Lazy my Leopard Gecko, Eublepharis macularius, originates from Pakistan and surrounding countries. As a member of the Eublepharidae family it means that it one of the types of Gecko that are able to move their eyelids. Although classified as nocturnal Lazy is active both throughout the day and at night, sleeping and eating as and when he likes. Adult leopard geckos grow to a maximum length of just over 8” (20cm) and live for around 10-15 years. Leopard Geckos are colourful lizards and with more morphs of yellow, pink, white, orange or a combination of colours becoming available they are certainly a sticking lizard to look at. These factors, as well as the fact that Leopard Geckos are a fairly hardy species of lizard, mean that they are a good starter reptile for beginners.

Any enclosure design should try to recreate the native environment of that species, so with a Leopard Gecko this is an arid, rocky setup that can be achieved through using rocks, plastic greenery, sand, tiles and logs. It is important to never house two male lizards in the same enclosure as they will fight for dominance. If you do wish to keep more then one lizard it is recommended that you have a male and a female or one male and two females. Lazy's habitat was created using textured tiles form a hardware store on the floor and natural slate pieces to make rocky climbing areas and hides. Plastic greenery and Exo-Terra rock effect backing were used to hide the generic wooden sides of the vivarium. A damp box makes an ideal location for them to hide in if feeling stressed and the moisture also aids shredding. Sufficient heating should be provided to maintain a temperature around 84-88 ° F (29-31 ° C) with a basking spot at the hottest area. Ideally a red bulb should be used as this not only provides enough heat and visibility, but it cannot be seen by the gecko. There is no need for artificial lighting or a UVB light because they are nocturnal and this is probably what encourages Lazy to venture out throughout the day. Maintenance of this enclosure is very easy as it gets a thorough clean on a monthly basis and a spot clean as necessary which Lazy has made very easy but allocating one area for going to the toilet.

Leopard Geckos eat a variety of different insects including crickets, small to large locust mealworms, wax worms and silkworms, all of which are dusted with a good supplement a couple of times a week before feeding.

I introduced a male to lazy last year (2009) who is named Ganster, and please to say Lazy laid two eggs in which one hatched as shown above.