My leopard gecko's tank humidity is 65%. Is it bad for health?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
my leopard geckos tank is at 65% humidity i have an air conditioner and some moisture absorbing desecants next to the tank. will they be alright or will they get skin disease? its very humid where i am right now
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 4th, 2018
i would worry more about respiratory infection and mold or fungal overgrowth Geckos are quite adaptable though and as long as the humidity doesn't seesaw rapidly, they should be fine. You can fill a fishnet bag or cheesecloth with plain white rice and place it in the cage out of reach. The rice will absorb excess moisture. A lump or two of coal will do the same thing. Make sure they can't reach that either.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 21st, 2017
In a "perfect" set up, the humidity would range between 20 and 40%. Higher humidity is recommended during sheds. Luckily, leopard geckos are pretty adaptable to a wide range of captive environments. This makes them a popular "beginner" reptile. You can use a dehumidifier in the room the enclosure will be kept in to control humidity. Some keepers will also place a small sack of plain, uncooked rice in the enclosure to absorb excess moisture. The rice should be kept out of the gecko's reach though. Two digital hygrometers should be used, one on each side of the tank, to monitor humidity.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hello. I live in Mississippi, where the humidity is very high all year round. I have not bought a lizard yet because of the humidity issues. I did decide to choose a leopard gecko, but after lots of research, I found out they need to have a low humid
In a "perfect" set up, the humidity would range between 20 and 40%. Higher humidity is recommended during sheds. Luckily, leopard geckos are pretty adaptable to a wide range of captive environments. This makes them a popular "beginner" reptile.
You can use a dehumidifier in the room the enclosure will be kept in to control humidity. Some keepers will also place a small sack of plain, uncooked rice in the enclosure to absorb excess moisture. The rice should be kept out of the gecko's reach though.
Two digital hygrometers should be used, one on each side of the tank, to monitor humidity.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I have a bearded dragon on that I turned his nocturnal light on for night time and the humidity started Rising it's at 50 and I was wondering if that was safe for him and he's 2 to 3 months old
50% humidity is a bit too high. Ideally, it should range between 30 and 40%. Consider a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) which will emit heat without visible light. Prolonged periods of high humidity may promote bacterial or fungal overgrowth and could predispose Calvin to respiratory infection.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
The humidity in my bearded dragons enclosure is too high(around 55%) but I cannot get it down. I have barely any water in there and I use reptile carpet(that is completely dry) I'm afraid he's going to get respiratory problems since he's so small. wh
Use a screen cover for the enclosure if you aren't using one already. Move the water dish away from the basking light to minimize evaporation. A dehumidifier in the room may be necessary if you live in a humid area of the country.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My ball pythons humidity keeps rising and I cant seem to get it to go down it's at 85% humidity right now.
Increase air flow in the enclosure. You can use a small fan to blow over the cage or in the room. A sack (or sock) filled with plain, uncooked rice can also help decrease humidity. Hang it where your python cannot reach it. You can also use a small water bowl in the cage.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I adopted a sick Leopard Gecko from a local pet store. The pet store doesn't take good care of Leopard Geckos. They have dried Mealworms, no calcium, no humidity, and their all crowed in one hide. My Leopard Gecko Geo wasn't eating Mealworms or Crick
I think that you are right to be concerned about Geo. With the previous lack of humidity and inappropriate husbandry, I would be worried that she may have an impaction. When impactions occur in the intestinal tract or colon, it does not allow additional food to pass through the intestines. This eventually will lead to regurgitation. This is a common finding in geckos that have not had appropriate husbandry. The regurgitation may also be due to her not feeling well - just like when we get sick, reptiles can become nauseous. This is less of a specific sign and can be due to numerous diseases. I would recommend taking Geo in for evaluation by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough physical examination and see if they suspect an impaction based on palpation of the coelom (feeling the belly). Depending on what they find, they may recommend diagnostics or treatments for Geo. I know that you have already increased the humidity, but it may also be a good idea to soak Geo in 85-90 F wat
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
We have a 6-9 month old leopard gecko. He is currently shedding at his head and tail and acting very lethargic. This is a rapid change from a few days ago. He seems lighter too. Any thoughts or insights would be most appreciated.
Thanks for your question about Leo lela, and I am sorry that this is happening to you both! Typically leopard geckos should shed all of their skin in a short period of time, and they often eat it so owners may not realize they have shed at all. When we see shed sticking around, like in Leo lela's case, we begin to worry about dysecdysis (retained shed). This is common when there are imperfections in the husbandry that is provided. Most frequently, there is not enough humidity present. For leopard geckos, we recommend having a humid hide available for them that is lined with moist sphagnum moss. It is recommended to have a humid hide on the warm end of the enclosure as well as the cool end to provide your gecko with options regarding humidity. As far as him being lighter - I am not sure if you mean lighter in color, which may be associated with the shedding, or lighter in weight. If you mean lighter in weight, then I would be concerned that he has an underlying issue occurring. To hel
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
mt gecko has a like white mass in her ear on the right side of her head. she keeps itching that area and I am wondering if it's a sign of ear infection. She ain't showing signs of an ear infection accept for the itching, if it is a mild ear infection
It may be a bacterial or fungal infection. A mass or foreign body are also possibilities. Have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. Without a diagnosis, treatment of any kind would not be recommended. Cage temps can range from room temperature to the mid 80s F. A basking spot of 90 F is recommended. High humidity can promote bacterial growth or respiratory infection. Ideally, it should range between 20-40%.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
So my friends leopord gecko stopped eating or is eating little for like 3 or 4 weeks and she has been digging a lot it says it could be of a cold tank but the temp is 80 and we are starting to get worried
Thanks for reaching out about Ruby. The tank needs to be warmed to 95-100 F in the basking area and no place in the tank should drop below 80F at night. UVB spectrum is important as is the proper diet. Anorexia for 3-4 weeks is serious and a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/ treatment plan. Intestinal parasites, infections, malnutrition and others are possible. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My leo gecko is looking extremely dry but i can’t see that his skin is shedding or starting to peel anywhere. Is it a good idea to put him in a bath? Could his discoloration be related to sickness?
You can soak him for 15-20 minutes in a warm bath to provide hydration as well as to aid in shedding. Do this 2 or three times weekly during a shed. Without an image or physical exam, it is difficult to determine if his coloration is due to illness or injury.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I have just got a leopard gecko and i have settle it into its enclosure. What advice would you give for the on going care of the gecko?
Leopard Geckos are phenomenal reptile pets and are generally very easy to care for. The most important factor in caring for any reptile is making sure their home is appropriate for their specific needs. Leopard Geckos like hot environments with low humidity. A basking lamp should be on one side of the tank and an under the tank heater is also recommended. Their diets are comprised of insects, so they should be fed gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, and superworms. Their habitats should be cleaned weekly and fresh water can be offered daily. They should not be misted. Otherwise, they are very hardy creatures and a lot of fun to take care of. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions. If you wish, feel free to start a consultation.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Have A Vet Question?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
