Do Leopard Geckos Need UVB?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIncubator temperature control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining the proper incubator temperatures is crucial if you’re to successfully hatch leopard gecko eggs. Research studies have also proved that the incubation temperature is crucial in the selective breeding of leopard geckos, as it determines their sex, pigmentation, and behavior. We discuss this further below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temperature-dependent Sex Determination (TSD).<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMost reptiles- leopard geckos included- exhibit a phenomenon called Temperature-dependent Sex Determination (TSD). This is whereby the ratio of male to female hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature during the first 21 days of incubation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore- if you wish to breed more female leopard geckos- we recommend incubating them at cool temperatures of between 24-28 degrees Celsius (75.2- 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Conversely, if you want more males than females from your hatch, maintain warmer incubation temperatures of between 32-33 degrees Celsius (90-91 degrees Fahrenheit).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll also want to avoid maintaining prolonged incubation temperatures higher than 35 degrees Celsius, as this will result in significant embryo loss. After the first three weeks of incubation, you can then set a constant temperature of between 84-87 degrees Fahrenheit, as the sex of the unhatched leopard geckos will already have been determined by this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pigmentation<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe incubation temperature also determines how much melanin a leopard gecko will have on its skin and eyes once it hatches. Therefore, if you wish to breed light-colored, albino leopard geckos- which are considered more beautiful- you should maintain your incubator within the warmer, male incubation temperature range. Meanwhile, to breed more ‘colored’ leopard geckos, you’ll want to maintain a female incubation temperature range for the first three weeks of incubation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behavior<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to breed your leopard geckos to exhibit more heterotypical behaviors once they reach adulthood, you should set the temperatures to male incubation levels of between 90-91 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, for female leopard geckos that are less heterotypical in terms of sexual behavior, we recommend setting female incubation temperatures of between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens if the temperature is too high?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To find out if your leopard gecko’s vivarium is too hot for the pet, observe the animal’s physical appearance and behavior. If the leopard gecko’s skin has a burned appearance, or the gecko is panting, then the tank temperature is too high. Skin burns are more likely to occur if you have rock or tile substrates that get too hot when the temperatures rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Lower Tank Temperature if it’s too hot<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, you should remove your pet from the tank as the high temperature may cause it to pass out. Next, check the temperature reading on the thermostat. If it’s set too high, adjust\/lower it to the appropriate temperature level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your leopard gecko vivarium may also be overheating due to overexposure to the sun’s heat rays. You can prevent this by installing UV protection blinds or a cooling fan in the room where you keep the pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signs the tank temperature is too low<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Extremely low temperatures can have serious health impacts on your leopard gecko- including difficulties in digesting food and excreting waste. As a result of poor digestion, your pet reptile will become malnourished. If the cold temperature conditions continue for a prolonged period, your leopard gecko will die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid losing your rare pet to extremely low-temperature conditions, it’s important to know the signs of a cold tank so that you can rectify the problem early. This includes observing the leopard gecko for signs of lethargy and strained bowel movements. A leopard gecko will stop eating<\/a> and may become immobile if it’s feeling too cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Raise Tank Temperature if it’s too cold<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf your leopard gecko’s tank is too cold, check the temperature levels on your thermostat and readjust to the recommended levels. It could also be that your thermostat has developed faulty wiring, making it unable to properly heat the vivarium. If this is the case, make the necessary repairs or invest in a replacement thermostat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your room temperature can also affect the temperature inside the leopard gecko’s tank. If the room is too cold, you can raise the temperature by using a space heater or adjusting the heat settings of your HVAC system. Also, note that some rooms- such as basements- are typically cold. Avoid keeping leopard geckos in such rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, temperature problems inside your leopard gecko vivarium may be due to issues beyond your control. For instance- a power blackout may cause the tank to become too cold. If this is the case, consider the following temporary solutions until the lights come back:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Using a backup power generator.<\/li>
- Using heating packs- which typically last about eight hours.<\/li>
- Take the leopard gecko out of the tank and wrap it up in warm clothing, or snuggle it close to you for warmth.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n