What does a gecko look like?
The Leopard gecko is small (reach approximately 8 to 10 inches in length, including their tails) and fast moving; their skin, covered in patches of dark spots giving them the illusion of a leopard. The Leopard gecko is one of the only geckos that have eyelids that can close and open (a lot like ours), they are also one of the only geckos that don’t have pads on their toes – meaning they can’t climb up smooth surfaces. They are nocturnal in the wild, hiding from fierce daytime heat in burrows and under rocks. In captivity, they will burrow when overheated and shy away sometimes from bright lights.
What animal class are they?
The leopard gecko is in the reptilian class.
Where do they come from?
Naturally found in the highlands of Asia and throughout Afghanistan, to parts of northern India. The natural condition for a gecko is hot! They live in rocky deserts and sparse grasslands.
What do geckos eat?
I know our parents always tell us to eat our greens, but these geckos hate plants or veggies. The best meal for a Leopard gecko is mealworms or crickets. Geckos are hungry and will stalk prey like a cat.
How long does a Leopard Gecko live for?
Leopard geckos may live 20 or more years in captivity.
Fun fact about geckos!
The temperature of their eggs determines the gender of the hatchlings. At 80 degrees, most will be females; at 91 degrees most will be males. At 86 degrees Fahrenheit, there will be an even mix.
Is a gecko a good pet?
Leopard geckoes are thought to be high first pets, and excellent if you’ve already had plenty of experience with reptiles. It’s recommended to get your gecko from a trusted breeder, but our geckos – Luna, Nova and Skye (https://animal-club.co.uk/meet-our-animals/) are rescued. If treated well from a young age the geckos can be handled. Like many other of our reptiles, once the housing is sorted, they are easy to care for.
How do you look after a gecko?
-Make sure the aquarium house is about 60cm long, 40cm high and 30cm deep – well ventilated and clean
-The best way to heat your leopard gecko is by using an undertank heating pad or tape. The temperature should be 28 and 30 degrees C during the day, and the cold end 24 to 26 degrees C.
– On the floor of the house should be newspaper, pea gravel, artificial turf, flat stones or no level covering.
-You’ll need to provide hiding places and low, sturdy branches or rocks for climbing.
– Live insects are a must for your gecko; they do not eat plants or veggies. The best items to use are mealworms or crickets, but you can treat your pet to waxworms or super worms once a week if you wish. Avoid feeding leopard geckos pinky mice.
Questions for the class (skim read the text above for the answer):
1)How is a Leopard Gecko different from any other gecko?
2)Where is the gecko initially found?
3)What should you feed a gecko?
4)What shouldn’t you supply a gecko?
5)Name a reason why a Leopard Gecko would be a good pet?
6)If you had a pet gecko, how long would you be accepted to have it for?
7)Name your favourite fact you’ve read about?
8)What has been the most exciting information you have learnt?
9) Where would you find a gecko in the wild?
10) What climate do Geckos like?