Leopard Geckos For Sale: Find Your Perfect Gecko

Are you looking to add a scaly friend to your family? Leopard geckos make fantastic pets, known for their docile nature and beautiful patterns. If you're searching for "leopard geckos for sale," you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about finding, selecting, and caring for your new leopard gecko.

Why Choose a Leopard Gecko?

Leopard geckos are among the most popular reptiles for beginner and experienced reptile keepers alike. Here’s why:

• Docile Temperament: Leopard geckos are known for their gentle and calm demeanor, making them easy to handle.
• Low Maintenance: They don’t require a lot of space or specialized care compared to other reptiles.
• Variety of Morphs: With countless color and pattern variations (morphs), you can find a leopard gecko that perfectly suits your taste.
• Long Lifespan: Leopard geckos can live for 10-20 years with proper care.
• Entertaining Personalities: Each gecko has its unique personality, making them fascinating pets to observe.

Understanding Leopard Gecko Morphs

One of the most exciting aspects of leopard geckos is the wide array of morphs available. Morphs are genetic variations that result in different colors and patterns. Here are some popular morphs you might encounter when looking for leopard geckos for sale:

Common Leopard Gecko Morphs

• Normal/Wild Type: The classic yellow with black spots.
• High Yellow: More vibrant yellow coloration with reduced spotting.
• Albino: Several different albino strains exist, lacking dark pigments.
• Hypomelanistic (Hypo): Reduced black spotting.
• Tremper Albino: One of the original albino strains, often with pink eyes.
• Rainwater Albino: Another albino strain, typically with darker coloration.
• Bell Albino: A third albino strain, often with lavender or pink hues.
• Blizzard: Patternless white or pale yellow.
• Mack Snow: A morph that lightens with age, often appearing white with black bands as juveniles.
• Giant/Super Giant: Morphs that result in larger-than-average geckos.

Designer Morphs

Breeders continually create new morph combinations, resulting in unique and often expensive “designer morphs.” These can include combinations of the above morphs and more. Some examples include:

• RAPTOR (Red-Eyed Albino Patternless Tremper Orange): A striking morph with orange coloration and red eyes.
• Diablo Blanco: A nearly pure white gecko.
• Black Night: A morph with very dark, almost black coloration.

Where to Find Leopard Geckos for Sale

When searching for leopard geckos for sale, you have several options. Each has its pros and cons:

Reptile Breeders

• Pros: Direct access to the breeder, often the best source for specific morphs and information about lineage and health.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than other sources. Requires research to find reputable breeders.

Reptile Expos

• Pros: A great place to see a wide variety of geckos and breeders in one location. Opportunities to negotiate prices.
• Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners. Requires the ability to assess gecko health quickly.

Pet Stores

• Pros: Convenient and accessible. Good for beginners who want to see the gecko in person before buying.
• Cons: Geckos may be more expensive and of lower quality. Staff may not have specialized knowledge.

Online Reptile Retailers

• Pros: Broad selection and the convenience of shopping from home.
• Cons: Shipping stress can impact gecko health. You can’t see the gecko in person before buying.

Recommendation: Start by researching reputable breeders or attending reptile expos if possible. This gives you the best chance of finding a healthy, well-cared-for gecko.

What to Look for When Buying a Leopard Gecko

Choosing a healthy leopard gecko is crucial for a successful pet-keeping experience. Here are several key factors to consider:

• Appearance:
  • Clear Eyes: Look for bright, clear eyes without discharge.
  • Healthy Weight: The gecko should be plump but not obese. The tail is a good indicator of overall health – it should be thick and full.
  • Clean Skin: Check for any signs of skin infections, parasites, or stuck shed.
  • Complete Toes: Ensure all toes are present and free from injury.
• Behavior:
  • Alert and Responsive: A healthy gecko will be alert and react to its environment.
  • Active Tongue Flicking: This indicates the gecko is sensing its surroundings.
  • No Signs of Lethargy: Avoid geckos that appear weak or unresponsive.
• Enclosure Conditions (if possible):
  • Clean and Well-Maintained: A clean enclosure is a sign of good care.
  • Proper Heating and Lighting: Ensure the enclosure has appropriate temperature gradients.

Red Flags: Avoid geckos with sunken eyes, thin tails, stuck shed, open wounds, or visible parasites. These are signs of potential health problems.

Setting Up Your Leopard Gecko’s Habitat

Before bringing your new gecko home, you'll need to set up its habitat. Here’s a checklist:

Enclosure

• Size: A 20-gallon long tank is suitable for one to two adult leopard geckos.
• Material: Glass or plastic terrariums work well.
• Secure Lid: Leopard geckos are escape artists, so a secure lid is essential.

Substrate

• Solid Substrates (Recommended): Paper towels, reptile carpet, or non-adhesive shelf liner are safe and easy to clean.
• Loose Substrates (Use with Caution): Sand, especially calcium sand, can cause impaction if ingested. If using loose substrate, provide a feeding dish to prevent ingestion.

Heating

• Under-Tank Heater (UTH): This is the primary heat source. It should cover about 1/3 of the tank floor.
• Temperature Gradient: The warm side should be around 88-92°F (31-33°C), and the cool side around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
• Thermostat: Use a thermostat to regulate the UTH and prevent overheating. I recommend this to all reptile owners; in our experience, it's the easiest way to maintain a consistent temperature.

Lighting

• Not Essential: Leopard geckos are nocturnal and don’t require UVB lighting like diurnal reptiles.
• Optional UVB: Some keepers provide low-level UVB lighting, which may benefit the gecko. If you choose to use UVB, ensure it’s a low-output bulb designed for crepuscular species.
• Photoperiod: Provide a natural day/night cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

Hides

• Essential: Provide at least three hides: one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and one humid hide.
• Humid Hide: This can be a plastic container with a lid and a hole cut in it, filled with damp paper towels or sphagnum moss. It helps with shedding.

Décor

• Climbing Opportunities: Branches, rocks, and other décor items add enrichment.
• Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish of fresh water.
• Food Dish: Use a dish to contain insects.

Leopard Gecko Diet and Nutrition

Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of insects. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your gecko: — Proposition 50: Understanding The California Initiative

Staple Insects

• Crickets: A good staple insect due to their high protein content.
• Mealworms: Can be offered as part of the diet but are higher in fat.
• Dubia Roaches: An excellent feeder insect, high in protein and easy to digest.

Occasional Treats

• Waxworms: High in fat, so offer sparingly.
• Superworms: Also high in fat, use as an occasional treat.
• Hornworms: A nutritious treat, but can be addictive, so offer in moderation.

Gut Loading and Dusting

• Gut Loading: Feed insects a nutritious diet (e.g., commercial gut-loading diets, fresh vegetables) 24-48 hours before feeding them to your gecko.
• Dusting: Coat insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement before feeding. This is crucial for preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Feeding Schedule

• Juveniles: Feed daily.
• Adults: Feed every other day or every three days.
• Portion Size: Offer as many insects as your gecko will eat in about 15 minutes.

Important Note: Never feed wild-caught insects, as they can carry parasites or pesticides.

Leopard Gecko Handling and Temperament

Leopard geckos are generally docile and easy to handle. However, it’s important to handle them gently and respectfully.

Handling Tips

• Start Slow: Allow your new gecko to settle into its environment for a week or two before handling it.
• Gentle Approach: Approach the gecko slowly and from the side.
• Scoop and Support: Gently scoop the gecko up, supporting its body with your hand. Avoid grabbing the tail, as they can drop it as a defense mechanism (tail autonomy).
• Short Sessions: Keep handling sessions short, especially at first (5-10 minutes).
• Regular Handling: Regular, gentle handling will help your gecko become accustomed to you.

Temperament

• Individual Differences: Each gecko has its own personality. Some are more outgoing, while others are more shy.
• Signs of Stress: If your gecko seems stressed (e.g., frantic movements, trying to escape), return it to its enclosure.

Common Health Issues in Leopard Geckos

Like all pets, leopard geckos can be prone to certain health issues. Being aware of these can help you provide the best care: — Tonight's Halftime Show: Everything You Need To Know!

• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency. Symptoms include limb deformities, lethargy, and muscle tremors. Prevent with proper supplementation.
• Impaction: Blockage of the digestive tract, often caused by ingesting substrate. Avoid loose substrates or provide a feeding dish.
• Shedding Problems: Difficulty shedding can lead to stuck shed, especially around the toes and eyes. Provide a humid hide to aid shedding.
• Parasites: Internal and external parasites can affect leopard geckos. Regular fecal exams can help detect parasites.
• Respiratory Infections: Symptoms include wheezing, discharge from the nose, and lethargy. Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels.

When to See a Vet: If you notice any signs of illness, consult a reptile veterinarian promptly.

Leopard Gecko Breeding (For Advanced Keepers)

Breeding leopard geckos can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a significant commitment and knowledge. Here are the basics:

Requirements

• Healthy Adults: Only breed healthy, well-established adults (at least one year old and 50 grams).
• Proper Conditions: Provide optimal temperature, humidity, and nutrition.
• Quarantine: Quarantine new geckos before introducing them to your breeding group.

Mating

• Introduction: Introduce the male and female geckos in the female’s enclosure.
• Observation: Monitor the geckos closely for signs of aggression.
• Mating Behavior: The male will typically bite the female’s neck and position himself for mating.

Egg Laying and Incubation

• Gravid Female: A gravid (pregnant) female will have visible eggs in her abdomen.
• Laying Box: Provide a laying box with moist substrate (e.g., vermiculite or perlite).
• Egg Incubation: Remove eggs and incubate them at 80-90°F (27-32°C) for approximately 45-60 days.

Hatchlings

• Housing: House hatchlings individually in small enclosures.
• Feeding: Offer small insects (e.g., pinhead crickets) daily.

Ethical Breeding: Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their geckos. Avoid breeding geckos with known genetic issues. — Online Jobs For 16-Year-Olds: Get Paid Online!

Leopard Gecko FAQs

1. How much do leopard geckos cost?

The cost varies depending on the morph, breeder, and location. Normal morphs can cost $20-$50, while rare morphs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

2. What do leopard geckos eat?

Leopard geckos primarily eat insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D3.

3. How long do leopard geckos live?

With proper care, leopard geckos can live for 10-20 years.

4. Do leopard geckos bite?

Leopard geckos are generally docile and rarely bite. Bites are usually a result of stress or mistaken identity (e.g., mistaking a finger for food).

5. Can leopard geckos live together?

Multiple females can often live together peacefully, but males should be housed separately to prevent aggression. Never house juveniles with adults.

6. How often do leopard geckos shed?

Leopard geckos shed their skin every 1-2 months. Provide a humid hide to help them shed properly.

7. Do leopard geckos need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is not essential for leopard geckos, but some keepers believe it can be beneficial. If you choose to use UVB, use a low-output bulb designed for crepuscular species.

Conclusion

Finding leopard geckos for sale can be an exciting first step in welcoming a new pet into your home. Remember to prioritize the gecko’s health and well-being by researching reputable sources, providing proper care, and understanding their unique needs. With the right care and attention, your leopard gecko will be a rewarding companion for years to come.

Call to Action

Ready to find your perfect leopard gecko? Start by researching local breeders and reptile expos in your area. Join online communities and forums to connect with experienced keepers and learn more about leopard gecko care. Your scaly friend awaits!