When setting up a vivarium for leopard geckos, one should ensure that this leopard gecko habitat is very similar to the one they are accustomed to in the wild. The habitat should closely resemble the arid desert regions which span parts of Afghanistan and India. This is very important for their survival.
The leopard gecko's vivarium (habitat) should have the correct lighting, temperature and humidity for them to remain comfortable and healthy. The amount of room available in their habitat should be a concern. Leopard geckos require ample space so that they can move about with relative ease. When buying a vivarium or similar leopard gecko habitat one should get the largest size vivarium that one can afford. The bigger the better.
When adding leopard geckos to any habitat, a key point to remember is that too many geckos should not be put in the same enclosure. Overcrowding can cause illness and a lot of stress for leopard geckos. Another important point to keep in mind is that two male leopard geckos should not be put together in the same vivarium because they will fight. Similarly, geckos of different species should not be put in the same leopard gecko habitat as this can also lead to conflict. Unlike males, female leopard geckos can cohabit the same leopard gecko habitat; often without getting into fights.
When putting together a habitat for a leopard gecko, the next consideration is lighting. Leopard geckos are active at night and so they do not require too much light. If the vivarium is placed in a ventilated room that gets a lot of natural light, then there is no need for artificial lighting because the gecko's lighting needs would have been met. Leopard gecko need to be able to distinguish day from night so as not upset their natural rhythm. If a leopard gecko's habitat is located where there is no natural lighting then incandescent bulb can be used to provide light during the day. The bulb should be turned off at night.
Leopard geckos inhabit hot and humid desert regions. At times they burrow into areas that are hot and moist. To imitate these conditions in an vivarium one can use under tank heating pads as means of providing heat. The heat must be moderate because too much heat can burn the lizards. Humidity can be provided by spraying water in the hot area of the enclosure. Sometimes, mist can be sprayed in the area closest to the leopard gecko but water must never be sprayed on them.
Leopard geckos also need places to hide. In the wild, geckos will dart into a hole or crevice when they encounter a predator or when they sense a threat. Hiding spots should also be provided for them in the vivarium. This will help ensure that have a place to seek refuge in and this in turn helps the gecko to remain healthy and stress-free.
These are a few of the considerations that must be kept in mind when setting up a habit for leopard geckos.