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Keeping leopard geckos as pets is both fun and interesting. However, it can be somewhat demanding since it requires you to know everything about leos. One of the common questions that most pet parents ask themselves is; Do leopard geckos like water?
Leopard geckos don’t like water. They are native to semi-desert areas that hardly receive any rainfall. As such, they are perfectly adapted to living in dry environments and can go for days without drinking water.
However, that does not mean they don’t need water. Like all living organisms, leopard geckos need water to perform various biological functions in their bodies.
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Do Leopard Geckos Drink Water?
In as much as leopard geckos don’t like water, their survival depends on it. Nonetheless, they only drink on rare occasions. Besides, they can meet most of their moisture requirements by eating juicy bugs.
Most insects have high moisture content, so they can provide your leopard gecko with just enough water. This should, however, not stop you from giving your leopard gecko water. The leopard gecko’s vivarium should have a dish of clean water at all times.
This not only keeps your leopard gecko hydrated but will also prevent health complications. If a leopard gecko stays too long without drinking water it could die.
The Right Water For Leopard Geckos
Experts recommend that you should give your leopard gecko chlorine-free water. Additionally, the water should not contain minerals or other chemical compounds.
These compounds can cause serious health problems or even death in leopard geckos. For safety purposes, you should consider giving your leopard gecko distilled water.
Alternatively, you can use tap water, provided that it is clean and free of the compounds highlighted above.
How Often Should Leopard Geckos Drink Water?
To stay healthy, ensure that your leopard gecko drinks water at least three times a week. As stated earlier, providing clean water is a requirement.
Even though it’s rare to see a leopard gecko drinking from a water dish, it should not discourage you from supplying more water. Ensure that you replace the water regularly to avoid health problems.
Can Leopard Geckos Swim?
Leopard geckos cannot swim. However, they can stay afloat for several minutes. You should never leave your leopard gecko in a bath unsupervised.
Also, you should place water in a shallow dish to lower the chances of them drowning. Water can be a stressor to leopard geckos, especially when they feel stranded. Elevated levels of stress in leopard geckos can result in health complications.
Final Verdict
Unlike most reptiles that spend part of their time in water, leopard geckos don’t like getting wet. Plus, they come from dry environments, so they can do just fine without being submerged. The fact they don’t like water does not imply they don’t require it.
Leopard geckos should be provided with enough water to prevent constipation, shedding problems, and other complications. Misting the leopard gecko’s tank regularly is one of the best ways to keep your leo hydrated. You should also bathe them once in a while to prevent their skin from drying out.