{"id":968,"date":"2019-05-06T16:10:07","date_gmt":"2019-05-06T16:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/?page_id=968"},"modified":"2019-05-06T16:16:11","modified_gmt":"2019-05-06T16:16:11","slug":"best-substrate-for-leopard-gecko-eggs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/recommended-gear\/best-substrate-for-leopard-gecko-eggs\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Substrate For Leopard Gecko Eggs"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are thinking of breeding a Leopard Gecko or noticed some unexpected eggs in your enclosure you are in the right place. I am going to explain the best substrate for the job.<\/p>\n

What is the best substrate for Leopard Gecko Eggs? The Hoffman Horticultural Perlite<\/a> (Click for reviews on Amazon) is ideal for incubating eggs and Galapagos Tropicoco Coconut Soil Bedding<\/a> (Click to see reviews on Amazon) for laying eggs. They are a great combination.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you know the best substrates, let me suggest a few more alternatives and some valuable tips on what you should be looking for substrate when your Leo is laying eggs or if you plan to incubate their eggs and much more.<\/p>\n

Tips on Substrate for egg laying<\/h2>\n

While it is true that leopard geckos are from the desert, it does not necessarily mean that there is sand all over the place. In fact, they can be found in Asia, Iran or even Iraq. Their actual living habitats in these countries are deserts that have rocks.<\/p>\n

In between these rocks, there are lots of places to hide away from the blistering heat. You find in the winter that the temperature goes up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n

As you may imagine, a lot of these rocky holes and crevices are actually quite moist. The Leo’s actually used these “moist hides” to regulate their temperature. This is so that they can hide away and cool off for part of the day. The other times in the day they have direct sunlight to help their vitamin D and calcium levels (but that’s another story).<\/p>\n

So what has this got to do with laying eggs? (you may be thinking)<\/h3>\n

Well, the female Leopard Gecko uses these moist hides to actually lay her eggs. To keep her safe and regulate her body temperature.<\/p>\n

So the point is, in captivity, you need to replicate this natural environment. By offering the correct substrate, which is moist enough, for them to feel at home and feel comfortable to lay their eggs.<\/p>\n

You will find that Leopard Gecko females will lay eggs regardless, even if there is not a male present.<\/p>\n

You may be thinking “how is this possible”? <\/em><\/h3>\n

In this situation, they will lay unfertilized eggs (more on this later). It is important to have the correct substrate so that their eggs have the best chance of surviving.<\/p>\n

The danger of not providing the correct environment can mean that the female leopard gecko can become egg bound. This is a term used for when they are not able to lay their eggs.<\/p>\n

How does substrate help during the incubation of Leo eggs?<\/h2>\n

During incubation not only is it important to have the correct temperature, but it is also important to have the right humidity, moisture, and substrate.<\/p>\n

The dangers of incubating an egg without the correct substrate and moisture can actually end up with the eggs turning into “raisins”. Not literally, but meaning they will not hatch and completely unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

In this article, I’ll be explaining the best substrate that you can use to increase your chances of a successful egg laying and hatching.<\/p>\n

Best 2 Substrate for egg laying<\/h2>\n

I will now provide my top three recommended substrates for Leopard Gecko egg laying:<\/p>\n

01. Galapagos Tropicoco Coconut Soil Bedding<\/h3>\n

<\/a>\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Good to keep moist<\/li>\n
  • Made from Sustainable resources<\/li>\n
  • Parasite, Oil & Chemical Free<\/li>\n
  • Remains quite cool even with a heat lamp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Quite messy, you will need to use some water to break up the soil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The Galapagos Tropicoco Coconut Soil Bedding<\/a> (Click to see reviews on Amazon). Is primarily designed for tods but Leopard Gecko’s love this stuff.<\/p>\n

      Its main advantage is its ability to keep moist. In addition to this, it is made from sustainable resources. It is also parasite, oil and chemical free, allowing your Leo to roam around without fear. The only issue you may find is the fact that it is quite messy. Not a big issue, but one thing to consider.<\/p>\n

      02. Gal\u00e1pagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss<\/h3>\n

      <\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

      Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Long Lasting – Uses “Long-Fiber” Sphagum Moss<\/li>\n
      • Absorbent: Helps control humidity<\/li>\n
      • Uses sustainable materials<\/li>\n
      • Treated by sieving and washing to provide the cleanest moss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • May find that the moss is actually brown instead of green<\/li>\n
        • May need to re-moisten the moss to maintain its moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          The Gal\u00e1pagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss<\/a> (click to see the reviews on Amazon) is another substrate that Leo’s love. It uses sustainable materials for the benefit of the environment and well cleaned to keep your Leo happy. The main issue you may encounter is the fact that you may need to re-moisten it, to keep the moisture.<\/p>\n

          Best 3 substrate for Egg incubation<\/h2>\n

          These 3 substrates are ideal for the egg incubation stage:<\/p>\n

          01. Hoffman Horticultural Perlite:<\/h3>\n

          <\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

          Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Natural – Good for your soil PH levels<\/li>\n
          • Lightweight<\/li>\n
          • Helps with drainage<\/li>\n
          • Great for Egg incubation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            The Hoffman Horticultural Perlite<\/a> (Click for reviews on Amazon) is ideal for egg incubation. Some people prefer the other alternatives, but this is quite good value and does the job just as well.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n