Leopard Geckos are one of the most common Lizards kept as pets in the UK, they have such docile personality's making them easy to handle as well as having beautiful colouration with today's wide variety of morphs available, these can vary in colour from being all white to being bright orange with patterning in different parts of the body. The leopard gecko is a relatively small lizard which often grow anywhere between 15 cm and 25 cm in length (including their tail). taking on a Leopard gecko is a big commitment as they can live well into their teens and some have even been recorded to be as old as 20+ making them just as long lived as many cats and dogs.
When choosing a leopard gecko there are many things you must consider. Firstly the size of the habitat is crucial as this is where it will be spending its entire life. I would recommend a minimum tank size of around 45 x 45 x 45 cm vivarium one such as the Exo-Terra glass terrarium for one leopard gecko. Secondly they require light and heat in there quarters in the day and heat at night, this can be controlled by using a thermostat along with a heat mat ensuring that the temperature is constant. leopard geckos do not require a UV light or a basking spot but they do require some form of light to allow them to differentiate between night and day. Leopard geckos are carnivores and should always be fed on live insects such as crickets and meal worms which should also be dusted with a supplement powder. The cost of a leopard gecko a long with the set up can be quite a lot at first but the maintenance cost for these wonderful lizards is very low and once the temperature is right then caring for a leopard gecko is very easy. When deciding on a leopard gecko its self it is important to really have a good look at it and even hold it before you buy it, this will allow you to see the temperament of the gecko and if its right for you as well as ensure there are no lumps bumps or other problems that could occur with the leopard gecko.
