: Sazh Ketchall

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