Morphs and Markings

One of the biggest contributors to leopard gecko pricing is their genetic makeup, which affects their coloration and markings. There are over 100 different morphs and color variations of leopard geckos available today. The most common morph is the normal or wild-type. These have yellow and white banding and spots. As their name suggests, this morph resembles what you would find in nature. Normal leopard geckos are generally the least expensive morph.

Rarer color morphs like albinos, which lack black pigment, or eclipse geckos, which lack yellow pigments, can cost over $100 as babies. Certain color and pattern combinations like bold stripes, red eyes, or bright yellow can also drive up prices. The rarer or more visually striking the colors and patterns, the more expensive the morph typically is. This is simply the laws of supply and demand at work. Unique designer morphs can even sell for $500 to $1000 or more.

Breeding Potential

If a leopard gecko morph is especially unique or desirable for creating new color and pattern combinations through breeding, this can greatly increase their price. Breeders are often willing to pay higher prices for geckos that expand their breeding stock. For example, a rare recessive trait male could be bred with females to produce more of that trait. Certain colors, traits and pedigree lines are highly sought after by breeders and exotic pet enthusiasts. These traits get bred into new designer morphs that can sell for steep prices.

Age & Size

Younger and smaller leopard geckos are generally cheaper than mature, full grown adults. Baby leopard geckos usually sell for around $30 to $60 in pet stores. The price goes up for juveniles and subadults. Full grown mature geckos over 6 months old often sell for $80 to $150.

Part of this price difference is that babies have higher husbandry demands. They need to be housed alone, fed more frequently, and require extra care. An adult leopard gecko is over most of the delicate growing phase. Adults are also better established, more accustomed to captivity and handling. Additionally, adults allow buyers to purchase a gecko they can immediately confirm is healthy. These factors make mature geckos more desirable.

Gender

Gender can also impact price. Female leopard geckos are often a bit more expensive than males. This is because females can produce eggs, allowing owners to breed and sell offspring. However, breeding should not be attempted without extensive research and preparation. So the breeding capability only adds value for certain keepers.

Health & Genetics

A leopard gecko’s health is critical to their price. Sickly geckos should not be sold or bought. Any signs of illness, infection, parasites or poor body condition will lower their price significantly. Responsible breeders and stores quarantine and vet geckos before selling them to ensure health.

The genetic background of the parents can also sway pricing quite a bit. Geckos from prize winning bloodlines with exceptional coloration, patterns or breeding results can increase value. Documentation confirming genetic history adds credibility for buyers. Unknown or questionable genetic history lowers price.

Temperament

Leopard geckos are usually quite docile and easy to handle. But an exceptionally calm, friendly gecko with an engaging personality can fetch a higher price. Easy handling helps sell geckos to prospective owners. Geckos that are anxious, defensive or nippy should be priced lower accordingly.

Source/Breeder Reputation

Where the leopard gecko comes from plays a key role in determining fair market price. Major breeders and dealers with lengthy experience and outstanding reputations can justify charging premium rates for their geckos. These sellers often focus intensely on breeding quality specimens and stand behind the geckos they produce. Big name pet stores also mark up prices quite a bit compared to small independent breeders.

On the other hand, average hobbyist breeders typically price geckos more modestly. Their facilities tend to be smaller and their overhead lower, allowing room to undercut commercial breeders on pricing if needed while still turning some profit. However, these breeders often lack the same level of expertise, breeding talent and facilities.

Documentation & Licensing

Proper record keeping is extremely important for responsible leopard gecko breeding and sales. Signed certificates of origin and health guarantees, invoices and care sheets increase buyer confidence. This documentation shows commitment to quality care and management. Sellers who cut corners and lack proper paperwork often struggle to justify premium pricing.

Additionally, commercial breeders with USDA licensing and inspection compliance can sell geckos sight unseen across state lines. Licensing adds overhead expenses that trickle down to pricing but offers buyers more flexibility and convenience. Unlicensed sellers can only sell within their own state without permits.

Conclusion

Pricing for pet leopard geckos varies substantially based on many intersecting factors. Their genetic makeup and rare color morphs can multiply their price tenfold over common varieties. Age, size, breeding potential, temperament and more all sway pricing up or down as well. Where and how the gecko was bred also contributes. Reputable breeders with proper licensing and paperwork can justify much higher pricing than casual hobbyists. While leopard geckos make outstanding pets at any price point, understanding what accounts for pricing differences allows buyers to make educated purchasing decisions. I sincerely hope you find this “Factors determining the prie of a Leopard gecko” article helpful.

The post What Influences the Price of a Leopard Gecko? appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

Introduction to Leopard gecko breeding

Leopard geckos are successful breeders. Breeding with Leopard geckos is easy and in most cases even unstoppable. Apart from the correct husbandry, only a bit of extra knowledge is required to produce a batch of Leopard gecko babies.

Breeding pairs

In order to breed, an adult male and female Leopard gecko need to be housed together. When the enclosure size allows, one male can be paired with a couple of females. Leopard geckos are seasonally polyestrous. Females can retain sperm for one year. Breeding age (sexual maturity) for Leopard geckos depends on the gender, date of birth and weight, but is generally between 9 and 10 months of age.

Female Leopard geckos can lose a lot of weight during the breeding process and it is therefore advisable to only start breeding when they are fully grown (weighing 45 grams or more) or at least one year of age. Sexing is done by looking at the vent area. Hemipanal bulges and femoral pores will be visible in males while they are absent in females. To prevent Leopard geckos from breeding, smaller females should rather be separated from males until they are the correct size/age and well bodied.

Mating and mating behaviour

The natural breeding season of Leopard geckos is from early spring to autumn. Breeding is seasonal. During the mating season, a breeding pair will show much more interest towards each other, especially the male towards females. Breeding behaviour in males will start off with stalking and circling the female and then getting close to her. There will also be swift tail wagging, wiggling and/or tail vibrations – which can often be heard.

Owners will rarely see the mating process but are typically characterised by the male on top of his female counterpart, biting her neck to hold on for copulation. Their tails will be intertwined to allow the reproductive organs to meet.

Gravid females

After mating was successful, the female Leopard gecko will start to show signs of being gravid. Over the next 16 to 22 days, her abdomen will start to enlarge with eggs. During this period, female Leopard geckos might eat more or eat less than usual. She might also isolate herself more frequently from her cage mate(s).

Laying eggs and incubation

Leopard geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that hatch outside the body of the female. Females Leopard geckos typically produce a clutch of two eggs at a time. During the course of the breeding season, a total of four to ten clutches of eggs (typically six) can be produced every three to four weeks.

Leopard gecko eggs are whitish, soft-shelled, oval and about the size of a large pea. Once the breeding season begins, a female can lay a clutch of eggs every 15 to 22 days over a four- to five-month period.

Nearing the end of the gravid period, the hide box should be supplied with fresh substrate. At these times, the hide box will also serve as an egg-laying box. The same substrate can be used for both – either moist vermiculite or moist peat or sphagnum moss. During this time the male Leopard gecko should preferably be isolated from the female(s).

After the eggs have been deposited into the egg-laying substrate, they should be transferred to a smaller container with a fresh mixture of moist vermiculite before they are transferred to the incubator. By this time the incubator should be readied and calibrated at a temperature of between 26 and 33 °C / 79 and 91 °F.

Eggs should be monitored regularly, but not frequently. Stick to principles that will cause the least amount of temperature fluctuations for the incubator that is used. Mouldy eggs will not hatch and should be removed and discarded as soon as they appear in order not to affect healthy ones.

Also see
Suitable substrates for Leopard geckos
Leopard gecko egg incubation temperatures

Hatchling Leopard geckos

Viable eggs can take 35 to 89 days to incubate. When babies start to appear, try not to interfere. Only once a baby Leopard geckos have emerged completely from the egg should it be transferred to a larger keeping container.

Hatchling Leopard geckos should never be kept with juvenile and adult Leopard geckos.

Also see
6 tips for new baby Leopard gecko owners

The post Leopard Gecko Breeding Basics – Tips for Success appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

Introduction to Leopard gecko breeding

Leopard geckos are known to be easy breeders. By housing an adult male and female Leopard gecko together, breeding will most likely take place.

Keep the housing enclosure simple

Although Leopard geckos are generally not ferocious during the breeding process, fewer obstacles will be beneficial. Unnecessary enclosure furniture can be obstructive and even cause injuries. A simpler setup will also be easier to maintain, less time-consuming to keep clean and make for better observation.

Also see
Good hygiene practises for Leopard geckos

Bigger enclosures are not always better

Many Leopard gecko breeders use smaller containers during the breeding season. Simple stackable plastic containers (with enough ventilation) measuring between 40 and 60 cm / 15 to 25 ” are generally acceptable for two to four Leopard geckos. Also see the Leopard gecko housing guidelines for more information.

Use only one male

When it is time to breed, male Leopard geckos become very possessive and even aggressive. More than one male during this time will lead to more fighting and less breeding. When space allows, a single male can be paired with two to four females.

Males can be rotated between multiple females

After an evening or two together, a single male Leopard gecko can be rotated with multiple groups of females, but make sure to allow two to three days of rest after about seven days of breeding. This way males can be used more efficiently, but make sure to keep track to prevent inbreeding.

Use breeding boxes

A breeding box, or advanced hide box, with a small opening and a moist substrate, will provide hiding and a place for females to deposit their eggs in. Popular hiding box substrates to use for hiding boxes and as an egg-laying substrate is peat moss and vermiculite. Also see suitable substrates for Leopard gecko for more information.

Prevent egg contamination

Breeding boxes should contain a clean, preferably commercial substrate such as packaged vermiculite, peat moss or a specialised reptile egg-laying substrate. This will prevent eggs from becoming contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Also see suitable substrates for Leopard geckos for more information.

Feed enough food

During breeding, male and female Leopard geckos will need more energy from their food. During this time, mealworms dusted with a commercial calcium/vitamin D combination and a multi-vitamin combination should be available all the time.

Female condition and sizes

Breeding females should preferably be full size and in good condition at the beginning of the breeding season. A good indicator of the condition is the fatness of the tails. The fatter the better.

Less attention is better

It is often beneficial to allow privacy during the breeding season. Opening of the enclosure and hide box should be reserved for daily inspection, cleaning and feeding only.

Get the incubator ready

Before you have it, there will be eggs. By this time you should have done your research on the incubator to use and have it set up to the desired temperature.

The post Essential Tips for Breeding Leopard Geckos Successfully appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

There are various reasons why owners would like to know the sex (or gender) of a Leopard gecko. This article will show the external differences between males and females.

Sexing a Leopard gecko is fairly easy. From a gender point of view, all baby and most juvenile Leopard geckos will look exactly the same and can therefore only be accurately sexed from about 3 months of age. Sexual maturity in Leopard geckos (the age at which they can start to breed) is reached between 6 to 10 months of age. Larger, and adult Leopard geckos have a definitive sexual dimorphism (sexes are visibly distinguishable), but there are other ways to make an educated guess.

Not all Leopard geckos will show same-sex characteristics. Some Leopard geckos will have more gender identifying characteristics than others.

Leopard gecko sexing

Sex organs

The most accurate way to sex a Leopard gecko is by looking at the externally visible sex organs. They are situated next to the vent area on the underside of the tail base.

In male Leopard geckos, the area next to the vent towards the tip of the tail, there will be two visible bulges. These bulges are formed by the two hemi-penises. The middle of the two bulges will have an ‘hourglass’ appearance. Having no hemi-penises, female Leopard geckos will have no, or one slightly visible, bulge in this area.

Leopard gecko male on the left and female on the right. In males, the hemi-penal bulges and femoral pores (indicated by arrows) are visible, while absent in females. Image Kerstin Franke (CC BY-SA 3)

Femoral pores

Another fairly accurate way to determine the sex of Leopard geckos is by looking at the presence of femoral pores. Males will have a row of very distinctive femoral pores just in front of the vent. The rows often form a V-shape pointing to the head of the gecko. Leopard geckos with femoral pores can be accurately sexed as a male, but those without pores are not always female. A female Leopard gecko will almost always be without femoral pores.

Body conformation

A second, far less accurate way to determine the sex of a Leopard geckos is by looking at its body conformation. Generally, male Leopard geckos will have a broader head and will weigh more. Females might have broader/shorter bodies when compared with males.

Comparing sizes

Although an informed guess can be made by comparing the size of two Leopard geckos,

Temperature-dependent sexual dimorphism

Another way to make an educated guess on the gender of a Leopard gecko is by knowing the temperature at which it was incubated during the first 3 weeks after the egg was deposited. 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.

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 / 85-87 °F. By controlling the incubation temperature, Leopard gecko breeders often manipulate the gender of the babies.

Also see
Leopard gecko egg incubation temperatures
Leopard gecko breeding

The post How to Sex Leopard Geckos – A Guide for Beginners appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

Understanding these behaviors provides insight into their reproductive process and can be essential for responsible breeding practices.

Introduction to Breeding Behavior in Leopard Geckos

Breeding behavior in leopard geckos is primarily seen in sexually mature adults, typically around 9 to 10 months of age. Leopard geckos follow a seasonal breeding cycle, which usually begins in early spring, extending into autumn.

During these months, males and females are more likely to exhibit mating behaviors when housed together, as environmental factors like temperature and daylight shifts mimic their natural breeding cues.

Interestingly, breeding-like behaviors can also appear between males due to territorial disputes. Recognizing these behaviors helps distinguish between mating and fighting, crucial for maintaining harmony among leopard geckos in shared habitats. The breeding process consists of two main stages: courtship and copulation.

Courtship Behavior and Male Leopard Gecko Actions

In leopard gecko courtship, the male’s actions are particularly notable. Upon spotting a receptive female, the male leopard gecko begins by showing interest and approaching her. He may adopt a stalking stance or circle around her, displaying behaviors meant to signal his intentions.

A distinct characteristic of this phase is the tail movement; the male’s tail may lift, sway from side to side, or even vibrate. This tail vibration, often audible, signals the male’s readiness for courtship.

The male may proceed either slowly or quickly, sometimes displaying jerky movements to capture the female’s attention. This phase of courtship involves careful inspection of the female, where the male evaluates her receptiveness before moving to the next step.

If the male deems the female a suitable mate, he will advance more assertively, sometimes dashing towards her to initiate contact.

The Role of Biting in Courtship

One common yet misunderstood behavior in leopard gecko courtship is biting. Male leopard geckos often bite the female’s body or head as a way of establishing physical contact and asserting dominance.

Although this may appear aggressive, it is a natural part of their mating ritual. The biting generally occurs around the female’s body or head and is a precursor to the mating process.

At this stage, the female has the option to either accept or reject the male’s advances. A receptive female typically remains still, allowing the male to proceed. Conversely, an unreceptive female may attempt to escape or show defensive behavior, including producing vocalizations, such as clicking sounds, to deter the male.

Copulation Process in Leopard Geckos

If the female does not resist, the male will move to position himself for copulation. This involves the male climbing on top of the female, positioning his back leg over her tail, and sliding his tail beneath hers to align their reproductive organs.

This maneuver is precise, allowing successful mating to occur within a matter of seconds.

During copulation, the female may still exhibit resistance, but persistent males often succeed in achieving copulation. Larger, stronger males tend to have an advantage over smaller rivals, often securing more successful copulations due to their physical strength. After mating, the female will usually move away, signaling the end of the interaction.

Female Leopard Gecko’s Response and Post-Copulation Behavior

Following successful copulation, female leopard geckos enter a phase of egg production. Fertile eggs are typically laid 16 to 22 days post-mating, though the possibility of infertile eggs remains, even after successful mating.

Remarkably, female leopard geckos are capable of laying eggs without mating, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis in reptiles, though these eggs are usually infertile.

A female can engage in multiple mating sessions throughout the breeding season, with some females breeding over five times in a single season. This repeated mating enhances the likelihood of producing viable offspring and contributes to the genetic diversity of the clutch.

Breeding Behavior Beyond Mating: Fighting and Territorial Disputes

Not all leopard gecko breeding behaviors involve male-female interactions. Occasionally, two males in close quarters exhibit similar behaviors due to territorial disputes. Males may display aggression by circling, tail vibrating, and even biting, similar to courtship, but with more pronounced hostility.

Recognizing these signs is vital to prevent unnecessary stress or injury among housed males, especially in a breeding setup.

Leopard Gecko Egg Laying and Incubation

Once a female has mated, egg-laying becomes the primary focus. Each clutch typically contains two eggs, and females can lay multiple clutches during the breeding season. After eggs are laid, the incubation process begins, where environmental conditions like temperature play a critical role in determining the sex and viability of the offspring.

Ideal incubation temperatures for leopard gecko eggs are generally between 82°F and 88°F. Lower temperatures produce more female offspring, while higher temperatures tend to result in males. Maintaining proper humidity levels is also essential, as eggs are sensitive to environmental fluctuations, which can impact hatchling survival rates.

Common Vocalizations and Behaviors During Breeding Season

During courtship, females may vocalize as a defensive mechanism against overly aggressive males. These vocalizations, often in the form of clicking or chirping sounds, are rare outside the breeding season, making them unique to these interactions.

Vocalizations serve as a deterrent, signaling discomfort or reluctance to engage in mating.

Gecko owners often notice that breeding behaviors appear suddenly and unexpectedly, especially in housing setups where males and females are kept together. Understanding these behaviors helps in providing a supportive environment that respects the natural tendencies of these fascinating reptiles.

Final Thoughts on Leopard Gecko Breeding

Breeding leopard geckos requires careful observation, understanding of their natural behaviors, and a commitment to ethical breeding practices. From courtship rituals to copulation and egg-laying, each phase of the breeding cycle offers insights into the species’ remarkable adaptability.

Proper care, adequate space, and attention to environmental factors are essential to ensure the health and well-being of both male and female geckos throughout the breeding season.

The process may appear complex, but with patience and responsible breeding practices, leopard gecko enthusiasts can witness the full spectrum of these unique reptiles’ breeding behaviors.

The post Leopard Gecko Breeding Behavior – A Complete Overview appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

Ideal Incubation Temperature Range

The ideal incubation temperature range for leopard gecko eggs is between 82-88°F (28-31°C). This narrow temperature range provides the optimum conditions for normal embryonic development. Temperatures above or below this range can cause issues:

• Temperatures under 82°F can slow development, increase the chance of birth defects and lower hatch rates.
• Temperatures above 88°F can cause deformities, incomplete egg tooth development, and even embryo death.

So it’s vital to keep the incubation temperatures in the 82-88° degree sweet spot.

Where to Incubate the Eggs

You have a few options on where to incubate leopard gecko eggs:

• Commercial Reptile Egg Incubators: These provide stable temperatures and humidity levels. They’re the easiest but most expensive option.
• DIY Incubators: You can make your own incubator, often from plastic storage tubs. While cheaper, these take more effort to set up and maintain proper conditions.
• In the Gecko Enclosure: Letting the female incubate the eggs in her tank seems natural, but temperatures and humidity fluctuate which can jeopardize the eggs. It’s best to remove the eggs.

Monitoring the Temperature

No matter where you incubate the eggs, monitoring the temperatures is vital. Use a reliable digital thermometer with a probe to track the incubator temperatures. Position the probe right alongside the eggs.

Check the temps at least twice a day – once in the morning and once later in the day. Make any adjustments needed to keep the temperature in that 82-88°F window. Logging the temps each day also lets you ensure stability.

Incubation Duration

At proper incubation temperatures, leopard gecko eggs will hatch after 45-60 days of incubation. Lower temperatures extend incubation, while higher temperatures shorten it. But again, it’s healthiest for hatchlings when incubation lasts 50-60 days at ideal temps.

The Role of Humidity

Humidity levels affect how well the egg shells can “breathe” and release moisture. The right balance helps keep enough moisture inside the egg for development. Recommended humidity levels are between 40-60% during leopard gecko egg incubation.

Hatching Out Baby Leopard Geckos

Toward the end of incubation, the eggs may indent slightly as the hatchlings prepare to emerge. Avoid touching or disturbing the eggs at this point. When they’re ready, the geckos will slit around the egg shell from the inside using their egg tooth.

It’s an amazing process to witness! The little geckos often rest after pipping the shell before completing the exit. The entire hatching process can take 12-48 hours from the initial pip. Don’t interfere unless the hatchling seems to be having serious difficulties emerging.

Caring for Hatchlings

Once out of the egg, leopard gecko hatchlings stay inside the incubator for 24-48 more hours absorbing the last of their yolk sack for needed nutrients. After that, they’re ready for their first shed and to start feeding. They’ll need very small live feeder insects.

It’s ideal to house hatchlings together at first. But monitor them closely for any signs of aggression or dominance issues. Be prepared to separate any geckos not thriving together. With good care and proper setups, hatchling leopard geckos grow rapidly in their first 12 months.

Incubation Problems and Troubleshooting

Even with excellent incubator conditions, issues occasionally occur during leopard gecko egg incubation:

Non-Viable Eggs Not every egg is fertile and develops an embryo. Clear or misshapen eggs typically won’t hatch. These should be removed promptly from the incubator so they don’t rot and risk contaminating healthy eggs.

Fungal Infections Small gray or black dots on eggs likely indicate fungal growth. While not uncommon, fungus can spread quickly in the warm, humid incubator. Remove any eggs showing substantial fungus right away.

Hatchling Defects Minor physical defects sometimes show up in hatchlings, like missing toes or tail kinks. More severe issues like exposed organs, missing eyes, and undersized heads typically mean non-survival. Defects often result from poor incubation temperatures or genetics.

Stuck Hatchlings If a baby leopard gecko struggles for over 24 hours to fully exit the egg, it may be stuck. At that point, you can carefully assist by softly massaging the egg shell or gently tugging membrane. But take care not to damage delicate bones or tissues.

The Right Start for Healthy Gecko Babies

Caring for developing leopard gecko eggs comes with big responsibility. But the rewards of helping hatch gorgeous, healthy hatchlings makes the effort well worth it! Monitoring incubation temperatures closely and consistently gives every gecko egg its best opportunity to hatch out successfully.

The post Setting the Right Incubation Temperature for Leopard Geckos appeared first on Leopard Gecko.