Are Leopard Geckos Good Pets?: 9 Awesome Reasons!

Before getting a pet leopard gecko for your family or kids, there are lots of things that you need to put into consideration. As a beginner, the first thing that will come to your mind is that are leopard geckos good pets?

Leopard geckos are a perfect reptile that you can keep as a pet, and it is suitable for both beginner and expert reptile hobbyists.

They are docile lizards and are perfect pets for both children and adults alike. They also have a long lifespan and don’t really grow very large.

In this article, we will talk about the reasons that leopard geckos are good pets.

Are Leopard Geckos Good Pets?

Leopard geckos are regarded by most hobbyists as a perfect pet for both beginners and experts because of numerous reasons. They have a relatively docile temperament and are good starter pets if you want to get a reptile as a pet.

They are available in different colors and morphs, making it easy to find one that will suit your home. The best thing is that they love handling, and this makes it a kid-friendly choice. 

They also stay relatively small, which means you don’t have to worry about getting a large tank for them.

Another thing is that they are easy to care for because it is easy to cater for their diet and set up their terrarium. They also have a long lifespan and don’t get sick if you care for them very well.

Reasons Why Leopard Geckos Are Good Pets

They Are A Great Family Pet

Since leopard geckos have a docile temperament, they are a perfect pet for the family. Children of all ages can handle them, and they will happily walk across their gentle hands.

Although leos are not aggressive, you will still need to treat them with respect when handling them.

They Are Very Easy To Care For

Although all reptiles will need specialist care, responsible pet owners need to help keep them in the best health as possible. However, leos are not that demanding, and you can easily create a perfect home suitable for them. 

You can easily recreate their habitat in the wild without having to spend much.

Leopard Geckos Are Available In Different Colors And Patterns

Morphs are known as the varieties of colorations and markings that are on a leopard gecko. This helps to make leopard geckos unique and stunning; it can also describe how a gecko looks.

The wide range of morphs available in leopard geckos makes it easy to choose one that will suit your home and taste.

They Are Very Cheap To Keep And Maintain

You can easily buy a leopard gecko for cheap if you choose the popular morphs that are available. The best thing is that all you need to set up their enclosure is usually cheap from setting up their tank to their food.

Another thing is that they are okay with little food and their food is easily available. They also don’t get sick, and you don’t need to worry about visiting the vet most times.

They Have A Long Lifespan

Leopard geckos have a long lifespan and can live for more than 20 years if you care for them properly. This is one of the reasons they are a good family pet as they will become an important part of your family. You will also not worry about explaining to your kids why your pet is dead.

Easy To Feed

Leopard geckos are insectivorous animals, and it is quite easy to feed them. The best thing is that they are not fussy eaters and will eat a wide range of insects dusted in vitamin and mineral powder. Another thing is that their insect feeders are readily available, cheap, and easy to keep.

Furthermore, they can drink water from their water bowl, and you don’t have to mist their vivarium. Another thing is that they do not eat vegetables and fruits, which makes feeding them a straightforward process.

They Stay Small

Since most people are afraid of large and intimidating reptiles. Most pet owners avoid them as you will need a large enclosure, and they can also frighten kids and women. 

This is why leopard geckos are a perfect family reptile as they will stay small at about 6-10 inches long from head to tail. This means you can keep them in a moderate-sized enclosure.

Leopard Geckos Do Not Smell

The smell is among the reasons why parents do not buy pets for their young ones. However, leos do not smell, and you can go for a month without having to clean their enclosure. Another thing is that you don’t have to wash your geckos to keep them clean.

A good moisture-filled substrate will help absorb the poops in their terrarium, not smell.

Here is a video showing the reasons why leopard geckos are good pets (courtesy: Leopard geckos):

Bonus

How To Clean Your Leopard Gecko

You only need to bathe your leopard geckos when they are very dirty, have a shedding problem, or suffer from a skin problem and your vet recommended a bath. Some of the steps that you can take are stated below.

• Place about ½ inches of warm water in a shallow container. Ensure that the water is around 80-90^oF.
• Add a drop of medication or mineral oil. If your gecko has a shedding problem, the mineral oil will help to soften the scales. However, your vet can recommend a medicated solution if your gecko has a fungal or skin problem.
• Place your pet in the water and gently pour the water over his back. You can then use a cotton ball to rub his skin once he is fully wet gently. If your gecko’s skin is flaky, you can lightly rub off the flakes with a soft toothbrush.
• Use a paper towel or a dry cloth to dry your gecko.

Note: rub gently and do not be too rough on your gecko.

Wrapping Up

Leopard geckos are among the popular reptile species that you can keep in captivity. They are a good pet because of their docile temperament, they stay small, require minimal care requirements, be handled, and their feeding requirement is straightforward.