Leopard Gecko Enclosure

leopard gecko looking outside from its enclosure

Did you know that leopard geckos can live up to 20 years old under human care? With the right tools, yours can too!

This page will give you more insight into this gecko’s preferred climate and how to create the ideal leopard gecko enclosure!

Natural Habitat of Leopard Geckos

leopard gecko walking over a tree branch in its cage

Leopard Geckos are native to semi-deserts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and northwest India. These regions have little vegetation so you’ll commonly find these geckos basking on rocky outcroppings or searching for food.

Leopard geckos are terrestrial, so they live on the ground. While some geckos have sticky fingers for easy climbing, leopard geckos do not. Instead, they have small claws on their feet meant for digging and climbing short elevated surfaces.

Requirements for Leopard Gecko Enclosures

Leopard Gecko Enclosure Sizes

Leopard geckos grow between 8 – 12 inches long from nose to tail. They’re relatively small but very active, so they need space to roam.

Get an enclosure no smaller than 20 gallons in volume for baby or juvenile leopard geckos. As your pet grows, you may need a larger size around 30 to 40 gallons.

Model 111 Cage

$259.00

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Model 221 Cage

$289.00 – $349.00

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Model 215 Cage

$299.00

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The Ideal Leopard Gecko Environment

interior view of a realistic leopard gecko habitat

Leopard Gecko Temperature

Your gecko’s cage will require a heat gradient, consisting of a cool end, a warm end, and a basking spot. You should also decrease the lights and ambient heat at night.

Cool End: 75° – 79°F
Warm End: 81° – 85°F
Basking Spot: 90° – 95°F
Nighttime Temperature: 65-70°F

Lighting for Leopard Gecko Enclosures

Include light fixtures on the ceiling for optimal heat and UVA/UVB rays. Leopard geckos are mostly nocturnal, but full-spectrum light is still crucial.

UVA light helps regulate behaviors like feeding and mating, while UVB provides vitamin D3, which helps the body absorb calcium. Proper lighting also sets a clear day/night schedule, needed for all animals living indoors.

More info in our blog: UVA/UVB Lights for Reptiles

Humidity for Leopard Geckos

A leopard gecko’s enclosure should reflect the dry climate of its habitat. Set the cage’s humidity level between 30% and 40% with our humidity-specific products.

Noticing the humidity drop below 30%? You can increase the level by spraying mist inside twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). Or find some substrates and automatic misters to help make your job easier.

More info in our blog: 5 Easy Ways to Control Humidity

Substrate and Bedding for Leopard Geckos

Reptile Carpet

We offer a green turf floor cover designed for leopard gecko enclosures. The felt is made from 85% wool and 15% nylon, which makes reptile carpet good for leopard geckos. Plus, this material is absorbent, non-ingestible, provides a good grip for geckos, and is very easy to clean and reuse.

A downside is that it doesn’t allow for burrowing, an activity that leopard geckos enjoy.

Sand

Sand-based substrates are also an option for leopard geckos. This substrate creates a natural-looking environment, absorbs moisture well, and allows for burrowing. It’s also mold-resistant, chemical-free, and a great heat conductor.

Young geckos have been known to accidentally eat sand, which can cause compaction. For babies or juveniles, place their food in a dish instead of on the ground.

Slate Rocks

Slate rocks are suitable for leopard gecko enclosures because geckos won’t consume the substrate and it closely emulates their rocky habitat. Some hobbyists will also add small amounts of sand between the rocks to make the foundation more stable.

This option is the best reflection of your gecko’s natural habitat. Plus, it retains heat well and is easy to clean and replace.

Paper Products

Many gecko owners will use paper towels or newspapers, as well. Your pet won’t be able to ingest the bedding, they’re absorbent, easy to clean and replace, and they’re cheap.

Like the reptile carpet, paper towels don’t allow for burrowing. The paper doesn’t provide a very scenic display, either. You will also have to replace the paper much more often than the other options.

Accessories for Leopard Gecko Enclosures

Include one or more hides in the habitat (one on the cool end, one on the warm end). Your substrate can also act as a hide if it allows for burrowing.

Also, incorporate small platforms, cedar roots, rocks, or clay molds in the cage. Leopard geckos are active lizards and they enjoy exploring and interacting with their environment.

Lastly, offer water and food bowls for your gecko to eat and drink from.