How to Make a DIY Leopard Gecko Hide: Simple and Effective Guide

by

*This post contains affiliate links, if you buy through a link on this post we may receive a commission.

Providing your leopard geckos with the right hides is crucial to ensuring their health, comfort, and overall well-being.

Hides are places where these nocturnal creatures can rest, sleep, and find relief from stress.

At the minimum, each enclosure should have a warm, dry hide; a cool, dry hide; and a moist, humid hide to aid in shedding.

By creating a DIY leopard gecko hide, you can cater to their specific needs while also personalizing the decor in their enclosure.

Building a DIY Leopard Gecko Hide

Materials Needed:

  • Plastic container (preferably with a lid)
  • Scissors or utility knife
  • Sphagnum moss or paper towels as substrate
  • Rocks (optional)

Construction Steps:

  1. Choose a plastic container that is big enough for your leopard gecko to fit and move comfortably. You can use a simple Tupperware or food storage container. Make sure to clean the container thoroughly before use.
  2. Cut an entrance hole in the container using scissors or a utility knife. Make the hole large enough for your gecko to easily enter and exit, but not too big that the humidity inside will easily escape.
  3. Prepare the substrate by choosing either sphagnum moss or paper towels. Sphagnum moss can provide higher humidity levels, making it an excellent choice for a moist hide.
    • If using sphagnum moss, dampen it slightly and then fill the container.
    • If using paper towels, fold them neatly to fit the container and dampen them slightly.
  4. Place the rocks (if using) inside the container to provide a natural appearance and create a more secure environment for your gecko.
  5. Place the lid on the container to keep the humidity inside when not in use. If the container does not have a lid, you can use a piece of plastic secured with tape to cover it.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

  • Regularly monitor the hide for mold, bacteria, or dirt by checking the substrate and the hide’s surface.
  • Replace the substrate (moss or paper towels) as needed, or at least once a week.
  • Clean the entire hide using warm soapy water and a non-toxic soap. Rinse well and allow to dry completely before refilling with fresh substrate.
  • Always ensure the humidity inside the hide stays at an optimal level for your leopard gecko’s health.

Understanding Leopard Gecko Hides

  • Specific needs: Leopard geckos require at least two hides in their habitat for day and night use. One should be placed on the warmer side of the tank to serve as a basking spot, and the other on the cooler side for relaxation and digestion.
  • Hydration: A moist hide is crucial for your leopard gecko’s hydration and shedding process. Create a moist hide by using a container 2-3 times the size of your lizard and filled with a moisture-retaining substrate, such as sphagnum or peat moss.
  • Sizing: The size of hides impacts your leopard gecko’s sense of security. A hide that is too small will make your gecko feel stressed, while a larger hide provides more room for movement and exploration. However, a hide should not be too large, as it wouldn’t provide the security geckos seek.
  • Stress reduction: Providing ample hiding spaces reduces stress levels and promotes overall health. Leopard geckos in captivity may feel vulnerable, and hides allow them a safe place to retreat when they need privacy or shelter from potential threats.

Leopard Gecko Hide Locations

Leopard geckos require hides in their terrarium for various purposes. In this section, we will discuss the three main types of hides: warm hide, cool hide, and moist hide. Proper placement and maintenance of these hides are crucial for your gecko’s well-being.

Warm Hide

A warm hide is essential for your leopard gecko, as it provides a place to maintain a proper body temperature near their basking spot. The key factors to consider for a warm hide are:

  • Placement: Place the warm hide on the warm side of the terrarium, where the heat source is located. This helps your gecko regulate their body temperature effectively.
  • Design: Choose a hide with a small opening to help retain heat. It should be large enough for the gecko to comfortably fit but snug enough to provide a secure feeling.

Cool Hide

Leopard geckos need a cool hide as a place to escape from the heat and cool down. Consider the following while setting up a cool hide.

  • Placement: Place the cool hide on the cooler side of the terrarium, opposite the warm hide. This will provide a temperature gradient for your gecko to choose their preferred spot based on their needs.
  • Design: The cool hide design can be similar to that of the warm hide, with a small entrance and just enough space for the gecko to fit comfortably.

Moist Hide

A moist hide helps leopard geckos maintain healthy humidity levels as it helps with shedding and preventing dehydration.

  • Placement: The moist hide can be placed in the middle of the terrarium, between the warm and cool hides. This way, your gecko can access it whenever they need the extra humidity.
  • Substrate: Use humidity-retaining substrates like sphagnum moss or coconut fiber bedding to fill your DIY moist hide. These substrates help maintain the necessary humidity levels for your gecko’s health.
  • Maintenance: Keep the moist hide damp by regularly misting the substrate. Be cautious about over-misting, as excessively high humidity can lead to health issues.

By properly setting up these three hides, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your leopard gecko to thrive.

Hide Substrates and Bedding

Commonly Used Substrates

When it comes to choosing a substrate for your leopard gecko’s hide, there are several options available. The most commonly used substrates include:

  • Sand: Silky smooth and natural-looking, but can cause impaction if ingested.
  • Gravel: Durable and easy to clean, but may be too hard for your gecko’s delicate skin.
  • Clay: Offers a natural aesthetic but may be difficult to clean and maintain.
  • Coconut bedding: Soft, natural, and retains humidity well. Highly recommended.
  • Reptile carpet: Visually appealing, reusable, and safe for geckos, but requires regular cleaning to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Vermiculite: Good for humidity retention but not suitable as the main substrate.

Hydration and Humidity

Maintaining proper hydration and humidity levels is important to ensure your leopard gecko stays healthy. For the moist hide specifically, opt for substrates that retain humidity well, such as sphagnum moss or coconut bedding. The humidity level in a moist hide should be around 80%, which is significantly higher than the 40% humidity in the rest of their enclosure.

To maintain appropriate humidity levels, you can:

  • Use a water dish to provide a constant source of water.
  • Misting the substrate in the hide regularly, as needed.
  • Monitor humidity levels using a reliable hygrometer.

Avoiding Potential Dangers

To ensure your leopard gecko remains healthy, it’s important to avoid substrates that can pose potential dangers, such as:

  • Ingestion: Be cautious of substrates that can cause impaction if accidentally ingested by your gecko, such as sand or small gravel.
  • Respiratory issues: Damp or dusty substrates can lead to respiratory infections or other respiratory issues. Always maintain proper humidity levels and choose substrates that won’t produce excessive dust.
  • Inappropriate substrates: Some substrates, like reptile carpet, are great for the general enclosure but unsuitable for a moist hide. Stick to substrates that can maintain moisture and support the required humidity levels in the moist hide.
  • Cleanliness: Keep the substrate clean to avoid bacterial growth, which can cause infections. Regularly check and replace the substrate, and clean the hides as needed to ensure a healthy environment for your gecko.

Leopard Gecko Shedding and Hides

The Shedding Process

Leopard geckos regularly shed their skin as they grow. In order to maintain healthy skin and prevent shedding issues, it’s essential to provide your leopard gecko with proper skincare and living conditions.

  1. Monitor your gecko: Check for signs of shedding, such as a dull or opaque appearance.
  2. Timeframe: It is normal for leopard geckos to shed every 4 to 6 weeks.

Humid Hides for Shedding Support

A moist hide is crucial for ensuring smooth shedding. Here’s what you need to make a humid hide:

  1. Enclosure: Use a plastic container with a lid and cut a hole for entry.
  2. Substrate: Choose a substrate that maintains moisture, such as sphagnum moss or coconut fiber bedding. Avoid sand or gravel as they can cause impaction.
  3. Humidity: Keep the humidity level inside the humid hide around 80%.

Providing Proper Skincare

To support your leopard gecko’s healthy shedding, remember to:

  • Keep the humidity level in the terrarium between 40% and 60%.
  • Use a gently moistened q-tip or soft cloth to help remove any stuck shed skin.
  • Maintain a clean environment within the terrarium to prevent infection and encourage healthy skin growth.
  • Provide hide options like dry hides and moist hides to allow for a range of comfort and shedding assistance for your gecko.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can be used for making a DIY leopard gecko hide?

  • You can certainly purchase ready-made hides made of plastic that resemble rocks or other natural objects.
  • However, you can also create your own hides using various materials such as:
    • Cardboard boxes
    • PVC pipe
    • Clay pots
    • Coconut shells
    • Cork bark

What kind of substrate should be used for a leopard gecko hide?

The main factors to consider when selecting a substrate for your leopard gecko hide are moisture retention and the potential for ingestion causing impaction:

  • Sphagnum moss and peat moss are good choices as they naturally create high levels of humidity, essential for a moist hide.
  • Grainy substrates like sand should be avoided as they pose a risk for impaction if ingested.

Where should I place the hide in the terrarium?

To provide your leopard gecko with a comfortable environment, position the hides strategically within the enclosure:

  • For the warm hide, place it over the heat source to allow the gecko to warm up when needed.
  • The cool hide should be positioned on the opposite side of the tank, in the coolest area, giving your gecko a secure place to cool down.

Do leopard geckos need multiple hides?

Yes, it’s best to provide at least two hides in the terrarium:

  • A warm hide, enabling your gecko to regulate its body temperature and providing a basking spot.
  • A cool hide, offering a place for your gecko to retreat when seeking a cooler temperature and privacy.

How often should I clean the hides?

Cleaning and maintaining a hygienic environment is crucial for your leopard gecko:

  • Spot clean the hides daily to remove waste and any other debris.
  • Perform a thorough cleaning once a month, which includes disinfecting the hides and replacing the substrate as necessary.

Leave a Comment