Hello everyone!!

My name is Melanie and i am currently looking into getting a leo. Basically what is the best viv to get it in, i have looked at the exo terra vivs is this suitable. Do you have to have a heat lamp or will it be ok with heat mat?? Sorry i just want to ne prepared before getting one!! Also is theie much difference between caring for a girl or boy?

Thanks for your advice! (apologies if any spelling mistakes using my ipod lol)

Hello,

My Name is Melanie...I am currently researching into getting a leo. I have read some various sites but I am wondering what is the best enclosure..I have looked at the Exo Terra Vivs, Is this Suitable?

Am I ok just to use the heat source as the heat mat?? Is a girl or Boy better or is there not much in the difference of sexes??

If I do get one It will be fed Locusts is this ok? do they require any vegetables?

Also I have read the average life span is 20 yrs - it this true (Life span is not an issue as I have four chinchillas who can live to 20)

I am looking for any information that would be great in my researching!!

[tryme]

Hi and welcome, good to see your asking q's before jumping into the deep end!

Leo's are very rewarding pets and you can get a great bond with them.

To me I prefer to use wooden vivariums as they come in better sizes. You want to get a 10 gallon at least but I find a 20 gallon works better. (As you can fit everything in it) You will need a min of 3 hides, one in the warm end, one in the cool end and a moist/humid hide which sits in the warm end also.

A heat matt is fine and the best option to use in my opinion as long as it's hooked up to a thermostat to control the temperature. (you want to be aiming for 29C-32C in the warm end and room temp in the cool end, again this is why a 20 gal comes in handy as you can regulate temps easier).

Locusts are ok as a staple but you should also aim to feed crickets, mealworms and occasional treats such as waxworms. I also feed dubia roaches. All live food must be supplimented accordingly and you will also need to gut load your feeders.

Sex doesn't matter unless you are planning on breeding or keeping more than one together (which I don't advise as it's easier to keep an eye on health etc when it is one leo being housed alone). Two males will fight, a male and a female will breed and the male will always be attempting to breed so if you want a male you will need to get something like 1 male and 2-3females. Again, you would need a much larger enclosure. As it's your first lizard I would say just go for the one for now.

Leo's can live for over 20 years but I think the average is more likely to be around 15 years.

Anything else just ask.

Hello,

Thank You for your reply.

If I was to get a female - do I have to worry about them becoming egg bound ??( My BF has a chameleon so I am just enquiring whther they are similar). ALso what are the health problem (e.g. Metabolic Bone Disease)

I am looking at geting a 20 gallon tank - For the inital set up what would be a average price for everything??

With regards to crickets - will they no nibble on my leo?? do I need to provide vegetables or is their diet purely insects?

Sorry for all the questions want to know everything first!!

[SleepyDee]

My name is Melanie and i am currently looking into getting a leo. Basically what is the best viv to get it in, i have looked at the exo terra vivs is this suitable. Do you have to have a heat lamp or will it be ok with heat mat?? Sorry i just want to ne prepared before getting one!! Also is theie much difference between caring for a girl or boy?

hi Melanie
I did post a reply early this morning but it seems to have been deleted/mislayed for some reason
Rather then post again I'll point you to the caresheets here -> http://sleepydeegeckos.webs.com/care.htm which should answer most of your questions including those related to any health problems that leo's can suffer

Originally Posted by SleepyDee

hi Melanie
I did post a reply early this morning but it seems to have been deleted/mislayed for some reason
Rather then post again I'll point you to the caresheets here -> http://sleepydeegeckos.webs.com/care.htm which should answer most of your questions including those related to any health problems that leo's can suffer

Thank You SleepyDee!!

I will have a look at the care sheets and hopefully with answer my questions!!