Are you ready for a commitment that will last a long time? It is like marriage, but with less hassles. If you are ready for the commitment, then you are ready for an amazing pet-relationship with a Leopard gecko. A Leopard gecko is not noisy, not messy, not hungry for attention and not expensive to maintain. As long as you feed it; give it water; and, keep its enclosure clean and heated there should be no problem. Before you rush off to get one, you should prepare its enclosure first. You will need the right enclosure, a substrate, heating device, a thermometer and a 5x4x4 inch plastic box.

The enclosure must have a cover with holes. A cover is needed to prevent unwanted insects from getting inside the closure and bothering your reptile. The enclosure should be a minimum of 20 gallons so a 20 gallon aquarium would do just fine. It is better to use an aquarium so that you can observe your gecko through the transparent glass.

Sand is a substrate, that is similar to the ground surface in its natural habitat. The sand is to be placed on the floor of the aquarium. There are other kinds of substrates in the pet store but sand is good because it keeps in heat. While some people choose to use sand others prefer to use paper towels as the substrate.

A Leopard gecko lives in very warm climates, and its body needs heat throughout the day. In an enclosure this can be provided by placing a heating mat under the aquarium. The heat must be monitored and maintained at a temperature of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. During evenings when it is colder, it may be necessary to place a bulb in the enclosure. Hang the bulb at one end of the tank and a safe distance from the substrate. The bulb should also be out of reach of the gecko. If the reptile comes too close to it, it might get burned. Place a thermometer within the enclosure and closely keep an eye on the temperature.

The plastic box, of 5x4x4 inches mentioned earlier, will serve as a hiding spot. The box should have a hole big enough for the reptile to easily walk in and out. A hiding spot serves several purposes. First, when it is too hot or when the gecko wants to be in a dark place, he can just slip inside it. Secondly, the humidity inside the hiding box aids with the shedding of the skin; a natural process. The air in the hiding box should also be a bit humid. You can make the box humid by putting a wet paper towel or moss inside it, then placing it in the warmer side of the enclosure.

Once you have bought and assembled all the necessary parts of the habitat, a Leopard gecko is now ready to inhabit it. Remember to feed, and clean the enclosure frequently and provide for all the basic needs of your gecko. You will soon find that taking care of a Leopard gecko requires time plus effort but it is nonetheless rewarding and enjoyable.