Are you a beginner and wondering which leopard geckos – male or female – are best for you?
In this article, we’ll look at male and female behavior, identify their differences, and clarify what you can expect from them.
Our goal is to help you make the right decision.
The temperament of the leopard gecko is not determined by gender. We have seen as many aggressive females as aggressive males.
It is worth noting that some breeders believe that temperament can be transferred through breeding. The idea is to breed a pair of friendly and calm animals to have a better chance of producing more docile offspring. However, the reverse is often true, that if a pair of aggressive geckos is bred, their offspring will become more aggressive and fearful. This is not 100% true, however, as temperament is still quite unpredictable.
In our opinion, temperament is most influenced by the gecko’s sexual maturity. Male leos reach sexual maturity at 6-8 months of age. Females reach sexual maturity and have their first ovulation at 8-12 months of age. Temperament of the animals tends to change slightly when males first become territorial. On the other hand, females usually stop eating during ovulation and may become pregnant.
When geckos reach adulthood (1 year and older), they begin to live on a more seasonal schedule. Adult females begin ovulating around January and continue to do so until June/July. Adult males also seem a bit more restless as they try to search for a mate during the breeding season. I’m sure you’ll notice that your foster gecko’s behavior changes each year from January to July.
If you want a gecko that doesn’t change its temperament and behavior too much during the breeding season, a male is probably a better choice. Again, the temperament of individual geckos varies. But in our experience, the female tends to be more willful when she is ovulating. When the female becomes pregnant, she does not like being held at all. Also, it is important to know that female leopard geckos can lay infertile eggs without being with males.
Males, on the other hand, while behaving more actively and wanting to get out all the time, usually do not mind being held. During the breeding season (January – July) they look for a mate, but usually do not show aggression towards the keeper. Males will only become more active.
For females:
A distinct advantage of the female gecko is the ability to cohabitate with other females.
A 60 x 40 cm terrarium can accommodate a pair of females and a male or 3 females.
You cannot house multiple males in the same terrarium. It is also not recommended to keep males with females unless you are a breeder. Males and females are best kept separate.
This advantage attracts hobbyists, as many gecko lovers like to keep more than one gecko in their terrarium.
For males:
Male leopard geckos have fewer health problems. With proper care, males can live over 15 years, and some can live up to 25 years. Female Eublepharis (Latin name) live an average of 10-15 years.
Egg production puts a lot of stress on the female body. Female Leos have their ovulation every year between January and July.During this time they eat very little. They can produce sterile eggs without mating with the male. This constant cycle of egg production, egg laying, starvation/repetition each year shortens the life span of female geckos.
The female reproductive cycle can also cause complications. Laying death – dystocia, for example, can occur in any female gecko. Dystocia occurs when a female is unable to lay eggs on her own. This can happen when the eggs are too large, or due to nutritional factors, a sick or weak female, and other unknown problems. The female gecko usually stops feeding in such cases and becomes weak.
Conclusion:
Male geckos live longer with proper care, have fewer health problems, and their behavior is more stable.
Female Eublepharis can be kept in groups if they are the same size / temperament, as well as hiding places.
In general, leopard geckos become calmer as they age. Both sexes make excellent pets for you.
