Introduction to Leopard geckos egg incubation temperatures

Leopard gecko eggs should be incubated between 26 and 33 °C / 79 and 91 °F. This temperature range is significantly lower than the average temperatures of their natural environments.

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Egg incubation temperatures of Leopard geckos

In nature, female Leopard geckos will choose the most desired spot to deposit their eggs. This will usually be in a self-dug hole in a shaded, moist patch of sand. Being underground, the temperatures that these eggs are exposed to are significantly lower than the environmental temperatures of their natural occurring deserts areas (often rising to above 50 °C / 122 °F). The combination of being in shade, being underground and the added moisture will contribute to a lower natural incubation temperature.

For pet Leopard geckos, a special hide box needs to be supplied for females to lay their eggs in. These hide boxes need to be filled with a moist substrate, such as vermiculite, peat or sphagnum moss. Also see suitable substrates for Leopard geckos for more information. Although some Leopard gecko eggs will likely hatch by keeping them in the hide box inside the keeping enclosure, it is better to transfer them to an incubator. By making use of an incubator, the egg will not only be safer, but the temperature and humidity can be controlled better.

Leopard geckos have, what is called, temperature-dependent sexual dimorphism. This means that the temperature at which Leopard gecko eggs were incubated has an effect on the gender of the babies. Having manual control over the incubation temperature can allow Leopard gecko breeders to manipulate the ratio of male to female Leopard gecko babies. Also see breeding with Leopard geckos for more information.

The male to female ratio is much higher at warmer average incubation temperatures (31-33 °C / 88-91 °F). More females will be born if the incubation temperatures were dropped to between 26 and 27 °C / 79 and 81 °F during the first 3 weeks and then increased to a higher incubation temperature (31-32 °C / 88-90 °F) after that. A more-or-less equal amount of male and female Leopard gecko babies will be born when the eggs are incubated at temperates ranging from 29 to 30 °C / 85 to 87 °F.

Sustained average temperatures of above 33 °C / 91 °F might dry the eggs out and can quickly kill developing embryos. Average temperatures below 26 °C / 79 °F will lead to prolonged egg incubation periods. Lower incubation temperatures will also increase the humidity and make the environment more prone to bacterial and mould growth, which will kill the eggs.

During the incubation period, owners should constantly monitor and record the temperature of the incubator. Temperatures can be measured using a thermometer. The humidity of the eggs should also be monitored. Depending on the incubator used, monitoring procedures should take into consideration temperature drops which might affect the eggs and the overall incubation period.

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Leopard gecko thermometers

Thermometers are used to read temperatures. They are valuable and necessary for Leopard gecko owners and are used to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Read article

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One of the more important parts of keeping Leopard geckos as pets is setting up an artificial environment where they can thrive. Although not as challenging as with many other pet lizard species, temperature (in the form of heat) plays a vital part in their health and well-being.

Leopard geckos are considered poikilothermic (having a variable body temperature) and ectothermic (dependent on heat from sources other than their own). With pet Leopard geckos, some sort of external heat source might be required.

Although Leopard geckos are exposed to huge day/night and seasonal temperature differences in nature, they show huge adaptability in most artificial environments. As pets, Leopard geckos will thrive in temperatures of 25 – 32 ºC / 77 – 90 ºF with a drop to room temperature during the evenings. In many parts of the world, including South Africa, no heating equipment will be required, but with average room temperatures of below 23 ºC / 73 ºF additional heating should be installed.

Leopard gecko heating equipment

External heating for Leopard geckos can be in the form of electrical heat pads or strips or overhead lighting. Electrical heat rocks are also frequently used. The type of heating required or used will depend on the size and type of the enclosure.

Heating should be supplied on one side of the enclosure to allow for a natural temperature gradient towards the other side.

Because Leopard geckos are night dwelling animals, overhead heating (simulating the sun) is not as important as with diurnal reptiles. It is more important than heat is supplied from beneath in order for ‘basking’ to take place.

Heat lamps emit heat from the top. By simply shining it onto an object that absorbs heat (e.g. a piece of rock), the surface can be used as a basking spot. The amount of heat can be controlled by moving the heat lamp further or closer or by changing the Wattage of the light bulb.

Heat rocks, heat pads and heat strips make good choices as it looks more natural or can be hidden under the substrate. When heat pads/strips are used, it should only cover about a quarter (25%) of the floor space to allow for a temperature gradient. The electrical wiring should be hidden and/or isolated properly to prevent contact with moisture and the Leopard gecko itself. Various type and sized heat pads, heat rocks and heat strips are available for under-tank heating. They can also vary in strengths (and price!).

T-Rex Cobra Heat Pads comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is ideal for under-tank heating in Leopard geckos. The heated area should be covering about a quarter of the total surface of the enclosure.

Whatever heating equipment is used (or not), the temperatures on both sides of the enclosure should be tested thoroughly with a thermometer a few consecutive days before the introduction of a Leopard gecko.

Simple digital thermometer with a probe to measure temperatures in a Leopard geckos enclosure.

Nighttime temperatures are most often achieved by simply disconnecting the heat source. Electrical timers are often used to achieve natural day/night effect.

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Leopard gecko egg incubation temperatures

After a female Leopard gecko has deposited her eggs, they need to be in an optimal environment to be able to hatch. The most important environmental factors that determines viability of the embryos are the temperature and the humidity. Read article

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