Leopard Gecko questions

andy138 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 12:55 AM

Hi Everyone,

So I am thinking of expanding my reptile collection and I'm looking into getting a leopard gecko. I'm doing some research and so far I'm thinking of using a 20 gal. tank, paper/newspaper for substrate, UTH with a gradient of 90 on hot end 80 on cool end. 50-60% humidity. Hide on each side. Small water dish. As far as food goes I would like to feed mealworms because of the convenience factor. I do have some questions about calcium/vitamin supplements. I have been told to keep a small dish of calcium in the tank at all times and also to dust food with calcium/vitamin supplement. I have also heard that there is a difference between pure calcium and calcium with D3. Is one better/worse then the other? What vitamins are best? Any info on how experienced keepers deal with calcium/vitamin issues with their leopards would be greatly appreciated.

Also what do you use to feed your mealworms so they are nutritious for the lizard?

Finally, I will be looking to adopt/rescue a gecko rather than buying one. If anyone has any info on how I can go about finding out what is already out there, that would be a huge help.

Thanks for your time everyone. I appreciate it.

Cheers
Andy

John_White · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 01:42 AM

When I kept leos, I followed this care sheet: Leopard Gecko Care Sheet | Harford Reptile

The calcium I used also contained D3.

To feed, place the meal worms or other prey items in a container with some calcium powder. Gently shake the container to coat the prey items with the powder, then feed the coated prey to the lizard(s).

andy138 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 04:52 PM

Thanks very much for the reply

Anyone else have experience with leopard geckos?

Aly · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 02:35 AM

I feed my leos crickets dusted with calcium powder with D3. The tank sounds perfect. Make sure one of your hides is moist to help with shedding. I do keep a small dish of calcium powder but I'm not sure if they eat any of it so I do make sure the crickets are dusted.

As for adopting/rescuing leos you can always check craigslist

Yaymus · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 02:45 AM

I think the leos would be better off with the calcium with D3, b/c they need the D3 to process the calcium. Everything else sounds good.

allergenic · #6 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 02:58 AM

I keep my leo on substrate other than paper. I've read before that their toes and nails were not designed for flat surfaces, and will cause physical stress on their toes.

andy138 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 05:48 AM

excellent, thanks very much for the tips.

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