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Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. They’re easy to take care of, docile, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. But one question that often comes up is how long do leopard geckos live?
The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the age of the leopard gecko when it’s first acquired, its diet, and its overall health. In general though, leopard geckos have a lifespan of 10-20 years in captivity.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect how long a leopard gecko lives in captivity, as well as some tips on how to care for your pet so they can live a longer and happier life. We’ll also discuss what signs indicate that it’s time to take your leopard gecko to the vet for an examination.
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How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?
The lifespan of a leopard gecko in captivity can vary greatly depending on the age when it was acquired, its diet, and overall health.
Generally speaking, leopard geckos live 10-20 years in captivity, with some reaching up to 25 years.
- Age: The age of the leopard gecko plays a role in how long they can live in captivity. Older geckos tend to have shorter lifespans than younger ones, as their bodies are more prone to age-related illnesses and diseases.
- Diet: A healthy diet is essential for a leopard gecko’s long life. They should have access to a variety of protein sources, including insects and small rodents. They also need calcium supplementation to ensure they have strong bones and a healthy immune system.
- Health: A leopard gecko’s overall health can also affect their lifespan. Regular vet visits are important in order to detect any illnesses or diseases that could shorten their lifespan. Additionally, proper habitat maintenance is essential for keeping your leopard gecko healthy.
More: Interested in buying a leopard gecko? See our article on the : Top Leopard Gecko Breeders
Leopard Gecko Life Stages
Like many lizards, leopard geckos go through several life stages. As they age, their behavior and physical appearance may change. In the early stages of life, leopard geckos are usually more active and can grow quite rapidly. As they reach adulthood, they’ll become less active but will still need plenty of space to explore and exercise.
Once a leopard gecko reaches the senior stage of life, they’ll start to slow down even more. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet and make sure they’re still eating and drinking enough. If you notice any changes in behavior or health, make sure to take them to the vet for an examination.
How To Tell The Age Of Your Leopard Gecko
The age of a leopard gecko can be determined by looking at their eyes. Young geckos have black eyes, while older ones will start to show signs of white or cloudy eyes. You can also check for the presence of wrinkles and bumps on their skin, as these are indicators that your leopard gecko is getting older.
Since leopard geckos can live for up to 20 years in captivity, it’s important to make sure you know how old your pet is so you can monitor their health and adjust their care accordingly.
What Are The Major Causes Of Premature Death?
The primary causes of premature death in leopard geckos are malnutrition, poor hygiene, and trauma. Malnutrition can be caused by a lack of access to a proper diet or an improper diet. Poor hygiene can include things like unclean habitats, which can lead to bacterial infections or parasites. Trauma can come from anything from handling the gecko too roughly to a bite from another gecko.
Stress can also be a major factor in premature death, not just for leopard geckos but for all animals that are kept in captivity. This can come from anything such as loud noises, drastic changes in temperature and humidity, overcrowding, or even the presence of predators. It’s important to make sure that your leopard gecko is kept in a stress-free environment.
How To Give Your Leopard Gecko Healthy Life
By taking good care of your gecko, you can ensure its health and longevity. Here are some of the best practices to keep your leopard gecko healthy and happy:
#1. Choose a Well-ventilated and Spacious Enclosure
Make sure your gecko’s habitat is large enough (at least 20 gallons) to provide ample space for it to roam around. It should also include several hiding spots and have good ventilation.
#2. Ensure Proper Temperature and Humidity
Leopard geckos prefer temperatures between 75°F and 78°F with moderate humidity levels. You should also provide a temperature gradient so your gecko can move between cooler and warmer areas based on its preferences.
#3. Provide an Appropriate Diet
Leopard geckos are insectivores, so feed them a variety of insects such as mealworms, crickets, waxworms, and super worms. They should also be supplemented with high-quality calcium and multi-vitamin powder.
#4. Offer a Variety of Substrates
Your gecko’s enclosure should have an appropriate substrate such as soil, sand, pebbles, and reptile carpet. This provides the gecko with more opportunities to explore its environment and also helps them shed their skin properly.
#5. Ensure Regular Vet Check-ups
Regular vet visits help detect any potential health problems early on. This allows you to address those issues before they become major health issues and adversely affect your gecko’s lifespan.
#6. Handle with Care
Leopard geckos are quite delicate, so be mindful when handling them. When you do pick them up, make sure to support their entire body and never squeeze them.
By following these best practices, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your leopard gecko, giving it the best chance at living a long life in captivity. With good care and proper nutrition, they can live up to 10 years or even more in the right environment. So show your gecko some love and it will reward you with its loyalty!
How Long do Leopard Geckos Live in Captivity
Leopard geckos can live 10-20 years in captivity, with some even reaching 25 years. The age when they are first acquired, diet, and health all play a role in how long they will live. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet for signs of aging or health issues and take them to the vet if you have any concerns. With proper care and nutrition, your leopard gecko can live a long and happy life!