What makes Leo's awesome? (+ other random ownership questions)

[ashiurna]

Hi everyone, I recently found this website and it's been a great resource for me to do some research while I consider getting a leopard gecko. I have a few questions for the experienced Leo owners out there. I was wondering why people love them as pets so much? Obviously they are beautiful, fascinating creatures but I just wanted to get some opinions as to why other people enjoy them so much.

How much attention do they need daily? would I be able to leave him unattended for 1-2 days if I leave enough food/water in the tank?

How much $$$ does everyone end up spending weekly/monthly on feeder insects, supplements etc for 1 gecko? Do these UTH's and light fixtures run up your electric bills?

Is storing mealworms a big hassle?

Does the tank emit an odor? (assuming its cleaned as necessary)

Im developing a great home for the little guy but I still have some concerns about how high maintenance reptiles are.(never owned one before, but had plenty of other pets) My fall back is to use the tank as a vivarium for the various plants I keep.

Thanks for the Help!

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

Those are some good questions. I think the reasons behind why they are kept varies from person to person. For me personally, it is because they are as you said beautiful and fascinating creatures. However, they're also pretty personable pets and are very interactive. I have one that hides from me all day. Another who begs for my attention, and a third who doesn't know anyone exists unless it's feeding time
Attention wise, they make great handling pets as they tame very easily and are relatively calm. They don't require attention though, so you aren't obligated to handle them. You could leave them unhandled for weeks at a time if need be, it shouldnt affect them. However, it is wise to handle at least once a week for a short time at the least to make sure they are used to the contact.
Money wise, I probably spend about 10 a month on feeders per gecko. That's a mix of mealworms (500 @7$ from +++++, about 14 per feeding twice to three times a week) and supplements are like 8$ and last at least 8 months (for one gecko).
The tanks generally don't smell when cleaned, especially if you only have one specimen.
Mealworms are easy, put them in the fridge (in a safeway sack if your paranoid of escapes) and they'll last seemingly forever! When it comes time to feed, just put them in the dish and bingo you're done.
Leopards are sooooo easy to take care of, that's why they're the #1 pet reptile (unless I'm out dated and cresties finally overtook them). They certainly aren't hight maintanence, just make sure you feed them, give them a water supply, and the proper heat (generally 68-74 cool side or room temp and 86-90 hot side through heat mat or lamp, heat mat preferred.)
Leopards are terrestrial and get heat from the ground (their belly) and are nocturnal, so you really shouldn't use a lamp. Use the zoo med mats. I believe it says on the package "only pennies a day to opperate" so they aren't pricey at all.
Hope that helps!!!!!! Welcome to your new addiction... err... hobby

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

Btw, the website censors brands and chain stores, that '+++++" should say P e t C o

 

[ashiurna]

Thank You so much I really appreciate your insight, very helpful!

Im reading so many mixed things regarding lighting though. I initially thought I would get one of those 2 bulb canopies and have have full spectrum daylight (would like to try to keep a few live plants in the tank unless it starts eating them), and then one of those blue moonlights for him at night... but is any of that even necessary for the Leo since they are nocturnal and dont need uvb?

As far as heating im planing on doing slate tiles as substrate with sand underneath (for heat distribution+ not have the tiles scratch up the glass, will make every effort to not have any exposed sand)and opting for a UTH... ill go with your advice on the pad and try to find one of the zoomed mats. Is there any need to go with some kind of heat bulb to compliment or would that just be overkill?

How long will the mealworms survive in the fridge? Whats the timeframe for them to become beetles?

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

In the fridge, they go into a dormant state so they shouldn't become beetles, at least not for a looooong time. Lighting wise, I would just stay away from it. A day night cycle from an adjacent window will suffice, they're nocturnal so they really don't need it. As for the sand and tile, another route is to just use paper towel. It's what I've always done (and many others on here). No impaction risk, and they don't mind it.

 

[Ozy]

I use sand and slate tiles. It's fine. I also do not use any kind of lighting on my leo's cage. There is no impaction risk with slate tiles over sand, because the gecko can't get to the sand... Derp. I keep my hot side 91-95. Personally I don't really spend any money on my leo for feeders because I have a roach colony that FINALLY started making babies. So she gets fed roaches with crickets and mealworms thrown in sometimes for variety. Leopard geckos have the cutest little personalities. My leo is a little diva brat... LOL! Make sure you can afford vet bills for a reptile vet. If you can't, then don't get one. I see way too many people post with sick leopard geckos that say they either can't afford the vet, or don't see the point in taking it to the vet since it's not like.. A dog or cat. You need to buy gut load and supplement. I use repashy bug burger to gut load and dust with repashy calcium plus every feeding.

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

My opinion on the sand and slate tile is why risk it? What if the tiles shift and sand gets out? It's just not worth it. Why not use paper towel under the tile, or just plain tile with no sand? It's better to be 100% safe than 90% safe, cause there's that 10% chance something will go wrong.

 

[Ozy]

LOL! Have you ever SEEN a cage with slate tiles? I know I measured my floor space EXACTLY and had the tiles custom cut to fit it. So they fit VERY tightly. The only way I can get them out to scrub them is to pry a corner up with a butter knife, then I can take the rest out. Here's a pic of my setup and a couple of my leo actually on the tiles, so you can see how tightly they fit together.

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

I'm not saying you're wrong, I am simply saying for those who can't get them "custom fit" to ensure no gap, it isn't the safest option. What was with the "derp" thing? I've kept reptiles going on 8 years straight now with no casualties whatsoever, and I'm simply trying to help someone new to the hobby. Quite frankly, you're coming across as insensitive and abrasive. People in the hobby are supposed to help each other out and provide kind insight, you're just being mean and aggressive toward's other people's opinions. It's stuff like that which gives keepers a bad name. Don't attack the guy who is simply trying to help.

 

[Indigo]

I use tiles as well. The size they came as was a foot squared so two fit perfectly side by side in a 20 G tank. We just cut the rest to fit our other tanks. Not a big deal or a lot of work, and no risk of getting below them. The sand is just there to evenly distribute the heat.

 

[Ozy]

That's what I'm saying. The store will cut them for you for FREE, so yes, everyone CAN get them cut to fit. And yes, I am insensitive and abrasive when people are ignorant. Ignorant is NOT the same as stupid by the way, just thought I would clear that up for you. Anyways OP, If you have questions you can PM me if you like. I'm not going to get into a battle of wits with an unarmed person.