Why We Love Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are popular first reptile pets for many. If you’re nocturnal, you’re in luck because your leopard gecko is, too. These small reptiles are also awake during the day so don’t fret that you have to change your sleep schedule in order to be entertained by them.

Unlike many reptiles, leopard geckos have tiny claws, instead of adhesive pads like many other reptiles. Because of their lack of adhesive pads, they spend most of their time on the ground and walking in the sand you’ve put in their tank. They enjoy climbing on surfaces, like logs or rock caves, but are more inclined to sleep under them.  

Leopard geckos that you find available for pets in the pet stores likely originated from Iran, India or Pakistan. Although many of them have been bred domestically in the United States since the 1970s; it is easier to breed geckos than to import them.

Leopard gecko fun facts

1. They can reach a length of eight to eleven inches
2. They weigh between two and five grams
3. There is no easy way to tell the age of a leopard gecko if you don’t buy it from someone who was there when it was hatched. If your gecko has bands on their body instead of spots, chances are they are less than one-year-old
4. Your leopard gecko can live to be as old as twenty-years as long as they have proper nutrition, have their health monitored and have an ideal habitat

 Do leopard geckos make good pets?

They are one of the most popular lizards to have as pets because they are:

1. Hardy
2. Easy to care for
3. Require little space
4. Have long life spans
5. Show an interest in their humans
6. Have unique in colors and patterns
7. They only eat insects
8. They are docile if handled regularly

If you're ready to bring a new pet into your home why not consider a leopard gecko -- or two -- they are very social creatures!