I got a leopard gecko today,and the store owner didn't specify if the light had to be left on all the time?

Question

Today I got a leopard gecko for zoology class, and the store owner didn't specify whether the red heating light should be left on at all times, or if it should be turned off at night, etc.

The one I have is a baby (still striped, no spots yet)

and, should I take the extra crickets out? I got it with the aquarium already set up, and there were crickets in there, but i've heard that they will nibble at the gecko's skin...

Answer 1

try this website, it has all about heating and leopard geckos;

http://www.goldengategeckos.com/careknob...

also, just keep the extra crickets in, if you start noticing them nibbling or something, you should remove them.

Hope I helped!

Answer 2

I know that you should take any uneaten crickets out because they can bite. I'm not sure about lighting on Leopard Gecko's specifically, but I know that most other reptiles you need to turn the lights off at night. Good luck!

Edit: you don't need to take the crickets out right away if he doesn't eat the immediately. But when you go to turn the light off, take any extras out.

Answer 3

With the red light, apparently they can't see it. And in order to keep the gecko on a natural day to night shedule I use a regular bright heat light and have it on for 12 hours then have it off to allow the tank to cool down a little and reach night time temperatures.

So my suggestion for you with the red light would be have it on for 12 hours then have it off that way the gecko isn't in constant heated tank. They do need heat but you have to simulate the natural cycle of day to night.

As for the cricket, leave it in for a few an hour or so. Then if by then the gecko hasn't eaten it, take it out. But if that isn't an option put a slice of carrot in the tank so the cricket will nibble at the carrot and not the gecko.

Hope that helps :D