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Leopard Gecko Enclosure

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The enclosure. The backbone of proper husbandry. We’ll walk you through the current enclosure standards based on well researched science. We’ll answer all the key questions:

  • How big should my leopard gecko’s enclosure be?
  • Can I put more than one leopard gecko in an enclosure?
  • What substrate should I use in my enclosure?
  • What does Bio-Active mean and why should I consider it?

Enclosure Size

In our opinion, go as big as possible. The concept that captive reptiles can become overwhelmed with too much space is completely insane. This boils down to common sense. Leopard geckos evolved in habitats in which they were able to roam to hunt, mate, and hide. It’s unclear how big a ‘range’ of an individual may be from the research but we can reasonably guess it is much larger than the enclosure we will put them in.

There is unfortunately a shortage of real research into the minimum tank/enclosure size for leopard geckos. As a result, it’s a highly contested topic.

Based on the available evidence, we consider the minimum size for an adult leopard gecko to be 30’’ long. This equates roughly to at least a 30 gallon tank. As stated above, bigger is very clearly better. When shopping for an enclosure, you’ll notice the extra cost for a larger enclosure is usually not huge. This is a one-time expense, and will massively benefit your pet.

Cohabitation

This is an advanced topic. For the sake of simplicity and general well-being of animals under the care of non-expert owners and keepers, don’t cohabitate two animals. It adds a great deal of complication to proper care and requires a trained eye to spot issues that may arise.

Substrate

The number of myths around substrate is shocking. Before we present our recommendation, we ask you to remember the following: The leopard gecko evolved in and currently thrives in a habitat that is made up of dust, small stones, dirt, debris, and other loose setamint.

The use of paper towels, and tile is a huge miss. While they may not be directly harmful, in no way do these choices resemble the natural habitat of leopard geckos. What about tree bark, wood chips, and reptile carpet you might ask? These are also bad choices. Each pose their own risk. Reptile carpet can harbor bacteria, and is difficult to clean. Certain wood chips can be toxic if ingested.

We only recommend one substrate: A 50-50% mix of organic soil and play sand. It is economical, and provides your pet with a substrate that is a closer match to their wild habitat. With this your pet can borough, and you can facilitate a bio-active enclosure. To learn more about this DIY substrate, check out this page. Fill the bottom of your pet’s enclosure with at 3-4 inches of the substrate.



Is impaction a concern?

Simply put, impaction as a result of loose substrate is not a concern. This myth is easily broken with a little common sense and critical thinking. In the wild habitat of all reptiles there are elements of loose debris: sand, small pebbles, dust, etc. These animals simply could not survive in the wild if this was an issue. We don’t recommend a pure sand substrate, primarily because it doesn’t actually match the habitat the leopard gecko is found in. Others have done a more compressive review of this myth and confirmed the same conclusion.

Bio-Active: Is it for you?

The term bio-active enclosure is relatively new to the world of reptiles. Simply put this means constructing an environment in your pets set-up that leverages the self maintaining environment that occurs in every part of the world. 

The benefits are clear:

  • Self-cleaning
  • A closer match to your pet’s wild habitat
  • A much improved visual experience 

While not overly complicated, there are a few more considerations to be made in the construction of a bio-active enclosure. We intend to expand our resources in this area. Currently, the best source of information on this topic is produced by TheBioDude.



What's next?

The Diet of Free-Roaming Australian Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Authors: D.G.A.B. Oonincx, J.P. van Leeuwen, W.H. Hendriks, and A.F.B. van der Poel

This paper analyzes the diet of wild central bearded dragons. The authors discuss the results and compare it with previous research done on the topic. The result is a clear picture of what bearded dragons eat in their wild habitat, and what it means for us as pet owners. 

Gut Loading to Enhance the Nutrient Content of Insects As Food for Reptiles: A Mathematical Approach

Authors: Mark D. Finke

Dr. Finke is wildly regarded to be the most prolific and knowledgable researcher on feeder insects. In this work he tests and discuss techniques for improving the nutrient content of feeder insects. At the time of this writing, it appears Dr. Finke prefers gut-loading to dusting as a supplementation technique. 

Facts about Dietary Supplements

Authors: FDA

Energy Costs of Growth in Neonate Reptiles

Authors: Kenneth Nagy

Dr. Nagy is a bonafide metabolic rate expert. In this paper he discuss the energetic costs of growing reptiles and whether they need more energy than would be expected for an animal of their weight. 

ENERGETICS OF FREE-RANGING MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND BIRDS

Authors: Kenneth Nagy

Dr. Nagy is a bonafide metabolic rate expert. In this paper he summarizes the research of the field into one place. In doing so he provides us a mathematically sound approach for estimating the energy of needs of various reptiles. We have personally contacted Dr. Nagy to thank him for his work, and get his insight into how this translates to captive animals.  

Great Lakes Hornworm Analysis

Authors: N/A

While there is not much formal research on the hornworm’s nutritional content, private insect breeders have provided nutritional data done via lab. This source is one such example. 

Comparative nutrient analysis of four species of cockroaches used as food for insectivores by life stage, species, and sex

Authors: Anthony J. Cerreta, Dustin C. Smith, Kimberly Ange‐Van Heugten, Larry J. Minter

This research paper tests and discusses the nutrient composition of 4 cockroach species commonly available, including one of the most common: the Dubia Roach. 

Complete Nutrient Content of Four Species of Commercially Available Feeder Insects Fed Enhanced Diets During Growth

Authors: Mark D. Finke

Dr. Finke is wildly regarded to be the most prolific and knowledgable researcher on feeder insects. In this work he tests and discuss techniques for improving the nutrient content of feeder insects. At the time of this writing, it appears Dr. Finke prefers gut-loading to dusting as a supplementation technique. 

Complete Nutrient Content of Four Species of Feeder Insects

Authors: Mark D. Finke

Dr. Finke is wildly regarded to be the most prolific and knowledgable researcher on feeder insects. In this work he breaks down the nutrient content of common feeder insects. In doing so he shows they have varied nutrient composition. 

Diversity is the key to success with reptile diets

Authors: Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, PhD, MS, DECZM (Herpetology)

Dr. Mitchell is an extremely influential researcher and vet. In this work he describes what he believes to be a core principle of a good diet: diet diversity. 

Update on Common Nutritional Disorders of Captive Reptiles

Authors: Christoph Mans, DVM , Jana Braun, DVM

This work identifies common nutritional disorders among captive reptiles. The authors argue that prevention is easier, and far more effective than treating already present disorders. 

Insectivorous reptile nutrition and disease (Proceedings)

Author: Ryan S. De Voe, DVM, MSpVM, DACZM, DABVP

In this work, Dr. De Voe discusses the basics of reptile nutrition, with a focus on insectivorous reptiles. In doing so he discusses how owners can provide a better diet to their pet to avoid common health issues related to diet. 

Current thoughts on reptile nutrition (Proceedings)

Author: Byron de la Navarre, DVM

Dr. Navarre is a Past-President, Assn. of Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians. In this work he outlines his current thoughts, best practices, and concerns with the state of reptile nutrition.

What’s my home’s humidity level – and why does it matter?

Author: saveonenergy.ca

This energy company writes an article describing the average humidity of homes. The article was not intended for reptile care use, but provides a good benchmark for your likely humidity levels inside your home. 

Lighting, Temperatures & Humidity Levels

Author: Mariah Healey

This blog style care guide pulls in various research and expert opinions. This page specifically reviews the author’s care guidelines for leopard gecko’s regarding lighting, temperature, and humidity. 

Evaluating the Physiologic Effects of Short Duration Ultraviolet B Radiation Exposure in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Authors: Amelia Gould, DVM, Laure Molitor, MS, DVM, Kelly Rockwell, MZ, DVM, Megan Watson, DVM, MS, Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology)

This research study seeks to determine if leopard geckos are able to synthesize Vitamin D with use of UVB like other reptiles. The study results found that leopard geckos exposed to only 2 hours of UVB are able to synthesize a significant amount of Vitamin D without dietary supplementation. The authors additional share some concerns over exposing leopard gecko’s to 12 hours of UVB, especially if the animal does not have access to shelter. 

Insectivorous reptile nutrition and disease (Proceedings)

Author: Ryan S. De Voe, DVM, MSpVM, DACZM, DABVP

This article written by an experienced reptile vet, discusses the basics of insectivorous reptile nutrition, paying particular attention to the role vitamin A and Vitamin D play in a healthy diet. The author notes a handful of challenges in using supplementation to combat malnutrtional disorders. Notably, the varying quality, and possiblity of vitamin and mineral toxicity causes by overuse of supplements. 

Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation and UVb exposure on the growth and plasma concentration of vitamin D3 metabolites in juvenile bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Authors: D.G.A.B. Oonincx, Y. Stevens, J.J.G.C. van den Borne, J.P.T.M. van Leeuwen, W.H. Hendriks

This research paper analyzes the effects of different Vitamin D sources in a common pet, the bearded dragon. This source was used however to determine the likelihood that feeder insects can provide adequate Vitamin D strictly from diet absorption. The source is very clear: many common feeder insects are lacking in Vitamin D. 

The nocturnal leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) uses UVb radiation for vitamin D3 synthesis

Authors: D.G.A.B. Oonincx, J.J.E. Diehl, M. Kik, F.M. Baines, A.C. Heijboer, W.H. Hendriks, G. Bosch

This research paper analyzes the effects of UVB exposure to Vitamin D3 synthesis in leopard geckos. The results suggest minimal UVB exposure, only 2 hours a day, is sufficient for a significant increase in Vitamin D3 synthesis. The results also suggest dietary Vitamin D3 can be sufficient, with a couple of caveats.

Effects of different vitamin D sources on blood biochemistry of bearded dragons (Pogona spp) and Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

Author: Nikoletta Hetényi, Zsolt Lang, Tamás Sátorhelyi, István Hullár

This research paper analyzes the effects of various Vitamin D sources and their effects on bearded dragons and tortoises. While this research is specific to these species, it does provide a well crafted overview of the risks of low Vitamin D in all reptiles.

Guidance from My Nature Lab

Author: N/A

My Nature Lab is an educational non-profit that cares for well over 100 reptiles. Their team has more than 50 years of collective experience researching and caring for reptiles.  Through conversations with their animal care team and founder, we’ve learned from the very best. 

Temperature preference in geckos: Diel variation in juveniles and adults

Author: Yehudah Werner

This paper looks into the temperature preferences of leopard geckos throughout the entire day. They offered the animals a strong temperature gradient enabling the animals complete freedom to move around as they desired. The witnessed behaviors provide insight into the needs of geckos in captivity.

Multiple Sources Used

Authors: N/A

We used a multi-source approach to ensure this temperature recommendation was spot on. We consulted My Nature Lab, who cares for hundreds of reptiles, including quite a few leopard geckos. Utlizing their guidelines,  research on their wild habitat, and their ideal temperature, we landed on this gradient as optimal. In theory, a different gradient could be just as successful at enablding proper theormoregulation. It should be well back and based in the research.

Behavior of the terrestrial nocturnal lizards Goniurosaurus kuroiwae kuroiwae and Eublepharis macularius (Reptilia: Eublepharidae) in a thigmothermal gradient

Authors: Yehudah Werner, William Mautz, Hiroo Takahashi, Hidetoshi Ota

This paper describes the behavior of leopard geckos when given the freedom to thermoregulate their internal temperature on a wide temperature gradient. Their results provide an estimate average temperature of the leopard gecko. 

Temperature and respiratory function in ectothermic vertebrates

Authors: Glauber S.F. da Silva, Mogens L. Glass, Luiz G.S. Branco

This paper describes the importance of proper thermoregulation in reptiles. It explores the biological processes in vertebrates that are impacted by internal temperature. With this research a strong case is made for the impotence of temperature in proper husbandry. 

THERMOREGULATION IN REPTILES, A FACTOR IN EVOLUTION

Author: CHARLES M. BOGERT

This paper describes the thermoregulation of reptiles. By providing a basis and explanation of the adaptation from an evolutionary point of view, we quickly see the importance for captive care. 

Does Loose Substrate Cause Impaction in Bearded Dragons and Other Reptiles?

Author: Mariah Healey

This blog post breaks down the common myth that loose substrate can cause impaction. There are a couple of points to this issue. Impaction is caused by improper care, not the loose substrate we advocate here. 

Conversation and study with Cameron Young

Author: Cameron Young

This source is not a documented research paper. Rather it’s information provided direct from an expert. Cameron is the founder and executive director of The Center For Snake Conservation, and their educational wing My Nature Lab. He and his team have personally cared for thousands of reptiles with impressive effectiveness. They have a wealth of knowledge on the biology and proper care of reptiles. 

Natural history and biology of hobbyist choice leopard gecko

Author: Muhammad Sharif Khan

This source, written by a researcher at a Herpetological Laboratory in the leopard geckos native habitat of Pakistan provides a detailed account of the leopard geckos natural habit and behavior. Due to the political environment that has surrounded the country for many years, we are very grateful for Muhammad’s research.

Guidelines for Inspection of Companion and Commercial Animal Establishments

Authors: Clifford Warwick, Mike Jessop, Phillip Arena, Anthony Pilny and Catrina Steedman

This source, written by a team of veteran reptile researchers, outlines a guideline and system for establishing the minimum enclosure size for a variety of exotic animals. The authors note that this system is just an estimation. The estimation provided by their system is fairly in line with a number of anecdotal sources/best practices from other care authorities.

SOURCE NAME

Explanation of how we used the source. This source provides clear guidance on the importance of diet diversity. It should also include a bit about the source. Mark Mitchell is a well known researcher and has published 200 book chapters.