8 major Reasons Why Leopard Gecko Is Digging?

Leopard geckos are low-maintenance pets and easy to handle. The question is, why leopard is gecko digging?  If you notice them digging excessively, then there is some reason. Generally, geckos eat food, sleep, and sit all day which means they are idle and don’t like to dig without any reason. We could not identify this behavior quickly, so let’s go through everything behind this. Before going into depth, I want to clarify something that might help you eliminate this stress about your leopard gecko. Digging isn’t life-threatening and is not related to any health problem. Don’t worry, and let’s go into detail.

 The Leopard gecko is digging   

It looks cute when they dig; we think they are happy and love to dig, but we should know why they are doing it excessively. Is there anything bothering them? Or do they need something?

The causes why leopard gecko is digging are as follows:

• Shedding
• Stress
• Finding food
• Try to hide
• Inappropriate temperature
• Lack of space
• Female geckos lay eggs
• Just for fun 

1. Leopard gecko shedding 

If they don’t have an appropriate close place or temperature to shed, they may start digging in the substrate to make a comfortable place for shedding. First, we should know what shedding is. In this process, Leo removes their skin completely, which happens in adults every 4 to 8 weeks. When Leo owners see them in this condition, they try to remove the skin. But geckos don’t like this help from us because it can damage the skin under the upper layer. That’s why leopard geckos dig when they are about to shed their skin. The shedding process can take time 10 minutes to 1 day. It depends on how active they are, the good temperature, and the proper diet.

What to do?

So once the skin color starts changing and turning grayish, within 2 days, the shedding process will start. Let them alone if they want to dig; allow them to do that. Try to avoid holding them in your hands. It makes them aggressive.

2. Stress 

Leo can be stressed due to any cause. Especially if there is another gecko around him, they don’t want to share the living space with one other reptile. It makes them aggressive.

Geckos can also stress due to shedding, as I’ve explained before. 

                                     Signs of stress in geckos:

• Waggling tail
• Color changing
• Hiding
• Digging 
• Breathing fast

Leo geckos become irritated by the substrate. The wrong selection of substrate hurts their skin, and they start digging out because they cannot bear it anymore. Before selecting any substance like sand and stone, ensure they will be happy and comfortable.

 Best gecko substrate:

• Reptile carpet
• Newspaper
• Paper towel
• Stones
• Excavator clay

3. Finding food

Naturally, Leopard gecko lives in desert areas, and in that place, food is not easily accessible. 

They struggle a lot to find some insects to eat. They dig deep to find food. It became a natural habit even though food is easily available to them.

So don’t worry if they are digging. Allow them to do that. You can help them to hide some favorite insects in the gecko’s substrate. It gives them mental satisfaction.

 The favorite food of leopard gecko:

• Earthworms
• Mealworms
• Crickets
• Fruit flies

But be careful to change the substrate regularly so they cannot eat stale food.

So this is the reason why the leopard gecko is digging.

4. Try to hide

Most of the time, Leo tries to hide without any major problems. They do that to live in a cool place. Sometimes the temperature is not appropriate for them, and start digging to make a comfortable living area. It’s a misconception that leopard geckos can’t go in brumation.

Some leopard geckos bromate for a few days to weeks. 

 Signs of brumation are:

• Lethargic
• Loss of appetite
• Hiding from December to February

So if a gecko plans to brumate, they start digging and hiding for a long time. After sometimes they will come out. If you’ve just brought a gecko, you are new to him. Leo feels threatened and starts digging to hide. Don’t worry, give them special attention, and show some love.

5. Inappropriate temperature

We know that geckos and other reptiles come from desert areas. They can adjust in hot weather but can cause severe skin burns and many other problems. They are very sensitive, soft, tiny creatures. In a natural environment with no tank or cooling facility available, they dig in the hot season and go under the surface for a long time. They also suffer the same situation if you keep them in a tank. To prevent this situation, use at least three thermometers in their enclosure with different positions. After that, check it daily and make sure the temperature is not too hot or not too cold.

6. Lack of space

Great space is needed to move around easily. Geckos loved to move and play in open spaces. The tank size for Leo should be 15 to 20 gallons.

Please only put them in the smallest tank. You will notice geckos start digging in the substrate because they need more space to play, move, and sleep. Put less substrate in the enclosure. By doing this, it looks wide and open. Most pet owners want to add one more gecko in a single tank. I want to suggest do not try this with your gecko. It makes them aggressive and tries to get rid of another gecko. That’s why the leopard gecko starts digging.

7. Female gecko laying eggs

This concept will not be implemented in male Leo. Only female Leo can lay eggs. Another interesting fact is that female leopard geckos can lay eggs without any male geckos. I know it can be shocking for you, but it’s true. When a female gecko reaches sexual maturity, she starts laying eggs without the male. But these types of eggs are unfertilized. Female geckos cannot produce a baby with these eggs. If you want to breed, male and female geckos must mate. Even eggs are unfertilized, but the gecko digs to find a secure place where she can lay eggs without fear. If your leopard gecko is female and sexually mature and digging, then 90% chance she is ready to lay eggs.

8. Just for fun

If there is no reason, and the leopard gecko is still digging it means they have nothing to do all day. That’s why Leopard Gecko is digging for fun. It’s a sign that Leo is happy and living the best life. We can help them by giving them some toys and other accessories. They also love to play with plants. 

Digging as a Natural Instinct

In the wild, leopard geckos dig to create nests for laying eggs and seek refuge from extreme temperatures. This instinct is deeply ingrained and often continues in captivity. Hormonal changes, especially in females, trigger this behavior, making it essential for pet owners to understand and accommodate these natural inclinations.

 Behavioral Changes      

Leopard geckos may exhibit changes in digging behavior based on seasons or reproductive cycles. Identifying these patterns enables owners to gain a deeper understanding of their pets and react suitably to fulfill their requirements.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Dispelling myths surrounding leopard gecko behavior is essential. Clearing up common misconceptions helps pet owners differentiate between normal and potentially problematic digging, fostering a more informed and confident approach to care.

Conclusion

Digging is a natural behavior of reptiles, and these are the 8 reasons for this behavior. Keep an eye on your gecko. If you feel something strange other than these reasons, the gecko needs a quick check-up by the vet. A proper head-to-toe examination can help us know why our pet acts like this. If you have any queries or experience, feel free to share with us by commenting below.

FAQ’s

Why is my leopard gecko dragging his back legs?