Leopard geckos are among the most popular pet lizards thanks to their adorable appearance and mild temperament. But how long do leopard geckos live, and what can you do to help them enjoy a long life? The leopard gecko is a long-lived lizard. While the average lifespan of a leopard gecko in captivity is 10 to 20 years, some individuals have been known to live for 28 years or more. The oldest recorded leopard gecko was a male who was born in captivity and died at the age of 28.

In this article, we’ll look at the leopard gecko’s lifespan.

How Long Do They Live?

The leopard gecko is a long-lived lizard. While the average lifespan of a leopard gecko in captivity is 10 to 20 years, some individuals have been known to live for 28 years or more. The oldest recorded leopard gecko was a male who was born in captivity and died at the age of 28.

While the leopard gecko is a relatively long-lived reptile, a few factors can influence its lifespan. For example, captive leopard geckos that are not bred or cared for properly may have a shorter lifespan than those that are well cared for. Owning a leopard gecko can be the perfect way to add some vibrant energy and delight to your life. With good care, these animals are sure to bring you many years of joy.

Why Do Some Leopard Geckos Live Longer Than Others?

There are a few things you can do to help your leopard gecko enjoy a long and healthy life:

Provide adequate housing – 

Leopard geckos are a popular choice for pet reptiles, and for good reason. They are relatively low-maintenance, docile animals that make great first reptiles. First and foremost, leopard geckos should be housed in an enclosure of at least 20 gallons. The enclosure should also have plenty of hiding places, as leopard geckos like to feel secure. 

In addition, the enclosure should be outfitted with a basking light and a UVB light, as leopard geckos need both heat and ultraviolet light to thrive. By setting up a proper enclosure, you can provide your leopard gecko with the ideal home and create a lasting bond between you and your reptilian friend.

Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels –

Leopard geckos are cold-blooded, which means they have very particular environmental needs. In captivity, providing them with an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat is important. That means creating a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with one end being warm and the other end being cool.

The basking spot should be around 88 degrees Fahrenheit. While the cool end of the enclosure should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity level in the enclosure should be kept between 30 and 40 percent. By creating a suitable environment for your leopard gecko, you can help them stay healthy and happy in captivity.

Enclosure setup- 

As we mentioned, leopard geckos require a well-ventilated enclosure that is at least 20 gallons in size. The enclosure should also have plenty of hiding places, as leopard geckos like to feel secure. In addition, the enclosure needs a cool and warm side.

If you do not provide both, the leopard gecko will get hot or cold and eventually die. The basking spot should be around 88 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cool end of the enclosure should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Offer a well-rounded diet – 

A healthy diet for a leopard gecko includes live insects, such as crickets or mealworms. The insects should be dusted with calcium powder to help prevent metabolic bone disease. A leopard gecko needs about 10-20 live insects per day. The amount of food a leopard gecko needs depends on its size and activity level.

Adult leopard geckos should be offered food every other day, while juvenile leopard geckos should be offered food daily. Live insects can be purchased at pet stores or online. When feeding live insects, it is important to dust the insects with calcium powder to help prevent metabolic bone disease. Leopard geckos need access to fresh, clean water at all times. 

Provide adequate hiding places – 

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular species of pet geckos, in part due to their docile nature and ease of care. They are generally hardy reptiles that are relatively resistant to disease, but like all animals, they need to be provided with proper care to stay healthy and happy. One of the key components of leopard gecko care is providing hiding places. Leopard geckos are crepuscular animals, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk. During the day, they like to hide away from the light in cool, dark places.

In the wild, leopard geckos often use caves or rock crevices as hiding places. In captivity, hides should be provided so that your gecko can feel secure and comfortable. Hiding places can be made from commercial reptile hides or simple cardboard boxes. It’s important to make sure that there are plenty of hiding places available, as leopard geckos may become stressed if they cannot find a place to hide. By providing plenty of hiding places, you can help your leopard gecko thrive.

Clean the enclosure regularly – 

A clean and sanitary environment is essential for the health of your pet. Waste and uneaten food can quickly lead to bacterial growth, which can cause illness. For this reason, it is important to clean your pet’s enclosure regularly. Spot cleaning should be done daily, and the entire enclosure should be disinfected and washed down every two weeks. If you have more than one pet, you will need to clean their enclosure more frequently.

Fortunately, there are several commercial cleaners specifically designed for pet enclosures, so finding the right product for your needs should not be difficult. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy.

Leopard Gecko Life Cycle

Like most other reptiles, leopard geckos have three stages of life: hatchling, juvenile, and adult. Each stage has its own set of nutritional needs, and it is important to provide your gecko with the right diet at each stage of life. As a hatchling, your gecko will need a diet that is high in protein to help them grow and develop.

During the juvenile stage, their diet should be switched to a more moderate protein level to prevent obesity. As an adult, their diet should be lower in protein and higher in fiber to maintain a healthy weight. By understanding the nutritional needs of each stage of life, you can help your leopard gecko stay healthy and happy throughout their lifetime.

Hatchling :

The hatchling phase of a leopard gecko is when it is firstborn. Often, hatchlings weigh under an ounce. During the hatchling phase, you can expect your leopard gecko to sleep a lot and eat very little. Often, pet stores don’t have hatchlings because they are so small. In the wild, most hatchlings don’t survive their first year.

They are vulnerable to predators and diseases. But if you’re lucky enough to have a captive-bred leopard gecko, you can give it the best chance at a long and healthy life by providing proper care during its hatchling phase. This includes keeping it warm, feeding it live food, and preventing dehydration. With the right care, your leopard gecko will thrive and grow into a beautiful adult.

Juvenile:

The juvenile phase of a leopard gecko is when it starts to grow quickly. During this time, you can expect your leopard gecko to eat more and sleep less. They will also start to explore their enclosure more as they become more active.

Juvenile leopard geckos should be fed a diet that is high in protein to help them grow. During their rapid growth phase, juvenile Leopard geckos shed often (every 10 days) (age 4-6 months). They are roughly 4-6 inches long and weigh up to 30 grams at this time. For around ten months, they are considered juveniles.

Adult:

The adult phase of a leopard gecko is when they reach their full size. Adult leopard geckos are typically around 8 inches long and weigh up to 75 grams. At this stage in life, their diet should be lower in protein and higher in fiber to help them maintain a healthy weight. Adults also shed less often than juveniles, typically every 4-6 weeks. By providing proper care during each stage of life, you can help your leopard gecko enjoy a long and healthy life.

How to Determine the Age of Your Leopard Gecko?

There are a few ways to determine the age of your leopard gecko. As a general rule, hatchlings are under 4 inches long, juveniles are between 4-6 inches long, and adults are over 8 inches long. Another way to determine the age of your leopard gecko is by looking at its tail. 

Hatchlings and juveniles have tails that are about the same size as their bodies. But as they reach adulthood, their tails will start to grow longer and thicker in proportion to their bodies. And finally, you can also look at the patterns on their skin. Leopard geckos go through a process called “color change” as they age. 

This is when the spots on their skin start to fade and their overall color becomes lighter. Beginning at 1.5 years, older, sexually mature male geckos may exhibit aggressive behavior. At around the same age, female Leopard geckos will begin to exhibit symptoms of nesting. Leopard geckos, on the other hand, will stay sexually active for the majority of their lives.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Leopard Gecko?

If you want your leopard gecko to enjoy a long and healthy life, there are a few things you can do to help. First, provide them with proper care and nutrition at each stage of life. This includes feeding them a diet that is high in protein during their juvenile phase and lower in protein and higher in fiber during their adult phase.

Second, keep their enclosure clean and free of potential hazards. This means removing any sharp objects or loose substrates that could injure your leopard gecko. And finally, take them to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. By following these simple tips, you can help your leopard gecko enjoy a long and healthy life.

Disease:

One of the biggest threats to a leopard gecko’s lifespan is disease. There are a variety of diseases that can affect leopard geckos, both in the wild and in captivity. Some common diseases include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal parasites. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all diseases, you can help reduce the risk by providing proper care and nutrition for your leopard gecko.

Stress:

Another factor that can impact a leopard gecko’s lifespan is stress. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including an overcrowded or dirty enclosure, a lack of hiding places, and inadequate nutrition. When leopard gecko is stressed, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to disease. Leopard Geckos should be housed in a calm, quiet room with a regular day/night cycle to simulate natural daylight.

Proper lighting is very important to Leopard Geckos, as it helps them to regulate their body temperature and activity level. When handling Leopard Geckos, it is important to do so gently and carefully. These lizards are delicate, and rough handling can cause injuries. With proper care and handling, Leopard Geckos can make enjoyable and low-maintenance pets.

Habitat:

Leopard geckos are found in a variety of habitats throughout their range. In the wild, they typically inhabit dry, arid regions such as deserts and scrublands. They are also often found in rocky areas and near human settlements. In captivity, leopard geckos can be housed in a variety of enclosures, including glass tanks, plastic tubs, and wooden vivariums. Regardless of the type of enclosure you choose, it is important to provide adequate space for your leopard gecko to move around, hide, and thermoregulate.

Diet:

A healthy diet is essential for any leopard gecko, regardless of age. In the wild, leopard geckos typically eat a diet of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. In captivity, leopard geckos can be fed a variety of commercially available insectivore diets.

It is important to dust the insects with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your leopard gecko. Juvenile leopard geckos should be fed a diet that is high in protein to support their rapid growth. Adult leopard geckos should be fed a diet that is lower in protein and higher in fiber to help prevent obesity.

You should also offer your leopard gecko a variety of different insects to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need. Be sure to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your leopard gecko’s diet.

Does a leopard gecko die easily?

No, leopard geckos are hardy lizards and can live for many years with proper care. However, some things can shorten their lifespans, such as malnutrition, dehydration, and injuries. Impaction by inadvertent swallowing of the loose substrate is a prevalent cause of mortality in most pet reptiles.

Although substrate selection is largely a matter of personal preference, the easiest strategy to avoid impaction is to avoid loose particle substrates. Pinworms, Cryptosporidium, and various fungi, bacteria, and parasites can all infect leopard geckos. These can have an impact on their intestinal and digestive systems.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is characterized by bone demineralization as a result of inefficient calcium metabolism. It’s a prevalent health problem in caged reptiles that don’t get enough UVB lighting, Vitamin D3, and calcium supplements or heat.

Geckos with severe shedding concerns, particularly on the skin surrounding their eyes, might acquire infections that can lead to more serious health problems, such as secondary infections.

Because most of these infections are difficult to treat, it is preferable to avoid shedding issues by providing optimum moisture and humidity levels in their enclosure. By providing proper care and nutrition at each stage of life, you can help your leopard gecko enjoy a long and healthy life.

Conclusion

So in the end, leopard geckos are long-lived lizards that can enjoy a lifespan of 10 to 20 years in captivity, with some individuals living for 28 years or more. Females live shorter lives than males. This is due to the energy required to create and lay eggs.

Females typically survive for 10 to 15 years. Pet females, on the other hand, will outlive any wild Leopard Gecko. The best way to help them reach their full potential is to provide proper care and nutrition, as well as a stress-free environment. By following these simple guidelines, you can help your leopard gecko live a long and healthy life.

FAQs:

1. How big do leopard geckos get?

Males can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length, while females typically reach 8 inches (20 cm).

2. What do leopard geckos eat?

In the wild, their diet consists mostly of insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of live and frozen foods, as well as commercially prepared gecko diets.

3. Do leopard geckos need heat lamps?

No, leopard geckos do not require heat lamps. However, they do benefit from having a basking spot that is about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the rest of their enclosure.

4. What is the best substrate for a leopard gecko?

The best substrate for a leopard gecko is one that is easy to clean and does not hold moisture. Some good options include paper towels, reptile carpets.

5. Do leopard geckos need water?

Yes, leopard geckos need access to fresh, clean water at all times.

6. Do leopard geckos like to be handled?

Yes, leopard geckos typically enjoy being handled and will often become very tame with regular handling. 

7. How often do leopard geckos shed?

Leopard geckos typically shed their skin every 2-4 weeks. If they are shedding more frequently than this, it may be a sign of stress or poor husbandry conditions.

8. What does it mean if my leopard gecko’s tail is twitching?

If your leopard gecko’s tail is twitching, it may be a sign of stress or agitation. Tail-twitching is also a common defensive behavior used by geckos when they feel threatened.

9. Do leopard geckos need UVB lighting?

Yes, leopard geckos require UVB lighting. However, it can be beneficial for them if provided. UVB lighting helps to promote vitamin D3 synthesis, which is essential for calcium absorption and metabolic bone disease prevention.

10. How can I tell if my leopard gecko is sick?

Some common signs of illness in leopard geckos include weight loss, lethargy, refusal to eat, and changes in stool consistency. If you notice any of these changes in your gecko, it is important to take them to a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.

11. How Can You Tell A Leopard Gecko’s Age?

There are a few ways to tell a leopard gecko’s age. A young leopard gecko will have a plump, round tail, while an older gecko will have a thinner, more tapered tail. Another way to tell a leopard gecko’s age is by looking at its teeth. A young gecko will have sharp, pointy teeth, while an older gecko will have duller, more rounded teeth.

12. What Is The Difference Between A Male And Female Leopard Gecko?

The most obvious difference between male and female leopard geckos is their size. Males can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm ) in length, while females typically only reach 8 inches (20 cm). Male leopard geckos also have larger heads and thicker tails than females. Another way to tell the difference between males and females is by looking at their cloacas. The cloaca is a cavity located at the base of the tail that contains the reptiles’ reproductive and digestive organs.