Owning a gecko is a great way to enjoy reptiles if you are a fan. Leopard geckoes are small, friendly, and easy to handle. Although they are easy to handle due to their temperament, it is worth considering the costs before jumping on the bandwagon.
You want happy, healthy pets without any unexpected costs. Part of the job is being a prepared pet owner. This includes paying any expenses.
A one-time cost to bring home a new leopard gecko
It’s not about purchasing a leopard gecko when you first start. It’s not enough to just buy a leopard gecko. When determining total pricing, you need to take into account lighting, heating, substrate, and food as well as other factors.
Let’s take a look at it together to get an idea of how much you will have to pay upfront.
No cost
Although it is unlikely that you will get a leopard gecko for free, it is possible. You might have a friend or family member who is unable to keep their leopard gecko. Or maybe someone has lost interest in the gecko and wants to give it a home.
You don’t get everything if you are fortunate enough to be able to do that. Before you accept responsibility, you must consider all factors.
Adoption
- $50+
Many leopard geckos have been surrendered to local rescues. Although geckos can be surrendered by previous owners for many reasons, you have the option to take full responsibility.
They are usually monitored for any health issues and then rehomed with their supplies and cage. You may pay more depending on where you live, but usually, it will cost around $50 to rehome your geckos.
This is true even if the person wants to rehome their gecko under their terms. Many people will part with all their possessions in order to rehome the gecko. This can make it a bargain in terms of price, as it reduces costs by almost half.
Prices can range from $20 to $350, depending on which morph you choose and what is included in the sale.
Breeder
- $20-$650
Prices for leopard geckos from breeders can vary greatly, but a typical leopard gecko will cost between $20 and $650. The average leopard gecko with no noteworthy mutations is at the lower end of the price range. You can spend significantly more if you are interested in rare morphs.
Breeders set prices based on rarity, coloration, and markings. You can expect to pay more for a unique gecko.
A benefit to buying from a breeder? They take their job seriously and are knowledgeable about the species. Reputable breeders will produce healthy specimens.
7 Gecko Breeds with their Average Cost
| Normal | $20-$40 |
| High Yellow | $85-$100 |
| Blizzard | $130-$500 |
| Carrot Tail | $130-$350 |
| Tangerine | $300-$650 |
| Hypo Melanistic | $80-$200 |
| Albino | $80-$300 |
Stock
- $118-300
The cost of buying a leopard geckos will likely outweigh the supply costs. The good news is that once you have all your supplies, you only need to replenish a few.
Although most supplies are only one-time costs, it is important to be aware of this before you order. You can choose to go high or low depending on the additives you use in your terrarium.
Supplies and Costs for Leopard Gecko Care
| Cage | $50-$150 |
| Substrate | $15-$20 |
| Heat Lamp | $2-$15 |
| Bulbs | $2-10 |
| Terrarium Decor | $20-$40 |
| Hides | $10-$30 |
| Plants | $3-$20 |
| Food | $5-$15 |
| Thermometer | $6-$10 |
| Hygrometer | $5-$10 |
Annual Expenses
- $140-260+ per annum
You can expect to replace certain care items such as food, substrate, or bulbs for your annual expenses. It is important to budget for any additional costs, such as the cost of replacing a heat lamp, thermometer, or hygrometer that has gone out of date.
Although care costs can be quite affordable in the larger scheme of things you will still need to save some money in case something goes wrong, breaks, or withers.
It is important to be prepared for emergency visits and vet care.
Health Care
- $120-200 per year
You might assume that a reptile is immune to vet visits when you purchase one. Your leopard gecko may have health issues that need professional diagnosis and treatment.
You might be able to take care of most things at home but you should also consider the cost.
Check-Ups
Annually, $0-80+
You might not think of vet check-ups when you consider owning a reptile. Many veterinarians recommend that reptile owners have two annual check-ups. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to look for abnormalities you may not have noticed.
A quick review of your recent history, eating habits, and environmental status will be done. They might ask you to return for further testing or care if they find anything unusual.
You can choose to not take your gecko to the veterinarian if there is an issue.
Supplements
$60-120 per annum
They need both calcium powder and vitamin D3 to keep their leopard gecko healthy. It’s simple to use because many owners simply dip the insect in the powder.
You should be cautious when giving vitamin D3 to your gecko as they may have taken too much. To ensure they are getting the right amount, make sure you read all dosing instructions. It doesn’t matter if you give calcium powder or vitamin D3 at every meal. Any other feed will be sufficient.
Treatments for Parasites
Annually, $0-80+
Your vet might take a sample of your pet’s feces at an appointment. If parasites are found in your leopard gecko’s system, the vet will usually prescribe medication to get rid of them.
Costs should include the cost of the vet visit and any medication costs. If possible, parasite infections should not occur.
Emergencies
- Annually, $0-200+
Unexpected events can occur. It is important to be prepared for an emergency vet visit. Things can become very expensive if your leopard gecko is taken in for an emergency examination or treatment.
The cost of your vet’s testing and fees, as well as any other necessary procedures, will affect the final price.
For ongoing conditions, Medications
- Annually, $0-100+
Sometimes, you might be able to find a leopard gecko with no health problems. There is always the possibility that your gecko may have special needs. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication or ongoing treatment for your gecko’s condition.
Although it is rare, this is possible. Geckos usually only require short-term antibiotics for their developing conditions.
Food
- $60-120 per annum
The leopard gecko is an insectivore and will enjoy eating gut-filled insects approximately every other day. It is best to give your gecko as many as it can eat in one feeding, and then not skip any day.
The diet of leopard geckos will mostly consist of mealworms, crickets, and cockroaches. Other insects can also be compatible. Superworms and waxworms are not good for reptiles as they are high-fat.
Environment Maintenance
- $70-180 per annum
Unless you are willing to spend more, your environmental maintenance costs will likely be at the lower end of the scale. For example, terrarium decor can be altered or replaced at your convenience.
Your gecko’s well-being depends on heat sources being in good condition. If the substrate becomes too grimy, you will need to change it occasionally. You only need to change the substrate if it rots or dies.
| Substrate | $0-40/year |
| Bulbs | $10/year |
| Food | $60-120/year |
| Decor | $0-20/year |
| Sphagnum moss | $0-20/year |
Entertainment
- $10+ per annum
When it comes to outdoor activities, your leopard gecko will not take too much. Geckos require very little maintenance. Geckos love exploring their cage and will happily explore it with a few branches, hides, and plants.
Geckos need space to climb, so give them objects to hold onto.
The total annual cost of owning a Leopard Gecko
- Spend $400+ per Year
You can expect to spend around $400 per year on your gecko if you take into account food, environment, and health. This might seem high-brow, but it is actually only $33 per annum.
This is significantly lower than the average monthly cost of $130 for a dog.
A Leopard Gecko for a budget
It is not possible to and should never be possible to cut corners in everything. Geckos have very specific nutritional and environmental needs that must be met in order to stay healthy.
You always have options for reducing the annual Leopard Gecko cost if you are short on cash or simply want to save money. These tips can help you save money, even though you cannot afford to skimp on important things like warmth and food.
Leopard Gecko Care: Save Money
- Use a substitute substrate. You can use paper towels, paper towels, or reptile carpets to reduce the cost of the substrate, even though geckos prefer natural environments.
- Buy cheaper insects. You’ll be amazed at the difference in price between different kinds of insects. Crickets are a great option for those who have limited funds. If you have extra money, you don’t need to worry about variety.
- Fake plants. Fake plants are easier to maintain than real ones. Plastic plants are a better option than real ones, as they don’t require any extra maintenance. Although they may not look real, you don’t need to worry about replacement or rot.
Important: Don’t feed leopard gecko wild animals. It is impossible to determine if these insects have any disease, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. Trustworthy sources are the best.
Conclusion
The bulk of the cost will be upfront. It will cost around $230+ upfront. You can expect to spend at least $400 per year for general maintenance and upkeep. If you break it down by month, you will see an average monthly cost of $33.
This may seem low, but you should remember that unexpected expenses can increase your costs. It is important to be ready for everything so that you don’t get surprised.
Is a leopard gecko a suitable pet?
A leopard gecko is an excellent pet for a variety of reasons. These brightly colored creatures are small, require little care, and can be left alone for several days if necessary. They are also quiet, do not smell, and do not require much attention.
Is it possible for a gecko to bite you?
A gecko rarely bites, but they can if they feel threatened or are territorial. Because they are fearful creatures, they are more likely to flee rather than attack.
Do leopard geckos lose their tails?
When threatened, some geckos, such as leopard geckos and day geckos, have a defense mechanism that allows them to “drop” their tails. Younger geckos are more likely to lose their tails. Fortunately
Is it possible to kiss a gecko?
Leopard geckos are not venomous and have a relatively innocuous bite. However, leopard geckos, like all lizards, shed salmonella frequently, so don’t kiss them unless you’re certain they’re clean.
Is rabies present in geckos?
Reptiles (such as lizards and snakes), amphibians (such as frogs), birds, fish, and insects are immune to rabies.
Are leopard geckos poisonous?
Leopard geckos are poisonous? Leopard geckos, on the other hand, are not poisonous. Absolutely not.
Do leopard geckos require daily attention?
You should feed your gecko at least once a day. Fresh water should be available at all times for your gecko.
Leopard geckos grow to what size?
Geckos can grow to be 8 to 10 inches long, including their tails, making them small reptiles. Is it true that leopard geckos have teeth? Leopard geckos have how many teeth? Leopard geckos have 100 teeth that are replaced every three to four months. As a result, they are polyphyodonts or animals whose teeth are constantly replaced.
Is leopard gecko poop toxic?
Gecko poop is poisonous. Bacteria can be found in gecko poop, as they are in the poop of most reptiles. Unfortunately, humans can become ill if they consume these bacteria.
Leopard geckos can bite. Do Leopard Geckos sting?
Leopard geckos are known for their gentle nature and will not bite unless threatened. However, if one decides to bite, it can leave a lasting impression because the gecko’s teeth are curved and sharp like needles that can puncture the skin.