Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

If you’re considering a reptile for your first pet, then a leopard gecko might just be the ideal choice for you. Whether you’ve recently watched a video about these charming creatures or you’ve been researching reptiles for a while, a leopard gecko is one of the best options for both first-time and experienced pet owners. Here’s why leopard geckos make such great pets:

Ease of Handling: 4/5

Leopard geckos are generally calm and easy to interact with, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a friendly pet. While most of them ten to be pretty chill, baby geckos can sometimes be a bit defensive at times. They’re also known to make vocal sounds when startled (they’re one of the only lizards with vocal cords!). When being handled, they tend to open their mouth, and some of them can bite, mostly when they’re babies, but there are some grumpy adults. So when you’re picking a Leopard Gecko, pick one that is nice and mellow. Unless you don’t mind that they might take a shot at you every now and then.

Due to their tiny nails, they’re unlikely to scratch you. You might feel them poke you a little bit as they walk over your skin. Though it’s not a big deal. Leopard geckos don’t have toe pads that other geckos used to climb and hang on to leaves. Hence, they lack the ability to cling to many surfaces because they live in the desert, so you’ll need to support them when handling.
They’re not very prone to tail-dropping but be careful—if threatened, they might shed their tail. It will regrow, but it won’t be quite as perfect as the original. So please make sure you don’t crush, pinch or startle them.
Leopard geckos are a pretty small lizard and they could be injured very badly by say a child or anyone who squeezes them, crushes them or them taking a nasty fall. They’re little guys and you have to treat them with care and respect and if you do, they’re a actually a wonderful gecko to interact with, wonderful to handle.

Overall, leopard geckos are friendly, easy to handle, and generally not prone to biting or aggression. Just be gentle and avoid any rough handling, and they’ll be a joy to interact with!

Care and Maintenance: 4/5

Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few key things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, they’re insectivores, so you’ll need to supply them with live food such as crickets, dubia roaches, and super worms. While they don’t eat a huge amount, it’s important to keep a consistent food source on hand.

One unique aspect of their care is hydration. While they’re desert-dwelling creatures, leopard geckos still need access to water, and daily misting of their enclosure can help keep them hydrated. Don’t worry about creating a humid environment—just a few droplets of water each day will do the trick. If you notice their skin looks cloudy during shedding, you may need to bump up the humidity a little to help them shed more smoothly. One more thing you need to watch out for is that Leopard Geckos don’t shed their skin very well, sometimes they’ll get some skin that sticks on their toes and that can actually cause a lot of Leopard Geckos to lose their toes. So please always make sure to look out for it and help them shed their skin.

When it comes to temperature, leopard geckos are easy to please. They thrive in a temperature range of 70-80°F, which can be easily maintained with an under-tank heater or a red UVA bulb. Keep their enclosure warm but not hot, and make sure they have a cool area to retreat to if they get too warm. A good thermometers or a heat gun should help you keep it in check.

They also need regular calcium and vitamin supplements to stay healthy, but these aren’t as intensive as some other reptiles. The occasional sprinkle of powder on their food will do the job!

Overall though, Leopard Gecko the probably the easiest lizard you could keep.

Health and Durability: 4/5

Leopard geckos are generally healthy and hardy, but they do have a few things you should be aware of to keep them in top condition. For one, they are sensitive to the type of substrate (the material that lines the bottom of their tank). Avoid using loose substrates like sand, which can cause digestive issues or interfere with shedding. Stick to safe options like reptile carpet, paper towels, or tiles.

Like mentioned before, their small size is one of the biggest factors to consider. They’re more prone to injury from rough handling or falls. Always be cautious when interacting with them to avoid accidentally dropping them or squishing them.

Another thing to watch out for is proper shedding. If they don’t shed their skin properly, it can cause issues with their toes, like constricted skin, which could eventually result in the loss of a toe. A little extra humidity can help prevent this, and a regular check-up on their skin will ensure everything’s in tip-top shape.

Lack of calcium can also be a problem as well as it can cause metabolic bone disease to your Leopard Geckos. So you’ll want to make sure that they get calcium and vitamin supplements.

Availability: 5/5

One of the best things about leopard geckos is how easy they are to find! They are one of the most popular reptiles in the pet trade, so you won’t have trouble finding one in a local pet store or from a reputable breeder. Whether you’re looking for a classic yellow-and-black spotted variety or a more unique morph like Albino or Radar (a gecko with red eyes), the variety is endless.

Leopard geckos are widely bred, and because of their popularity, they come in all kinds of stunning color combinations. Most breeders and pet shops will have several available, making it simple to find a gecko that suits your preferences.

Initial Cost: 5/5

Leopard geckos are one of the most affordable reptiles you can get. Not only are they inexpensive to purchase, but setting up their habitat won’t break the bank either. Their enclosures don’t need to be massive, and you won’t have to buy a lot of expensive equipment to meet their basic needs.

The most important items are an appropriately sized tank (usually 20-30 gallons), a reliable heat source, and some basic decor like hides and a water bowl. These can all be found at reasonable prices, so setting up a leopard gecko habitat is pretty budget-friendly.

Final Thoughts: 4.4/5

Leopard geckos are one of the best reptile pets you can have. They’re friendly, easy to care for, and come in a variety of beautiful color patterns. Whether you’re a first-time reptile keeper or you’ve owned pets before, a leopard gecko is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, interactive companion. If you’re on the fence about getting one, trust us – you’ll love having a leopard gecko around!

Have you owned a leopard gecko? Share your experiences and any tips you have for new owners in the comments below! 🦎