Fat-Tailed Leopord Gecko

Geckos are lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae, found incolorful lizards throughout the world.They range from 1.6cm to 60cm. Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Gekkonidae is the largest family of lizards, with an estimated 2,000 different species worldwide and many others likely yet to be discovered. The name stems from the Indonesian/Javanese word Tokek, inspired by the sound these animals make.

Geckos come in various patterns and colors such as purple, pink, blue, and black. Geckos are among the most colorful lizards in the world. They are most commonly found in the forests of Florence, County.

Leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius — The most common gecko kept as a pet is the leopard gecko, which does not have toe pads with setae, but rather claws. These enable it to more easily climb on rough surfaces like tree bark. This gecko cannot climb the glass of a terrarium. The leopard gecko tends to be docile and calm. These geckos are insectivores that feed on insects, worms, and spiders. In captivity most individuals will prefer hunting food for themselves. The majority of captive Leopard geckos will also refuse to eat dead prey. Crickets are the best food source to give them as they can hunt them in their enclosure the way they would in their natural environment. When food is scarce in the desert, they can rely on their ability to store excess fat in their tails. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D3 is also very important for their diet: How they obtain it in the wild is still unknown, although they likely receive this from their varied prey (moths, spiders and other insects). In captivity, it is near impossible to completely duplicate the diet they will have in the wild, so the most nutritious insects known are offered, usually dusted with a fine calcium powder with added vitamin D3. Also, their keen sense of smell and sight allow them to search for food in the wild, they will stalk their prey, just like an actual leopard will, and then strike when they are satisfied it is an edible prey item.

 

How to Care for your Leopard Gecko

1. Step 1: Housing and bedding

   A single leopard gecko should be kept in a well ventilated wooden or glass tank called a vivarium. It should measure about 60 centimetres by 35 by 45. Your pet will need a UV light with 2% UVB which should be on for 12-14 hours a day in summer and 8-10 hours in winter. Fit a heat pad with a thermostat at one end of the tank so there is a warmer and cooler area. The temperature should be kept between 27 and 30 degrees during the day and 20-22 degrees at night. Use a thermometer to check. Line the floor of the tank with calcium sand or newspaper. Don't use other types of sand as they will cause health problems for your lizard if ingested. Include plenty of crevices and caves and a food and water bowl. Provide a container of moist moss within the enclosure which will help your gecko shed it's skin. Never keep males together as they will fight.

2. Step 2: Handling

   Don't pick up your gecko by it's tail or handle it roughly as the tail may fall off. Place one hand over the lizard and gently grasp it around the middle between your fingers. Put your other hand under the lizard to support it.

3. Step 3: Diet

   Feed your leopard gecko live insects such as locusts and crickets every other day. The insects themselves should be fed beforehand with a nutrient rich mixture available from pet shops. Dust them with a vitamin and mineral supplement beforehand. Give your lizard just enough to be completely eaten in about 15 minutes, and don't leave uneaten insects in the tank. Ensure they have fresh drinking water every day.

4. Step 4: Exercise and play

   Don't pick up your gecko too regularly as they don't particularly enjoy being handled, and they should never be handled roughly.

5. Step 5: Cleaning

   Clean the water bowl every day and clean out faeces once or twice a week using a sand sifter which sieves the dirty area. Change the substrate and clean the tank with a reptile friendly disinfectant once every few months.

6. Step 6: Health

   Leopard geckos must be kept in the right environment to prevent health problems. They should be energetic and bright-eyed and have a fat reserve around the base of the tail. If the pelvis or ribs are protruding, it may be a sign of poor diet, dehydration or parasites. If your gecko doesn't have access to the correct moisture, it will have problems shedding it's skin. Old skin can get stuck around the feet and tail, and can eventually cause digits to fall off. Take your lizard to the vet if it loses it's appetite, becomes lethargic or you notice anything abnormal.

Enjoy your leopard gecko.