| Leopard geckos are popular as pets because of their | | | | than their female counterparts. Instinctively they are |
| easy going nature and temperament. They are | | | | territorial and will fight and defend their territory |
| usually very gentle and generally are not known for | | | | against other males. The fights can result in serious |
| biting humans. They are not that hard to care for as | | | | injury to one or both of the reptiles. For this reason, |
| long as the owner is well informed. They require a | | | | two males must not be kept together in the same |
| long term commitment because they can live for up | | | | enclosure. A male can however be housed with |
| to two decades if properly cared for. | | | | several females but the owner should provide them |
| In the wild, they carry out much of their routines and | | | | with an enclosure that is spacious. |
| hunting activities at night. Even when in an enclosure, | | | | Leopard geckos mate during the warmer spring |
| one can observe them carrying out much of their | | | | months, summer and fall months. The male will most |
| activities during the evening and night time hours. This | | | | likely initiate the process but one should look out for |
| is not to say that one cannot see a gecko coming | | | | signs of over aggression. If there is over aggression |
| out of their hiding spots during the day, however | | | | then separate the male and female. |
| they prefer to be most active after sunset. | | | | Geckos need places to hide so a pet owner should |
| Due the the nocturnal nature of the gecko, they | | | | provide hiding spots for them. When geckos sense |
| should be fed in the evenings or at night. They can | | | | danger, they can let out a shrieking sound and run to |
| be fed small live insects such as crickets and meal | | | | their hiding place. In addition, they will also detach |
| worms. The insects must be dusted with calcium and | | | | from and leave their tail behind to distract the |
| vitamin supplements to ensure that the geckos will | | | | predator. |
| get the additional nutrients that the insects | | | | Leopard geckos are popular as pets because of their |
| themselves may be lacking. Note that the insects | | | | easy going nature and temperament. They can live |
| themselves need to be fed hours before they are | | | | for up to 20 years, they are usually very gentle and |
| given to the gecko. | | | | are not that hard to care for once the owner is |
| Male Leopard geckos are usually more aggressive | | | | knowledgeable. |