Leopard Gecko Tips For Beginners
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- Good Morning, Reptilians! This week we're going over some helpful tips for new leopard gecko owners: things you should know BEFORE getting a leopard gecko. :)
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0:00 Intro
1:08 Tail Loss
1:39 Hides
2:29 Shedding
3:32 Initially Very Shy
4:22 Body Language
5:10 Handling
6:14 Feeding
7:48 Heat Source
8:46 Lights
9:19 Calcium Sand
10:16 Things I Forgot
11:33 Outro
11:50 Sponsor - thedubiadude.com
12:49 Shoutouts
13:18 Bloopers
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Elle O'Shea
PO Box 3061
Decatur, AL 35602
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#LeopardGecko #LeopardGeckoTips #LeopardGeckoCare
Still contains great information. The only thing you've changed your stance on is the heating options. Heat pads are out and lamps are in due to updated information.
Co
One tip I'd say, is whenever you come close to their enclosure or do anything inside of it, always move slowly so that you don't startle them. Well, I guess that is any reptile, but I know when beginners get excited, they may move too fast and wonder why they aren't making progress, js. You have a great channel.
Mama Leone? You are from Italy ? I life in Germany with my ball python. Bye
Yes! Very good tip. 😊
Thank u 4 this info👍🏽
@@ellesreptiles i just purchased a jungle snow mack juvenile and wanted to know what humidity temp you keep yours tank at and if i already have a temperature controller , should i still have a digital thermometer?
Good avis🎉
My leopard gecko just sleeps and looks like he’s going to kill me
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂
Same like I go too handle him and he be like wake me up you’ll be dead ty I’ve never got liked except by a TH-camr
They are mostly thought to be nocturnal so that might have something to do with it.
Lol😂
me: *a leopard gecko owner for a year still watching this*
You never know. You might learn something. I didn't but better safe than sorry.
Try me, Ive had mine for 10 lol
Me: a leopard gecko owner for 8 years still watching this💀💀
It just a sign of love.
Same
my gecko has been getting used to me but sometimes if i keep my hand still while im in there she will just smell me then give me a lil kiss......melts my heart
Personal tip: Give them texture enrichment. Leopard geckos like to explore, and part of that is experiencing new textures on their bellies as they walk around and feel out new enrichment items. You should also include something with a rough edge - not like serrated or anything that they could get cut on, but something rough enough that they can rub on it when they're in shed. Having a rough surface or edge will help loosen up the skin and get the shed starting to peel. You can find these things called stacking stones, and I believe they come with some rough stones, and some smooth stones. So even if you don't stack them like the name suggests, you can use them to provide some texture enrichment.
You can also help skittish geckos by adding more cover. It keeps them from having to run so far, and may make them feel comfortable enough to stand in a more open area while you're around. In general, leopard geckos like "clutter" that makes them feel like they're not exposed all the time, even after they've been socialized to people.
EDIT:
This comment used to advocate against calcium dishes, but according to my vet, there's really no issue with it, as long as your gecko isn't burying it in the dirt or flipping it over and eating the dirt with calcium on it. I had heard some myths, but really the only issue seems to be if you're putting calcium + D3 in the dish, because Vitamin D poisoning is a real thing that can happen. But, if you have concerns about your gecko having big bubbles under their arms, that's them storing extra calcium and there's nothing wrong with it; that's what they're meant to do.
I know this is really old but do you think it’d be beneficial when they’re a baby to have a calcium dish?
@@rosemarie1281 I'm not a vet or anything, just did a lot of research, so take my answer with a grain of salt. But, since calcium toxicity doesn't happen very quickly, you could try a calcium dish, and keep an eye on the space where your gecko's front legs meet the body. Normally, this will be a bit of a crevice or "armpit" as many people call it. But, monitor this area carefully if you provide a calcium dish. If your gecko's "armpits" end up with large bulges/sacs underneath them instead of a hole, that means they're getting too much calcium, and you should probably take the dish away before it becomes a problem.
Also if you do include a calcium dish, make sure it's calcium WITHOUT D3. D3 is not water-soluble, and can leech calcium. Since it's fat-soluble, your gecko won't get rid of excess D3 quickly, and it'll mess with the delivery of calcium in the body - or so I read, anyways.
@@danieltaylor4185 omg thank you for responding so quickly as well. This is super informative and I definitely will monitor for the sacs as well as have very minimal calcium w/out D3 in the enclosure. Also I’ll look into this more- hadn’t heard about it before so thank you for writing something so comprehensive to help out!
@@danieltaylor4185 yeah. um. you shouldn’t take the calcium away. the sacs on the arms are kinda harmless. geckos having no calcium is wayyyyy more harmful than having too much calcium. its better to just bring down the calcium a bit instead of taking it away all together.
Thanks for the tip maybe I’ll put it in 1 day of the week when I get my gecko
I wish I had seen this sooner! I'm a teacher and got a leopard gecko through the PetSmart Teacher Grant. The set up they gave was SO basic so I've been trying to figure things out on my own. I joined a FB group but they were all yelling and one person even belittled me for keeping him in my classroom. And there was so much conflicting information on what to buy for him. I absolutely love our Leo (also named Leo), and he has brought so much joy to the kids as well!
I have a leopard gecko as a class pet through the same grant!! ❤
Good, no pet should be kept in a classroom
@@kkk-gf6sjzoology professors would like to differ
Here's a personal tip my leo has experienced: If your leopard gecko is too chilly or has been on the cool side all day, or if the cage isn't heated, they won't want to eat. I don't want anybody to force feed their gecko; they simply need to be warmed up or placed near a heat source of some kind to be able to eat again, because they can digest their food when they are warm, as she stated in the video.
I also have another tip about long or sharp claws/nails: If you notice your leopard gecko has sharp claws/nails or you feel small pricks when you handle them, here is how I would treat them. If you have a more "realistic" cage, such as one with a foundation layer instead of carpet or tile, I would put stones (large enough for them not to ingest) in the cage so that their nails would narrow down over time. The same is true for carpet or tile users; just make sure they can walk on it.
like if you have a leopard gecko :)
they are cutest little geckos awe 🥺
They have the cutest little faces 🥰
Stop begging
Your channel has been a BLESSING during this first week of leopard gecko motherhood! My little lady is about 10 months. I’m still trying to figure out feeding, heating, and general enclosure arrangement. She had a wonderfully successful shed this first week (thank you moist hide), she’s nomming Dubia roaches and super worms, though not very many. I’m thinking maybe because she was in shed…? I don’t know everything yet, but I’m going to keep trying, learning, and watching. Thanks!!!
Off topic, but your shirt is adorable! I'm doing my research for getting a leopard gecko soon!
Thank you! It's finally getting cool enough (some mornings haha) that I can start wearing sweaters 🥰
For anyone who's getting a Leopard Gecko as a first reptile be very careful with the UVB lights. If you do choose to use one, make sure you're setting it up correctly, at an appropriate distance from the soil and please make sure it's the correct amount of UVB. Leopard Gecko's skin is more sensitive than for example a Bearded Dragon's skin and their skin can suffer burns from the UVB light IF not setup correctly. Also, if you choose to use a deep heat projector with/instead of heatmats, try using it above basalt rocks (smooth, slate), the deep heat projector warms up the rocks nicely which will help them keep warm and digest easily, while also encouraging basking behaviour. Great video, great tips.
arcadia shade dweller is a good uvb for leopard geckos
If I use a deep heat emitter do I need to use a basking light with it ?
I'm looking into getting a leopard gecko for my daughter, so this was super helpful! Thank you, and have a wonderful week.
You definitely should if u did not already i just got a leopard gecko today I am soo happy they r super cute and fun
@@keyairaconnell6686 They really are cute, because of covid lock down last year I wasn't able to pick up one yet. This year for my daughter's birthday I will surprise her with one. Thanks for the encouragement.
I also got my gecko leo for my birthday
I wish you were my mum ✋😫
I love this, it helps so much! I'm about to adopt a leopard gecko from a girl who has a lot of exotics and this was the first video I clicked on to help, so I'm really excited! 🧡✨
my son Exploring Alabama Jr is crazy about your channel so I had to check it out! His leopard gecko is growing and he's been watching your vids to learn! Thanks!
New subscriber here. So my 23 yr old son just decided to buy my very mature 6yr old daughter one of these, now I have had ball pythons and such in the past but never a gecko. I’m glad I stumbled over this video while trying to research how to properly care for this beautiful animal! My son gave it to us in a glass tank 10 gal I think and it had no heat pad, and he told me about the tail, and the calcium supplement but little else! I have a huge OCD when it comes to knowing EVERYTHING about taking care of my pets and so of course I went digging. I can also see Ill be heading to the pet co for a proper pen with plenty of ground space! This little guy is very adorable and so far just loves sitting in my hand. My daughter is very gentle with him, as she has been handling my sons bearded dragon since it was a baby. However I will continue to supervise her handling of the gecko.
Thank you because I got a gecko a few months ago and this video really helped me a lot so I can make her tank way more comfortable.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I Just got my lil baby a few days ago and I was a little sad that she was shy, she's slowly getting used to me and I have completely fell in love with her!! Shes super sweet and she loves when I hand feed her! Your video is super informational and has helped me a lot with my new baby!!
Love this, thank you! We just got a Leo and I have a lot left to learn
Thank you! What a great and informational video! This helped in my leopard gecko research so much😀
I know this is old, but I just subbed! This was super helpful. I just got mine today (a "fancy" leopard gecko) with my graduation money. Spent almost all of it and I definitely do not regret it! I have over 17 pets, but have never had a leopard gecko. I've done plenty of research on lots of animals (especially these little guys) but just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything so I can give him the best life. This video did not disappoint and it was the best advice! Thank you!
I’m getting one as a graduation gift too! Weird coincidence lmao
I’m getting my first reptile tomorrow or sometime this week and I’m genuinely so excited he’s a leopard gecko and I’ve been doing so much research for him
We just got a leopard gecko about a month ago! This video is super helpful. Thank youuuu
My geko is the sweetest.
However when I got her the lady had told me that she screams. As a first time geko owner I didn’t really know at the time what that ment but it didn’t matter to me as much I fell in love with her when I first saw her. I got home and she was the sweetest little thing she was still a bit shy and would run into her cave but not once has she ever screamed when handling her. When I’m around her she doesn’t even run away.
I also had noticed there was a price tag on the tiny cage that she was brought home to me in which made me think that they kept her in there for most of her life at that store which made me sad.
She didn’t seem to have the greatest life at the store before but
Whatever the case she’s In a better home now with me and is loving her new big tank and tree logs to climb on and hide under.❤😊
These tips are extremely helpful!! I’m glad you said something about the live food because my leopard gecko is very small even though he eats regularly and I’ve always wondered about that. He is about four or five years old but I’ve only had him for a little less than a year because his old owners gave him to me when they could no longer care for him. currently I do not live feed him because his old owners didn’t and my parents didn’t want to have live crickets in the house. But now that I know the long term effects of not live feeding I am gonna try to persuade my parents to at least let me do live worms and I plan on doing live crickets when I move out in the near future. Thank you so much for all the helpful tips!! Im glad I found this channel.
Omg, her voice is literally so soothing
I love all of your videos, I am going to get one later this year and these types of videos help a lot
My leopars gecko Nessie was my very first reptile ever. She was the rare success story from PetSmart. They had 8 leopard geckos ranging from hatchlings to half grown juveniles in a TINY space. When I got Nessie she had already regenerated a new tail after losing hers. I think she was also the bully when it comes to feeding because she was so much larger than the rest. But she was also one of the prettiest. She is a blizzard with marbled eyes. And with her "turnip tail" as I call it, she was, and still is the perfect leopard gecko.
Decided to watch this video to look back on my care for her at the beginning. I still cringe, thinking about the blue and red "day and night" bulbs i used for her. I'll admit, my care wasn't 100% on point. But she had multiple hides, including a humid hide. I fed her mostly live crickets and super worms (still do). And made sure she has a dish of calcium powder.
It took a little bit, but after learning more about leopard geckos, I switched her dome lights for a heat mat, and her reptile carpet liner for flat rocks and paper towels. Hoping after i move i will have the space to get her a new front opening tank as well. Top opening are so annoying.
Great video as always. Keep up the good work.
A hide with two openings like a half log is best for the warm hide and a hide with one opening is best for the cold hide. You can also use the cold hide as the moist hide
I dont have social media but watching you has helped me alot w my beardies
Your shirt is so cute! I love “tips” videos even though i’ve watched practically all of them lol! Thanks for the shoutout I was so surprised 🥰
Thank you and you're very welcome! Thanks for the support 😁
Elle's Reptiles Always! Hope you’re having a good day.
Thanks for all your amazing tips and help with setting up a new tank.
I'm glad I was able to help you out! 😊
Good morning Elle, hope you have an amazing Sunday.
I hope you do as well! 😊
@@ellesreptiles thank you Ma'am 🙂
Omg! Oh my gosh! Sees notification that Elle has posted. *clicks on* I’m a massive fan I love your videos so much. Just wanted to say keep up the good work! You are incredible💖💖
Thank you so much! 🥰
Im so glad i found this. Im looking into getting my daughter one
Thanks, this vid was really helpful and helped me with my leopard gecko
I’ve been watching your videos for a while before I realized I haven’t subscribed 🥺 I just found your page but I love it!
This was soooo super informative !! Thanks 🙏
I love your vids so much you really help me take care of my pets Idk what I would do without your vids
🥰 thank you. I'm so happy they've been helpful!
Thank you so much I just got my leopard gecko named Mushu
Thanks you I got mine and was a little worried why he was “avoiding me” he was just shy thanks so much ❤
Wow this video was very helpful 😊😊😊 thank you for giving me so tips about how to get close to my leopard gecko
I appreciate the video I just got 2 new baby leos and 1 (the albino, Gizmo) is healthy and seems to be doing fine. The other, Bleu unfortunately is sick. Lost his/her tail, and also has a parasite. I've been doing what I can. I didn't know about the calcium thing. New to leopard geckos so this was a big help. My first was a bearded dragon... so this is a big difference for me lol. As I'm used to a "hardier" animal. But I'm still glad to have Gizmo and Bleu. They are great. Admittedly Gizmo did spook me the first time I tried handling her and she screamed at me!
Thank you for always for the great tips!
Very informative as we are getting a Leo this week!!
Love this! I'm thinking of getting one soon.
Thx for the tips I had a leopard gecko but it’s at my dads house now and I’m thinking bout getting another one and these are great tips
Thank you for these! I've had snakes and turtles but not lizards... but I'm considering a Leopard Geko next. This Helped a lot!
u have got me through having a healthy bearded dragon and now helping me with my new leopard gecko ur amazing!
That's so encouraging to hear! So glad the videos have helped! 😊
This is very helpfull im getting one of these little lads today so i just wanted to know a little more and some of this i did not know thank you for the video :)
Just got my little Frankie and this video was really helpful and informative
Your videos really have helped. I'm adopting a leopard gecko from my aunt and uncle who cannot properly take care of it
I'm so glad they've helped, and I'm glad you're taking in the leopard gecko. 😊
My lizzzo loves their moist hide and bigger encloser with three hides and was happily shedding!
Elle, YOU are the bee's knees! Love your videos 🤩
Hahaha thank you! 🐝
I just got my first leopard gecko, and I can honestly say I don’t know what I was thinking taking so long adding them to my little animal family 🤭 My little baby is so inquisitive, personable and of course adorable 😍 This video was so helpful and I’ll use these tips to help give my Leo an awesome existence ♥️
Thank you again, and loved the bloopers and the future, past, present you dropping in to the video for the forgotten things 😂 Take care and looking forward to more videos
I went to a reptile expo today with my son and he fell in love with an albino leopard gecko. Well, I got one for him so I'm trying to do as much research tonight as possible. We got him the basics but the basics are nowhere near enough. I'll be going shopping tomorrow for things you recommended in this video. Thank you so much!
For future reference, impulse buying animals without doing research beforehand is not a good thing to do.
The care guide on the website reptifiles and the Leopard Gecko - Advancing Husbandry Facebook group are good sources of info.
@@nightinggale6470 I agree that it wasn't the smartest, though I did have family with me that has had leopard geckos for years. They gave me some pointers and made sure I did the initial setup properly. After that I did my own research.
And thank you, I'll check out those guides!
I subscribed. Always love your videos. Thank you for useful information provided in a fabulous manner.
Thank you so much for subscribing - welcome to the channel 🥰🎉
This helped me so much because I'm getting one
Another great care video. Keep doing what you're doing! My Leo agrees with everything lmao
Hahaha well thank you to you and your leo 😁
@@ellesreptiles Hey do you know why leopard geckos stop eating ? Mine hasn’t eaten in about a month and it seems not to lost any weight my temp on the colder side is 76 and warmer side is 96 and it’s a female and it doesn’t look sick at all
Aaghh, I'm late😂 This is a great video! More people need to know these things about leopard geckos!
Im a new leopard gecko owner and his name is Echo, he's been here for 2 days and this helped so much!! Thank you!
I'm wanting to get my first leopard gecko and have been trying to do as much research as possible, and your videos are a huge help 💚
Love your amazing videos. A tip that you could have added is the proper tank size. I have heard 20 gallon long then I heard 40 gallon breeder or larger tank.
Well hello there Elle, 😏 I have been contemplating on getting a leopard gecko for months. Thanks for this helpful clip. You're a Beez neez 🐝 lol. Super informative and super beautiful.
Haha thank you so much! 🥰
And I'm glad it was helpful. 🐝
@@ellesreptiles hey Elle, also just a thought but would you think about making a video about ball pythons when it comes to lighting, what are the best bulbs to use and so on if a person wants to go down that path. I am using a light source and heat pad by the way.
My family just got our leopard gecko today, she doesn’t mind being handled so far, but she’s very chill for most of the time and she likes to sit on my chest while I read in my bed!
Thank you so much for the help!
Thank you for the tips I'm supposed to be getting a lizard or gecko of some sort and I really like leopard geckos they're really pretty so I've been doing research about them
This was very helpful!! Just got a leopard gecko!!
Right now I'm thinking about getting a leopard gecko so I'm happy this could help
I just got two yesterday perfect timing
Yay! That's awesome. Congrats! 🎉
THX!you helped me so much I am getting a leopard gecko and u are so nice abt everything u say. U are a big helper thank u !!☆
Awww I'm so glad the video was helpful ♥️
Thank you I got a leopard gecko 2 days ago and I needed tips
Good informative videos thanks hun
Love having a fellow country sister on here to watch!❤❤
???
Thank you for telling me about the wax worms!! I just got a baby albino leo and I’ve been feeding her mealworms and those! I’ll make sure to be careful!
Keep in mind that mealworms aren’t healthy for their main diet and should make up no more than 25% of their diet. Good staples include live crickets, roaches, and silkworms. Black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and superworms can be fed occasionally (wait until she’s bigger for the latter two). The more variety in their diet, the better.
This was so helpful! I have been looking into getting a leopard gecko soon! I already have almost all of the products for them i just need to set up the tank and get my new little friend! How much and how often do you suggest feeding them?
“They will starve themselves for wax worms” I wish someone loved me that much 😞
How made me Audibly laugh
😍😍😍 SO FREAKIN BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for the knowledge Queen
Aww thanks and you're welcome 😊
Leopard Geckos are very nice. Good video. Best wishes.
Thank you and same to you! 😊
I really liked this video. O have not had a leopard gecko for years. In April my neighbor had house fire so for about 6 months I have been babysitting there's that survived the fire. He has been so much fun to watch. His tank it's by the tv and he comes out and walks around and stares at me and I talk to him. Put magnetic shelve in for him he loves to climb on. Will miss him when he goes back there house is almost done. My have to get one for myself after. GOD BLESS and thanks for all the great advice.
I hope everyone was ok! And that's so awesome that you're doing that for them! 🥰 they're such awesome lizards
The family was ok they did lost the dog most of the fish and one of the ferrets. One ferret, 8 fish that are also at my house and the leopard gecko made it out. They said if the 2 big fish tanks had not broken open they may not have made it out. They are moving back home end of this month. GOD BLESS you and your family stay save with all this crazy weather.
Thank you for this informative video. I got a leopard gecko from my fiance's coworker, I'd say about 2 months ago. He came from a home where he was tormented by a cat. So I'm still working on socializing him.
This video helped me with my leopard gecko
Good tips on thinking of buying my 1st leopard Gecko
Amazing Content🦎
You are awesome every Sunday for sure
thank you for the video, awesome shirt, have a great day
Ugh, my daughter wants a leopard gecko so bad. I just wanted to see what I'd be getting into. I know I'll be the one caring for it after a few weeks. This video was very informative. Thanks for your efforts!
sooooooo cute and thanks for the advise
So glad it's helpful!
Man I just lost mine recently to bowel blockage, didn't notice it right away unfortunately. But I love watching other videos like this it helps.
thank you i did the calcium dish thing
Thanks for this! Ik I’m a bit late but either way I’ve been considering getting a Leo so
So helpful
Thanks you these were very helpful even though I already own a leopard gecko and I have had him for almost 3 lol
i want a leopard gecko and this video was very helpful thank you sm omg
I actually have a female leopard geckos and she is gorgeous and sassy to. I love all your vids
off topic but im in LOVE with your accent!!
Thank you 🥰
유익한 영상 감사합니다~😊
Thank you!
I'm thinking about getting one so instead of getting the sand what should I use?
I subbed👍🏽. Thank you for the tips!
I was surprised about the sand lol I don’t think I have calcium sand but I do have sand in my tank because that’s what I was told and I wasn’t able to purchase the carpet thingy nor a heating pad, I do appreciate the tips especially because I just got a baby leopard gecko about a week ago and I’m 13 years old so I do need more insite on this kind of stuff because she is my full responsibility so this is really helpful and so far she lives being handled and she is very curious about her surroundings lol. Thank you so much!
Just so you’re aware, neither carpet nor heat mats are good. Pure sand isn’t good either, though. New reptiles should be quarantined on paper towel (ideally for three months) to monitor their health. After, a soil/sand or soil/sand/clay mix is ideal. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat is ideal for heat :)
I have a five month old bearded dragon his name is spike, love your videos you help me so much
Thank you and hello to spike 🦎
Thank you for the reply 😁