Did you know that Leopard geckos are just like us when it comes to loving a cozy, private spot? These bright-eyed reptiles adore their ‘gecko secret lairs’ a.k.a hides, where they chill out, sleep, and even shed their skin. It’s like their own little bedroom, gym, and spa combined!
The Importance of Leopard Gecko Hides
Leopard geckos aren’t just introverts who love their alone time; they also use hides for essential health reasons. Think about how you feel after a good night’s sleep in your comfy bed – rested and ready to take on the world, right? It’s the same for geckos with their hides. Without a proper hide, they can become stressed, and stress can lead to health problems, from loss of appetite to skin shedding issues. It’s like they’re saying, “No hide, no peace!”
The Types of Leopard Gecko Hides
Just like we all have our favorite spots at home, geckos do too. Ideally you want to give them at least three different hides, each for a different purpose:
- Warm Hide: This hide is placed on the warmer side of the tank. It’s like their snug bedroom where they sleep after a hard day’s night (they’re nocturnal, remember?).
- Cool Hide: Situated on the cooler side of the tank, it’s the perfect spot for them to escape if the heat gets too much. Like our version of a nice, shady tree on a hot summer day.
- Moist Hide: Also known as a shedding hide, it’s filled with damp moss or a similar substrate material (see substrate options for you leopard gecko). This helps them shed their skin easily. Imagine it as their personal spa!
Of course you need to get the perfect temperature and humidity for your leopard gecko terrarium first.
Creating a Cozy Hide: DIY Tips and Tricks
You can of course buy all sorts of ready-made hides – often made of plastic but look like rocks. Or you can make your own too.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a master builder to create a comfortable hide for your pet. You can use simple things like small boxes, plant pots, or even coconut shells. What you can use is only limited by your imagination, and the size of your tank.
The key is to make sure it’s safe, cozy, and just the right size. After all, it should feel like a snug little cave, not an oversized mansion.
Keeping the Gecko Hide Clean: The Golden Rules
Just like your room, a gecko’s hide needs to be kept clean. It doesn’t take much: a regular clean-up with warm soapy water, thoroughly rinsing and drying it before putting it back in the tank. This keeps your gecko happy and healthy. Because no one likes to sleep in a messy room, right?
If you ever see mould in your moist hide make sure to clean it thoroughly straight away – you might need to throw out the substrate/flooring depending on what you used.
Get more from Creating Your Ideal Leopard Gecko Enclosure Design
Frequently Asked Questions About Leopard Gecko Hides
What hides do leopard geckos need?
Leopard geckos typically need three types of hides: a warm hide, a cool hide, and a moist hide. Each hide serves a unique purpose. The warm hide is for resting and digesting food, the cool hide provides a retreat from heat, and the moist hide assists with the shedding process.
How many hides does a leopard gecko need?
A leopard gecko should ideally have at least three hides in their habitat. This includes a warm hide, a cool hide, and a moist hide. This ensures they have all the options they need for different activities and temperature needs.
What is a moist hide for a leopard gecko?
A moist hide is a special hideout for leopard geckos where they can facilitate shedding their skin. It is designed to maintain a higher level of humidity compared to the other hides. This moist environment helps soften the old skin, making it easier for the gecko to shed.
What to use for a leopard gecko’s moist hide?
A moist hide can be made using a small box or plant pot filled with damp moss, paper towels, or eco earth. It should be placed midway between the warm and cool ends of the habitat to maintain appropriate moisture and temperature levels. The material used should retain moisture well to assist in the shedding process.
Why do leopard geckos need a moist hide?
Leopard geckos need a moist hide to assist in their shedding process. Just like how a spa day can make our skin feel renewed and refreshed, a moist hide provides a similar benefit for geckos. It helps keep their skin moist, allowing them to shed their old skin more easily and maintain the health and vibrancy of their new skin underneath.
Wrapping Up
These seemingly simple hideouts have a huge impact on the health and happiness of our leos. They offer a private, safe space for them to rest, cool down, or even have a little ‘me-time’ while shedding their skin. Remember, a happy gecko needs a comfy hide!
My leopard gecko is new, her name is Nova. She was born in April and I received her about 5 days ago. She seems to not want to come out of her hide. I’m curious as to know where I should put the hide she’s comfortable with until she’s comfortable enough to come out. Should it be on the warm side or the cool side? It’s currently in the cool side and she never comes out of it. Makes me worried since I know they need heat. She won’t eat either. Only the first night I got her.