# Leopard Gecko Care in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/leopard-gecko-care-uk): Leopard Gecko Care in the UK — Quick answer. UK leopard geckos need a thermogradient vivarium with a basking zone of 28–30°C, a cool end of 24–26°C and 30–40% humidity, plus a humid hide for shedding. Feed gut-loaded, dusted insects and provide low-level UVB. Register with an exotic vet before problems arise.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/leopard-gecko-care-uk): Leopard Gecko Care in the UK — Vivarium setup. According to the RSPCA, leopard geckos are terrestrial, crepuscular lizards from dry scrubland — active at dawn and dusk. All leopard geckos in the UK are captive bred, they grow to around 25 cm and can live up to 20 years. - Minimum size — 60 cm long × 40 cm high × 30 cm deep for one adult, but as large as possible - Hides — several, spread across both ends so the gecko can choose temperature without losing security - Humid hide — a waterproof-bottomed hide with damp moss, sprayed every few days (essential for shedding) - Position — away from radiators, direct sunlight and draughts - Company — keep alone; they do not need social company and can be aggressive

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/leopard-gecko-care-uk): Leopard Gecko Care in the UK — Heating and temperatures. Create a thermogradient with the heat source at one end. The RSPCA advises a 60–100 watt ceramic or basking lamp, guarded against burns, on a dimming thermostat: | Zone | Target temperature | |------|-------------------| | Basking zone | 28–30°C | | Cool end | 24–26°C | | Night | Heat off; if the room drops below 18°C, use a ceramic heater at 18–20°C on a thermostat | - Place natural slate or rock in the basking zone — geckos feel warmth through their bellies - Check both ends daily with digital thermometers; an infrared thermometer also works - Heat mats are a night-time option: on one side of a wooden vivarium (or under half a glass one) with an on/off thermostat

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/leopard-gecko-care-uk): Leopard Gecko Care in the UK — UVB and lighting. Leopard geckos are often said to need no UVB — the RSPCA disagrees. Fit a 2–5% UVB tube covering one-half to one-third of the vivarium length at the hot end, with a reflector: - Target a UVI gradient of 0.7 in the basking zone to zero in shade - Follow the manufacturer's distance guidance — UVB fades with distance and is blocked by mesh and glass - Replace the tube on schedule; output declines before the light visibly fails - Ask your reptile vet about red-eyed morphs — bright light can damage their eyes - Turn all lights off at night; a plug-in timer makes 12 hours on/off simple

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/leopard-gecko-care-uk