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Like most species of reptiles, leopard geckos are oviparous, meaning they produce their young by laying eggs. So, how often do leopard geckos lay eggs?
Female leopard geckos can lay a clutch of eggs every 15-22 days between a 4 and 5-month period. The female can start laying eggs 16-22 days after mating with a sexually mature male.
A healthy adult leopard gecko can produce 4 to 5 clutches of eggs in each breeding season. Let’s take a closer look at the leopard gecko breeding season and more about the mating process.
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When Is the Leopard Gecko Breeding Season?
Leopard geckos can breed from January through September in the wild. However, leos that are in captivity can breed year-round, provided that they are ovulating. It is advisable to mate leopard geckos when they are ovulating since this is when they are most fertile.
Female leopard geckos can only ovulate when they reach sexual maturity. This often occurs when they are between 18 and 24 months old. On the other hand, male leopard geckos can become sexually mature at 9 to 12 months old.
During the breeding season, you can place up to three female leopard geckos with one male in the same terrarium
What Should I Feed My Leopard Gecko During The Breeding Season?
Leopard geckos require special care when they are breeding. The females, in particular, should be provided with enough food to avoid possible health complications. Besides, the process by which the eggs are formed is energy-taxing.
To keep your leopard geckos healthy, you should feed them nutrient-rich insects such as mealworms and crickets. Experts recommend increasing the feeding frequency to make up for the lost energy. You can also provide them with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements since both are essential for egg formation.
The supplements can replenish the leopard geckos’ mineral reserves, thereby safeguarding your leos against nutritional deficiency diseases. But most importantly, ensure there is a clean bowl of water in the leopard gecko enclosure.
How Do I Encourage My Leopard Geckos to Breed?
In the wild, leopard geckos can breed on their own. The males can sense if a female is ready to mate by picking up chemical scents. Nevertheless, captive leopard geckos may be somewhat limited since they are often kept in separate enclosures.
If you are looking to breed your female leopard geckos, you should house them with a male. The conditions inside the enclosure should be favorable to facilitate mating.
An egg box should also be placed inside the terrarium for ovipositioning. The box should have a loosely packed, moist substrate that the leopard gecko can dig through.
Leopard Gecko Mating Process
Introducing a male leopard gecko to a female is just but the first step. Ensure that you observe the behavior of each leopard gecko for any signs of aggression.
Beyond their odd egg-laying behavior, leopard geckos have a unique mating process. If the pair like each other, the mating process will take about two to five minutes. The female leopard gecko will stand still while the male restrains her by the neck.
Final Verdict
Pet leopard geckos can lay eggs several times a year. If you choose to breed your leopard geckos, ensure that you do it when they are ovulating.
You can tell if your leopard gecko is ovulating by observing the underbelly. Leopard geckos that are ovulating often have a reddish underbelly, indicating the presence of eggs.
