{"id":2696,"date":"2022-10-12T15:23:12","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T15:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/?p=2696"},"modified":"2023-01-05T09:48:27","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T09:48:27","slug":"what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Maximum Leopard Gecko Lifespan?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#What-is-the-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\" title=\"What is the Leopard Gecko Lifespan?\">What is the Leopard Gecko Lifespan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#Maturity-of-a-Leopard-Gecko\" title=\"Maturity of a Leopard Gecko\">Maturity of a Leopard Gecko<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#Comparing-Dog-and-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespans\" title=\"Comparing Dog and Leopard Gecko Lifespans\">Comparing Dog and Leopard Gecko Lifespans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#Maximising-your-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\" title=\"Maximising your Leopard Gecko Lifespan\">Maximising your Leopard Gecko Lifespan<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#1-Varied-Diet\" title=\"1. Varied Diet\">1. Varied Diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#2-Supplements\" title=\"2. Supplements\">2. Supplements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#3-Substrate\" title=\"3. Substrate\">3. Substrate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#4-UVB\" title=\"4. UVB\">4. UVB<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#5-Regular-Health-Checks\" title=\"5. Regular Health Checks\">5. Regular Health Checks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#6-Bought-from-a-Trusted-Source\" title=\"6. Bought from a Trusted Source\">6. Bought from a Trusted Source<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#7-No-Cohabitation\" title=\"7. No Cohabitation\">7. No Cohabitation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#8-Breeding\" title=\"8. Breeding\">8. Breeding<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/what-is-the-maximum-leopard-gecko-lifespan\/#Final-Word-What-is-the-Maximum-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\" title=\"Final Word: What is the Maximum Leopard Gecko Lifespan?\">Final Word: What is the Maximum Leopard Gecko Lifespan?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles available. Part of their appeal is that they are relatively hardy and can survive a long time. However, what is the maximum leopard gecko lifespan? In this article, we look at this question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\"><\/span>What is the Leopard Gecko Lifespan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The leopard gecko is known to live for up to 20 years in captivity. The oldest known leopard gecko was a male who lived until <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everythingreptiles.com\/how-long-do-leopard-geckos-live\/\">he was 28<\/a>. This is the exception though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, most leopard gecko keepers should expect to have their leopard gecko live for about 13-20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maturity-of-a-Leopard-Gecko\"><\/span>Maturity of a Leopard Gecko<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A leopard gecko matures pretty steadily. They are born at approximately 3-5 grams, with four being the average. In the first few weeks, a leopard gecko will put on about 1 gram per week and by about four weeks old, they will start to gain between one and two grams per week on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes a leopard gecko will not gain any weight in one week but will gain about four or six grams the next week. By about 9 months old, a leopard gecko will reach maturity, though they don\u2019t stop growing until they are about 18-24 months old, especially for female leopard geckos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As leopard geckos get older, they tend not to show any signs of old age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparing-Dog-and-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespans\"><\/span>Comparing Dog and Leopard Gecko Lifespans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To get a sense of the long life a leopard gecko can have, it is best to compare their maximum age to dogs. Many dog breeds do not live as long as leopard geckos. Recently, the oldest known dog, <a href=\"https:\/\/dogstodaymagazine.co.uk\/2022\/10\/11\/worlds-oldest-dog-dies-at-22\/\">Pebbles<\/a>, died at 22 and the oldest known dog <a href=\"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/trending\/37499-worlds-oldest-dog-dies-peacefully-age-30\">was 30<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On average, most dogs will pass by their 14th birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, in comparison, leopard geckos will tend to last longer than dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maximising-your-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\"><\/span>Maximising your Leopard Gecko Lifespan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some factors can lessen the lifespan of your leopard gecko, but generally speaking, these are easy to avoid. Here are some ways to improve the chances of your gecko reaching maximum age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Varied-Diet\"><\/span>1. Varied Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" src=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1-300x251.png\" alt=\"leopard gecko lifespan\" class=\"wp-image-2697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1.png 300w, https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1.png 600w, https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1.png 768w, https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1.png 585w, https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221007LG11-1.png 940w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>A good varied diet helps with the leopard gecko lifespan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest factors in any long lifespan is to ensure that the <a href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/feeding-leopard-geckos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"The Ultimate Guide To Feeding Leopard Geckos In 10 Minutes\">diet is properly maintained<\/a>. At DJL Exotics we offer a variety of food from crickets and mealworms to locusts. These live prey items are in constant supply and therefore, we keep the interest of the geckos high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, crickets, mealworms, and locusts all have different nutritional values, so there is a more balanced diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Supplements\"><\/span>2. Supplements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Supplements are on offer to all Leopard Geckos. It isn\u2019t just about calcium, a good source of vitamins and minerals is also needed for the best care. This can be done in one supplement that should be taken every feed for babies and once or twice a week for adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Supplements can prevent a range of conditions, such as swollen eyes, MBD, and other conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-Substrate\"><\/span>3. Substrate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The enclosure\u2019s substrate is an interesting subject. Ideally, most people keep to a naturalistic environment such as sand and soil mixes. However, naturalistic substrates can have issues such as an easy build-up of germs and hidden debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor is that loose substrate is sometimes connected to impaction. But this is usually the case when other environmental factors are not properly set up. You can find out more about the correct Leopard Gecko setup here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paper towels are a good option as it is more hygienic, but for some, they can spoil the look of the enclosure. If you go for a naturalistic substrate, a good cleaning routine is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-UVB\"><\/span>4. UVB<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether UV is necessary or not is debatable. Some studies have proven that geckos with UVB exposure will have more calcium in their blood when compared to those with no exposure. However, the study didn\u2019t mention any use of supplements. Another study found that UVB against supplements made no difference. You can read more about these <a href=\"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/everything-you-need-for-your-leopard-gecko-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to use UVB, be sure that you don\u2019t use it too much and research has shown that just four hours of exposure during the day, at dawn and dusk periods, is all that is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-Regular-Health-Checks\"><\/span>5. Regular Health Checks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor is to conduct regular health checks. You need to look for any unusual lumps and bumps present, check for cuts, and more. If you notice any signs of ill health, visiting an experienced exotic vet and moving your leopard gecko to your sterile environment is always the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, reptiles are resilient and can recover from most illnesses. If you\u2019re not sure how to conduct a leopard gecko health check, you can always speak to a local breeder\/vet who can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-Bought-from-a-Trusted-Source\"><\/span>6. Bought from a Trusted Source<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it is about ensuring that your gecko has been bought from a reputable and licensed breeder. These individuals are required by law to meet specific standards. Part of this is ensuring they have the right genes in the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you want to make sure that you avoid Enigma and Lemon Frost which both have problems. Lemon Frost is particularly troublesome as this morph is known to develop tumours by about five years old. These are both thankfully very rare morphs now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-No-Cohabitation\"><\/span>7. No Cohabitation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are some exceptions to this, we know that Wicken Wicked Reptiles has successfully cohabitated with leopard geckos in the past with success, generally, it isn\u2019t recommended. There is always the possibility that one gecko will become dominant, stealing more food or bullying the other one until it becomes stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some rare cases, the bullying can become so bad that one leopard gecko can attack another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-Breeding\"><\/span>8. Breeding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some mammal species require breeding (or neutering) to lengthen lives, such as ferrets. However, there are many species, in both reptiles and mammals where breeding will shorten the lives of the animal. This is a natural process and something that can\u2019t be stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So unless you have a licence and are experienced, we don\u2019t recommend randomly breeding your leopard geckos. It puts a strain on your leopard geckos, especially the females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final-Word-What-is-the-Maximum-Leopard-Gecko-Lifespan\"><\/span>Final Word: What is the Maximum Leopard Gecko Lifespan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The maximum leopard gecko lifespan is 28, which is the age of the oldest known leopard gecko. However, generally speaking, the average leopard gecko will live between 13 and 20 years, depending on the quality of care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles available. Part of their appeal is that they are relatively hardy and can survive&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2698,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,17],"tags":[71,24,25],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221006LG24a-1.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2696"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2696"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2699,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2696\/revisions\/2699"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djlexotics.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}