Do Female Leopard Geckos Lay Eggs?
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets in the world, and it is important to know the breeding habits of this species if you are considering owning one. It’s common knowledge that female geckos don’t give birth to live young like other reptiles, so do female leopard geckos lay eggs instead?
Yes, Female Leopard Geckos Lay Eggs
Female leopard geckos lay eggs when they are ready to reproduce. The eggs are usually 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch long, and the female may lay two to eight eggs at once. Leopard geckos will lay their eggs in a secluded spot in their terrarium. The eggs may take anywhere from 40 to 90 days to hatch, depending on the temperature and humidity of their environment.
What The Eggs Look Like
Leopard gecko eggs are cream-colored with a hard, leathery shell and they are oval-shaped. They almost look like small chicken eggs. Depending on the temperature, the eggs may be blotchy, showing light brown and gray spots. As the eggs get closer to hatching, they may begin to develop a white frosty look.
How To Care For The Eggs
It is important to provide the eggs with the correct environment and care so that they can hatch and successfully grow into healthy geckos. Here are some tips for caring for leopard gecko eggs:
- Temperature: Keep warm, but don’t let the temperature get above 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius).
- Humidity: Maintain relative humidity between 40 – 50%.
- Lighting: You can use a ceramic heat emitter for light, or you can purchase a reptile light with a dimming switch.
- Movement: Do not move or jar the eggs, as this can kill them.
- Incubator: To ensure the eggs are provided with the correct environment, use a reptile incubator.
Conclusion
Female leopard geckos do lay eggs when they are ready to reproduce, and it is important to provide the eggs with the correct environment and care in order for them to hatch and grow into healthy geckos. With the right environment and care, leopard geckos make great, low-maintenance pets.
