Do you want a pet that is both beautiful and easy to care for? If so, the lavender leopard gecko may be perfect for you! This striking creature has a light purple or lavender base color with stripes or spots of different colors. They are great for beginners and have easy care requirements. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about taking care of a lavender leopard gecko. We will cover their habitat, tank conditions, and setup, as well as diet and other important information. So if you are considering bringing a lavender leopard gecko into your family, read on!
About lavender leopard geckos
Lavender leopard geckos are a popular pet choice for many reasons. They are low-maintenance, docile creatures that can live up to 20 years with proper care.
Do geckos naturally come in a lavender shade?
Leopard geckos naturally come in a wide range of colors and patterns, but lavender is not one of the colors that occur in nature. In 2003, a breeder named JMGReptile set out to create a line of lavender geckos. This was done by breeding striped geckos to normals that showed varying amounts of lavender coloring. The geckos that showed the most lavender were then bred back to each other. This process was repeated until the desired look was obtained. Lavender has also been achieved through the use of albino strains, especially in the Bell Albino strain. Crossing Bold Stripes with the Bell Albino strain has shown results in producing the color lavender.
Here is your Gecko essentials shopping list (with links):
Habitat setup
Tank
There should be a basking spot in their enclosure, and the other end of the tank should be slightly lower in temperature. A 15 to 20-gallon tank will serve well as a habitat for your gecko. The enclosure should be spot cleaned once a day to remove feces and completely cleaned once a month.
Provide your lavender gecko with hiding places, such as logs or rocks. Make sure to place these throughout the tank and not just in one corner.
Lighting
Lavender leopard geckos are nocturnal creatures, so they do not really need a lot of UV light. Depending on where within your home you place the tank, you may even get away with having none at all. If the talk is close enough to a window and gets plenty of natural light, you can consider skipping the UV light. If, however, your tank is placed in a dark room, with little to no natural light, providing your lavender gecko with adequate lighting may be a good idea, especially in winter.
Temperature
The temperature of the tank should have a gradient from one end to another. The basking spot should be between 28 and about 31°C (82-88 °F) and cooler on either side of this area with an average of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 Celsius. You can easily check the temperature of your tank by using a wall adhesive thermometer.
To heat up the tank you can use a white incandescent bulb or by placing it next to a window. Just make sure that the strong sunrays do not overheat the tank.
Humidity in the tank
Geckos are reptiles that originate from tropical and subtropical regions. As such, they require warm temperatures and high humidity levels to stay healthy. One way to provide your gecko with the moisture it needs is to keep a shallow dish of water in its enclosure. The gecko will drink from the dish and also soak in it to help regulate its body temperature. In addition, the water will help to increase the overall humidity level in the enclosure, which is essential for your lavender gecko’s health. Consequently, it is important to remember to always keep a dish of water in your gecko’s enclosure.
Substrates: what to put on the bottom of the tank
Substrates are the best way to provide your gecko with a safe, clean surface on which they can live. Some people use paper as it is easy to clean.
Sand is another popular option, which however is not recommended for young geckos, could make an animal sick if ingested. Nonetheless, it is a great option for fore mature geckos.
READ THE GUIDE: BEST SUBSTRATE FOR LEOPARD GECKOS
What do lavender geckos look like?
The lavender leopard gecko is a color morph of the leopard gecko. It is characterized by lavender or purple base color with spots or stripes of black. The lavender coloration is caused by a genetic mutation and is not found in nature. Lavender leopard geckos are typically larger than other leopard gecko morphs and can reach lengths of up to 12 inches. They are popular pet due to their unique coloration and gentle disposition.
What to feed my lavender gecko?
As for diet, lavender leopard geckos are insectivores. This means that their diet consists primarily of insects. Crickets and mealworms are good options to feed your gecko. You can purchase these live at your local pet store. Be sure to dust the insects with a calcium powder before feeding them to your adult gecko. This is important for their health and development.
Do not feed your lavender gecko dead insects, they are a natural predator and like to hunt. Besides, it is always fun watching them catch their prey. Do not feed your lavender gecko random insects you find in your home, such as flies and mosquitos—these can lead to digestive issues, as they are normally not part of their diet. The same applies to fruit.
Common health problems
When it comes to keeping your lavender leopard gecko healthy, there are a few things to keep in mind. One common health issue is metabolic bone disease, which is caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3. This can lead to softening of the bones and deformities, so it’s significant to make sure your gecko is getting enough of these nutrients. Another issue to be aware of is overweight geckos storing fat in their armpits, which can lead to a condition called axillary lipidosis. This can cause bubbles under the skin and should be avoided by making sure your gecko stays at a healthy weight. Finally, keep in mind that lavender leopard geckos have a lifespan of around 20 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment before bringing one home as a pet.
Lavender gecko shedding
Your lavender leopard gecko will shed once every four to eight weeks. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if your gecko is shedding more frequently than this, it could be a sign of poor humidity levels in their enclosure. Be sure to keep the humidity at the correct level to avoid any health problems for your gecko.
Are Lavender Leopard Geckos Friendly?
Lavender leopard geckos can become very friendly if interacted with on a regular basis. They make great pets for children because of their docile nature. When handling your gecko, be sure to support their entire body so they don’t feel insecure.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly reptile with beautiful coloration, the lavender leopard gecko is a great option. With proper care, they can make a great pet for many years to come. Now that you know a little more about these creatures, be sure to do your research before bringing one home. And as always, consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health.
How Much Do Lavender Leopard Geckos Cost?
Lavender leopard geckos are pricier than other geckos due to their rare coloring. They typically cost between $100 and $200. However, the price may vary depending on the breeder and the individual gecko’s markings.
Now you know
Now that you know a little more about taking care of lavender leopard geckos, we hope you will consider adding one to your family! They make great pets and are sure to bring you joy. Thanks for reading!