Guest Author - Meg Grooms

Leopard geckos, eublepharis macularis, are small reptiles found in parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Iran. Leopard geckos are widely known as a "gateway reptile", that is a reptile that is ideal for first time lizard owners. What makes the leopard gecko a good choice for first-timers?

Leopard geckos aren't climbers. Leopard geckos lack the hairy toes, called setae, that other gecko types have. When most people think of geckos they think of lizards climbing the sides and top of their aquarium enclosures. Leopard geckos do not have the ability to climb walls vertically, making their tanks almost escape-proof!

Leopard geckos are small. A ten gallon tank will easily last a leopard gecko a lifetime. Leopard geckos grow to a maximum of ten inches, and eight inches is more common. This small size makes the leopard gecko perfect for handling and housing! Leopard geckos are addictive, I must warn you. A twenty gallon tank will easily accommodate two leopard geckos, just be sure not to combine two males.

Leopard geckos are gentle. These lizards very rarely bite. If you begin handling your leopard gecko from the first day it will be very easy to tame. The smaller you start, the better, baby leopard geckos aren’t able to pierce human skin very easily. This makes the leopard gecko a great pet for an older child.

Leopard geckos are inexpensive when it comes to reptiles. Pets are not replaceable, but if you are just starting out with reptiles it’s best to start inexpensively, just in case you decide a reptile isn’t for you. The cost of a baby gecko is usually under $30, add another $20 for a tank and lid (a fish aquarium will work, plastic reptile cages are a bit more expensive), $5 for your first supply of food, $5 for tank substrate (the stuff you put at the bottom of the cage, fine sand is perfect), $10 for a reptile daylight/heatlamp and $15-25 for food dishes, rocks and other objects to enrich their tank. It is important to note that reptiles are not cheap, that is they do take an initial investment. Leopard geckos are much less expensive to own than other reptiles and certainly less expensive than a new puppy!

Leopard geckos are not needy. Leopard geckos can be great friends and need regular handling, but they do not require the hours of attention that other animals do. Leopard geckos need clean water and they need to eat daily when young and at least every other day when older. Leopard geckos do need some exercise but they do not need daily walks. A leopard gecko may not greet you at the door after work, but they will approach you when you sit beside their tank. Your leopard gecko will need his tank cleaned once every three months if you keep up with removing feces and uneaten food.

Leopard geckos are called the gateway reptile for a reason, once you get one you will want more! Perfect for first time reptile owners, the leopard gecko can be a wonderful pet friend!