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Leopard Gecko

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
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[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Fiona.jpg|thumb|left|Photo of Fiona by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=63 Quig]]]
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Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots. Baby geckos start out with a stripped pattern that changes into spot as they mature. Never pickup or grab a leopard gecko by its tail as it will break off.
Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots. Baby geckos start out with a stripped pattern that changes into spot as they mature. Never pickup or grab a leopard gecko by its tail as it will break off.
== Difficulty ==
== Difficulty ==
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Leopard geckos are a great beginner gecko. They are friendly, and require smaller enclosures then some other lizards. They are fairly simple to care for, but do have specific heating needs.
== Basic Info ==
== Basic Info ==
=== Lifespan ===
=== Lifespan ===
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Leopard geckos can live 20 years or logner.  
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With proper care and nutrition, a leopard gecko can live 20 years or longer. The average lifespan in captivity is generally between 15-20 years.
=== Handling ===
=== Handling ===
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Do not pick up your gecko from above, this tends to startle them and they will run for it or sometimes even bite.  The best way to pick up a leopard gecko is to get it walk onto your hand and lift it up that way.  Always be careful not to grab them by the tail, it will break off.
== Housing ==
== Housing ==
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Either an aquarium or terrarium should be used. The rule of thumb is one gecko per ten gallons of tank. Only one male gecko should be housed per a tank. Multiple females can be housed together. Housing a male and female together will often create stress on the female as the male will constantly pick on her to mate. Leopard geckos mate easily in captivity, so avoid housing a male and female together unless you are willing to deal with breeding and incubating the eggs. A moist hide, a small container with moss or dirt misted daily, helps with shedding. You'll also need a shallow water dish, food bowl, and a calcium bowl.
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Either an aquarium or terrarium should be used. The rule of thumb is one gecko per ten gallons of tank. Even with this rule, a ten gallon tank is not recommended for an adult leopard gecko. A 20 gallon long or larger would better suite an adult.
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Only one male gecko should be housed per a tank. Multiple females can be housed together. Housing a male and female together will often create stress on the female as the male will constantly pick on her to mate. Leopard geckos mate easily in captivity, so avoid housing a male and female together unless you are willing to deal with breeding and incubating the eggs. A moist hide, a small container with moss or dirt misted daily, helps with shedding. You'll also need a shallow water dish, food bowl, and a calcium bowl.
=== Substrate ===
=== Substrate ===
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Paper towels, reptile carpet, ceramic tile, or slate are all good choices of substrate. Avoid loose substrate, as it creates a risk of impaction. Leopard Geckos will often eat the substrate while hunting food, and the substrate is not always digested.
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Paper towels, reptile carpet, ceramic tile, or slate are all good choices of substrate. Avoid loose substrate, like sand, as it creates a risk of impaction. Leopard Geckos will often eat the substrate while hunting food, and the substrate is not always digested.
=== Temperature ===
=== Temperature ===
=== Humidity ===
=== Humidity ===
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The main environment of a leopard gecko should contain no humidity. They are from dry, arid climates.
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A moist hide, which consists of a hide (such as a Tupperware container with a hole cut in it) filled with dampened moss. This is used to aid in shedding.
=== Lighting ===
=== Lighting ===
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Lighting is not necessary as Leopard Geckos are nocturnal and do not bask in the sun.  
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Lighting is not necessary as Leopard Geckos are nocturnal and do not bask in the sun.
== Feeding ==
== Feeding ==
=== Diet ===
=== Diet ===
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Crickets or mealworms are the suggested diet for a leopard gecko. Waxworms are considered a treat and should be feed sparingly. Adult geckos, especially breeding females, can be fed a pinkie mice occasionally. When selecting crickets a rule of thumb is the cricket should be half the size of the gecko's head or smaller. It is recommend to gut load the crickets to provide more nutritional value.  
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Crickets or mealworms are the suggested diet for a leopard gecko. Waxworms are considered a treat and should be feed sparingly. Adult geckos, especially breeding females, can be fed a pinkie mice occasionally. Adults are also large enough to consume superworms, phoenix worms, and other larger species.  Blaptica Dubia Roaches are also a good option, and unlike crickets, they don't make any noise.  When selecting crickets a rule of thumb is the cricket should be half the size of the gecko's head or smaller. It is recommend to gut load the crickets to provide more nutritional value.
=== Supplements ===
=== Supplements ===
== Advanced ==
== Advanced ==
=== Sexing ===
=== Sexing ===
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[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Male.jpg]|thumb]
 
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[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Female.jpg]|thumb]
 
Male geckos are larger and have a line of small pores on their belly between their back legs. Females are smaller and lack the pores. The sex can't be determined until the gecko is 5-6" in length. However most leopard geckos sold is stores are females.
Male geckos are larger and have a line of small pores on their belly between their back legs. Females are smaller and lack the pores. The sex can't be determined until the gecko is 5-6" in length. However most leopard geckos sold is stores are females.
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{|-
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|[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Male.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Male]]
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|[[Image:Leopard_Gecko_Female.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Female]]
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|}
== Conclusion ==
== Conclusion ==
== References ==
== References ==
=== Websites ===
=== Websites ===
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* http://www.leopardgecko.com/emcare.html
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* http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?showtopic=14864
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* http://www.leopardgeckocare.net/
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* http://leopard-geckos-info.com/leopard-gecko-food
=== Books ===
=== Books ===

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