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Do Leopard Geckos Like To Climb? Understand Leopard Gecko Climbing Behavior

Leopard geckos are a perfect pet for beginner hobbyists because of their small size and docile temperaments. However, you need to consider lots of things before buying them so you can provide the optimal environment for them. One of the things is, do leopard geckos like to climb.

Unlike most geckos, leopard geckos do not have suction cup feet. Although they cannot climb walls or glasses like other geckos, they like climbing and exploring things like logs and rocks. Once you watch your gecko climbing around, you will see they are great at climbing.

In this article, you will learn about whether leopard geckos like to climb surfaces, whether they can climb glass, and why your leopard geckos are climbing their enclosure.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Gospel. Read more about our knowledge control process here.

The Climbing Ability Of Leopard Geckos

Climbing Ability Of Leopard Geckos
Climbing Ability Of Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos cannot climb walls or glasses like other geckos species. They do not climb much because they don’t have sticky toe pads like other geckos. Instead, they have tiny hooked claws which they use for climbing but will not venture very high.

Do Leopard Geckos Like To Climb?

Do Leopard Geckos Like To Climb
Do Leopard Geckos Like To Climb

Leopard geckos do like to climb to an extent. However, they are known as terrestrial reptiles and will stick close to the ground. Leos will not climb as high as some other geckos species will do.

This is mainly because leopard geckos toes do not have a sticky property for sticking and scaling walls. Most gecko species have sticky toe pads to climb and escape from predators. However, leopard geckos have tiny claws in their toes.

Nevertheless, they are still great climbers.

What Does It Mean If Your Leopard Geckos Climb On You?

This means that your leopard gecko is bonding with you. This also helps your leo to burn off energy as they climb on an easy to grip surface.

You can start this process by letting your leopard geckos get used to your hand by climbing on it. You will then sit on the floor and let your leopard geckos use his claws to climb on your arm and shoulder. However, ensure you watch him closely, so your leo does not fall.

Can Leopard Geckos Climb Glass?

Leopard geckos are not known as the strongest climbers like other geckos species. This means they cannot climb walls or glasses like other gecko species. But they like to climb and explore things like logs and rocks.

However, your leopard gecko can even try to climb up the glass.

What Can I Put In The Tank For My Leo To Climb?

Since leopard geckos like to climb to an extent, you can place rocks, small logs, sticks, and other objects in their enclosure. This helps to give your leopard geckos a place to climb, play, perch, and bask.

Last update on 2023-01-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Although you can pick up rocks and logs from outdoors, you need to sanitize them before placing them in their tank. You will then need to smooth out pointy rock not to injure your reptile. You will also clean the rocks thoroughly to remove all dirt and bacteria.

Remove all bark on sticks to confirm there are no parasites on the wood. You can also bake it for about 20-30 minutes in the oven after cleaning to kill the remaining parasites.

When sanitizing rocks and accessories that you want to place in your enclosure, wash them with organic dish soap and dry them with paper towels. You can use a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water or a good reptile safe spray for sanitizing them.

Leave it the spray or beach solution on the object for about 30 minutes before you rinse them thoroughly. You need to ensure no fumes are present on the tank items before placing them inside your leopard gecko’s tank. This is because fume can be harmful to your gecko.

Why Leopard Geckos Climb Often?

It is a normal thing for leopard geckos to try to climb the glass walls of their tank. However, it can also mean that your leopard geckos are not comfortable with their environment. 

If you notice that your gecko is trying to escape from their tank, you need to check if their tank is ideal for them. Some of the things that can make leopard geckos try and escape from their tank are stated below.

Tank Size

If the tank you house your gecko is too small, they may try to climb out as they need more space.

Non-Stimulating Environment

Your leo can be bored with their environment if you do not place accessories in the tank. They will then try to escape from the tank to explore a more interesting place.

Confusion

Not a lot of animals understand that they cannot pass through glass. There are times your gecko may forget that it cannot get around a glass or may climb the glass to see if any part of the glass is open to escape.

Housing Two Or More Gecko In A Tank

Although it is not a good idea to keep more than one gecko in a habitat. If you house two or more leo in a tank and one is climbing the glass. Your gecko may be trying to get away from the dominant tank mate.

It may also mean that a female leopard gecko is trying to get away from mating advances from a male leopard gecko.

Fully understanding your leopard gecko will help you better take care of them. As a suggestion, we would recommend you to get the best leopard gecko book. Not to become an expert on leopard gecko care but will help you avoid the common mistake in new pet lizard owners.

Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Can I DO?

  • If you notice that a tank mate is bothering your gecko, separate them from each other.
  • Place enough accessories in your gecko’s tank that they can play with.
  • Ensure you check the tank temperatures on the floor and in the air to ensure they are not too hot or cold.
  • Shut off bright lights and cover your leopard gecko’s tank if necessary.
  • Ensure your leopard gecko’s tank has enough space.

Wrapping Up

Although leopard geckos are not a great climber like other geckos. Leos likes to explore and climb to an extent. They are considered a great climber if you can provide them with the right condition.

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