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Question

Can you hand feed a leopard gecko?

Audra Barrios
Reptile Specialist
Audra Barrios is a Marine Biologist and owner of Lick Your Eyeballs, a business offering experiemces, reptiles, supplies and plants. With over 15 years of experience, Audra specializes in reptiles and exotic animals, environmental education, marine biology, conservation issues, and animal husbandry. Audra earned a BASc in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and studied Natural Sciences at the College of Marin. She is the founder and Executive Director of Things That Creep, a non-profit dedicated to herptile conservation through education. She has spent the last nine years working as a biologist at the California Academy of Sciences.

Audra Barrios

Reptile Specialist

Expert Answer

You can if you like. Just be aware that your gecko could accidentally bite you. You can also place your gecko's meal in a small dish in its tank.

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Question

I recently purchased a pair of geckos and refined their cage. When I went to PetCo, the guy said to use gecko calcium sand. But when I looked it up, every site says not to use it.

Birds101

Community Answer

Never use calcium sand. You should have the geckos on a calcium supplement, though.

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Question

Should I hire a sitter or will my leopard gecko be fine left alone while I am on vacation?

Community Answer

It depends how long the vacation will be. If it is for longer than three days, you need to get a sitter to ensure that it gets the proper care and nutrition.

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Question

Are leopard geckos generally easy to take care of?

Community Answer

Yes. Leopard geckos can be raised on a low budget. Make sure you inform yourself about proper care and take into consideration that they can live from 10 to 20 years.

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Question

How do I convince my mother these epic geckos would make a great pet? I really liked the sound of them, learning that they are nocturnal and desert animals.

Community Answer

Do a lot a research, and show your parents that you are capable of caring for this particular reptile, and that you know exactly what to do. Offering to buy everything needed with your own money also can help.

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Question

I got a severely neglected gecko that is really skinny and doesn't eat much. It doesn't really have a cool spot in its cage. What should I do?

Birds101

Community Answer

Make improvements to its habitat and you may need to force feed him at first to get some weight on him. Get him to a vet if possible.

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Question

Why would my gecko spit out its food when hand fed?

Community Answer

It might be because it doesn't like your smell. Wash with a non-scented soap and don't handle other pets, scented products or food other than its own before feeding it.

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Question

My gecko is skinny and has diarrhea. What should I do?

Birds101

Community Answer

She needs to taken to a vet immediately. This is a sign of poor nutrition and internal parasites, or something more dangerous and possibly fatal.

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Question

How do I fatten up my leopard gecko's tail?

Birds101

Community Answer

Make sure it is getting a calcium supplement and the right amount of food.

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Question

What do you look for if you think your leopard gecko is sick?

Birds101

Community Answer

Look for discharge around the eyes, nose and mouth; skinniness; lethargy; panting; weakness; or if the animal stops eating/drinking. Diarrhea and vomiting also are signs of sickness.

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Question

Does the gecko eat anything that isn't a bug?

Community Answer

No, leopard geckos are strictly insectivores. While they may consume other foods, their bodies are not able to break down those foods and will receive no nutrients from them.

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Question

How can I tell if my gecko is male or female?

Community Answer

Look at your gecko's stomach. A female's stomach is smooth, but a male's stomach is covered in little dots.

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Question

My little sister is getting a leopard gecko, but whenever she holds mine he make a squeaking noise. When I hold him he's fine. What does this mean?

Birds101

Community Answer

He is likely scared of your sister. Geckos squeak in distress.

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Question

Are lizards related to geckos?

Keeboard

Community Answer

Geckos are lizards.

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Question

Do you need a certain light bulb for the night and day cycle?

Community Answer

No, all you need is a heat mat. Keep your window open for sunlight and dust the crickets with calcium powder with d3.

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Question

What's the difference between a fancy leopard gecko and a leopard gecko?

Birds101

Community Answer

Nothing except for coloration. It's just marketing.

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Question

Are geckos sensitive to bleach fumes?

Birds101

Community Answer

Not particularly, but bleach should be avoided, especially in water or food bowls.

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Question

If I were to get two male geckos, would I need separate cages?

Birds101

Community Answer

Yes. Males will fight with or without a female in their cage.

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Question

Is it okay to take them on trips?

Birds101

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you have the proper supplies and cage with you, but it is usually too much trouble and isn't worth the risk, especially if you have a choice.

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Question

Is a leopard gecko a good pet for an 8-year-old?

Birds101

Community Answer

It's fine, as long as the child is responsible and gentle, and understands he/she must always wash his/her hands after touching the gecko. The child also may need help cleaning the cage.

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Question

Are babies easiest to handle?

Birds101

Community Answer

No. Babies are very difficult to handle, actually. You're better off with a gentle, calm, older gecko.

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Question

Do these animals stink?

Birds101

Community Answer

They have little to no smell if the cage is cleaned at least monthly.

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Question

How big will my leopard gecko grow?

Birds101

Community Answer

"Giant" geckos can get about a foot long, but most don't exceed 6 to 8 inches from the tip of their tails to their snouts.

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Question

I would really like a leopard gecko but I have four hamsters. Do you think my hamsters would be OK if there was a gecko in the same room?

Birds101

Community Answer

Same room? No problem. Same cage? No way.

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Question

How hard is it to breed a leopard gecko?

Birds101

Community Answer

If you have a male and female, chances are they will breed. The hard part is hatching eggs.

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Question

My geckos aren't eating anything. What should I do?

Birds101

Community Answer

Take them to a vet. If that is not an option, change their diet and see how that works. You could force-feed them if absolutely necessary, but usually, there is an underlying problem to geckos not eating.

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Question

Do I need to have different temperature areas inside the tank?

Birds101

Community Answer

Yes. Some areas should be cooler, and some hot. Also, it's best to keep humidity high with a warm, wet sponge inside.

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Question

Do the humid and dry hide need to be the same temperature?

Community Answer

No, but one should be on the hot side of the tank, while the other should be on the cold side.

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Question

Do you have to gut-load the insects before feeding them to your gecko?

Birds101

Community Answer

No, but it is better for the geckos. I don't, but most professional breeders do.

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Question

Does my leopard gecko mind being held?

Birds101

Community Answer

Leopard geckos should be held often so they get used to being held.

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