HELP leopard gecko/geckos

Question

im putting together a leopard gecko enclosure but im trying to use organic compost for them to lay eggs in is this a good idea or will it hurt my geckos? please i need help. also what live plants can i use in my enclosure? thanks

Answer 1

Since you're talking about breeding geckos, I'm assuming that you know all the basics about weight; age; health; fat reserves; incubating; care for the young; calcium requirements; etc.  Leos can be prolific, so be sure you have an outlet for the young before you breed.

Leopard geckos originate from rocky regions of hard packed earth.  They are not designed to ingest small particles with their food prey insects, and impaction can easily occur resulting in expensive vet bills, and even death.

Though it may not be what you had in mind - simplest is best.  The safest substrate for your Leo is aged newspaper (at least a week to allow the ink to dry and fumes to evaporate), plain brown wrapping paper, paper towels, etc. You can even use printed wrapping paper, provided it doesn't bleed ink.

You can use reptile carpet (not astroturf - this is rough on delicate feet and bellies) but make sure it has a very short nap so delicate toes aren't snagged.  It's available in several colors, and you can cut it into curves/shapes, to acheive areas of different appearance (of course, this can be done with paper, too).  You'll need two pieces, so one can be washed and dried while the other is in use.

As for laying females - just use a margarine bowl with a rounded bottom and cut an opening (heat edges to smooth), like you did for a moisture hide.  Moist spagnum moss is a good medium to provide for the female to lay in.  The smaller particles of the moss will stick to the eggs and prevent them from sticking to the surface of the bowl.

If you plan to have live plants in the 'semi-desert-ish/dry' environment Leos require - I have a couple of questions: 1.) how do you plan to keep the gut loaded crickets out of the soil (as well as the geckos), 2.) and how do you plan to keep the plants watered, without increasing the humidity too much for the Leos?

Please keep in mind when you set up your habitat for the Leos that it IS their home, and FOR them.  What's best for them may not always be what's asthetically pleasing to you.

If you want plants, (and water), and humidity - you might want to check into getting Anoles or Chameleons instead.  They thrive in humid vivariums/terrariums.  They also climb, so they would make good use of the plants.

I'll post a few sites below you can peek out when you have time if you haven't already, but please note my disclaimer.

Good luck with you Leos, and I hope this has been helpful.