Leopard Gecko Info For Beginners

How to Hold Them. What you need for your tank

How to hold it:

Move your hand slowly towards the gecko so it can see your hand. Make sure it knows that it is just your hand.
Move gently. Don't squeeze the gecko as this can injure, anger, or scare it.
Pick it up slowly and take it out of its cage. When holding it, just let it crawl around or sit on your arm or hand.

What you need for your cage/tank
For one gecko get a 10 gallon tank 2 is 40 gallons.
2 rocks and branches
Wire Mesh Lid. NO SOLID LIDS!
Since leopard geckos are naturally from the middle-east, you will need to make sure their light cycles mimic the same cycles as their natural environment. This means in the summer they should have 14 hours of light, followed by 10 hours of darkness, and in winter they need 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. When you do transition from summer to winter hours, try to do it gradually in 15-30/minute intervals per week for a total of 4-8 weeks. It is best to use automatic timers for your lights because it can sometimes be inconvenient or you may forget to turn on/off your gecko's light. Automatic timers are inexpensive and can save you time and frustration. Since leopard geckos are nocturnal, they should not be exposed to bright white lights or UV lights. In fact, excessively bright lights can make them feel stressed.
You should use a hygrometer (humidity sensor) so you can monitor your leopard gecko's tank humidity levels. If your humidity is too high, try increasing airflow to the tank and provide a smaller water dish. If the humidity is too low, try adding a larger water dish or moist moss to the tank (specifically for leopard geckos).
Most owners will try to create a heat gradient (a hot side and a cool side) in the tank. This way there is a smaller chance of the leopard gecko overheating or becoming too cold since he/she can easily move to either side of the tank for a change in temperature.
You should have two thermometers for your leopard gecko's tank. One for the hot side and one for the cool side. This way you can make sure that both are within acceptable temperature ranges. If you use a digital thermometer you will have the added benefit of being able to see the max and min. temperature for each side.
Reptile carpet is recommended for the bottom of the tank. It is about 8.99$
Hides must be placed on the hot side of your tank and the Cool hide on the other.
When the gecko is shedding, make the tank moist by putting damp paper towels down.
Food and water bowl. Fresh water every day is needed. Do NOT get a bowl that is deep.

PLEASE READ THIS:

Guys I know this is SOOOO complicated but a swear that it's not! I will make a checklist/a SUPER simplifies version of this huge paragraph for you!!!! This will be on the next chapter.

Any questions?
Let me know!!!