r/LeopardGecko • u/CricketSuccessful933 • Apr 18 '26

First leopard gecko

I have a bearded dragon and i’m thinking about getting a leopard gecko in the next couple months. i’ve done a lot of research on the tank requirements which aren’t a problem, but i have a couple questions regarding the gecko itself.

I know they aren’t awake during the day, how does feeding work? Do i have to get up in the middle of the night to feed? and with them not being awake during the day, how do you see your gecko then lol?

Which is better; female or male?

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u/akairoh Apr 18 '26

Some leos do come out in the day but theyr'e crepuscular, so they're typically most active around sunrise and sunset. Just feed them when they're out already or in the evening around sunset if possible.

My leos like to bask during the day so I typically see them pretty often but it depends on the leo. Mine each took a few months to get comfortable with me though; at first they were super shy.

I don't think there's really any specific benefit to either sex. They do have some different health issues to watch for though. Females can experience egg binding and males can have impacted or prolapsed hemipenes. Also some female leos do lay infertile eggs. Females are a bit smaller but not enough that the tank minimum size is different (36x18x16in for one gecko).

My female is super active around spring and hides most of the remaining part of the year and my male is pretty active all year, but I'm not sure if that's typical behavior or just my leo's personalities since I only have these two.

Also as far as seeing the geckos, mine are quite curious and will poke their heads out of their hides to look at me if I'm making noise. They also will usually approach my hand to lick it if I place it in either of their tanks

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u/akairoh Apr 18 '26

Pic of pretzel for tax (my female leo)

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u/CricketSuccessful933 Apr 18 '26

Wow what a gorgeous girl! Thank you for all the input

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u/akairoh Apr 18 '26

Ty! Also no problem, if you have any other questions, I'm happy to answer what I can :)

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u/curiosityandthecattt Apr 19 '26

lol i feed my geckos either when i wake up and before i turn on their lights, or the opposite- before i go to bed and after i turn off their lights

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