Why Is My Leopard Gecko Sleeping Out of His Hide? (+ 6 Solutions)

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards in the world. They are known for their gentle temperament, easy care, and beautiful coloration. But, there are still a few things that can cause them stress or discomfort. One of these things is sleeping out of their hide.

Leopard geckos are prey animals, so they feel safe and secure when they can hide. They’ll often sleep in a hide during the day and come out at night to hunt. However, there are a few reasons why a leopard gecko might sleep out of his hide.

In this article, we’ll answer the question; why is my leopard gecko sleeping out of his hide? We’ll also provide tips on how to make your leopard gecko feel more secure and comfortable in his terrarium so that he’s more likely to sleep in his hide at night.

Is Your Leopard Gecko Sleeping Out of His Hide? Here’s Why!

Leopard geckos are prey animals, so they are naturally skittish and cautious. They prefer to hide in places where they feel safe and secure. However, there are a few reasons why your leopard gecko might be sleeping outside of his hide.

1. He’s Feeling Stressed or Insecure

If your leopard gecko is new to his terrarium or if there have been any recent changes to his environment, he may be feeling stressed or insecure. This can cause him to sleep out in the open, where he feels more exposed.

2. He’s Trying to Regulate His Temperature

Leopard geckos are cold-blooded animals. They need to regulate their body temperature by basking in a warm spot and then cooling down in a cooler spot. 

If the temperature in his terrarium is too hot or too cold, he may sleep out in the open in search of a more comfortable spot.

3. They’re Trying to Escape a Draft or Other Uncomfortable Conditions 

If there is a draft or other uncomfortable condition in his terrarium, your leopard gecko may sleep out in the open to avoid it.

4. They’re Looking for a Better Place to Bask

Leopard geckos, like bearded dragons and other lizards, need a basking spot that is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the basking spot in his terrarium is not warm enough, he may sleep out in the open in search of a better spot.

5. They’re Bored and Looking for Something to Do

Leopard geckos are curious creatures, and they need plenty of stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When a leopard gecko is bored, he may sleep out in the open in search of something to do.

If you’re concerned about why your leopard gecko is sleeping out of his hide, the best thing to do is to observe his behavior. 

Does your gecko seem stressed or insecure? You can try to make his environment more comfortable by adding more hiding places and providing him with a more stable temperature.

Making Your Leopard Gecko More Comfortable

By following these tips, you can help your leopard gecko feel more secure and comfortable in his terrarium. A happy and comfortable leopard gecko is a healthy leopard gecko! 

1. Provide a safe and secure environment

Make sure that his terrarium is escape-proof and that there are no sharp objects or other hazards inside. 

You can use a locking screen top for the terrarium and check for any gaps or holes that your leopard gecko could squeeze through. You should also avoid putting any small objects in the terrarium that your leopard gecko could choke on.

2. Give your leopard gecko plenty of opportunities to hide

Leopard geckos are prey animals, so they feel safe and secure when they can hide. They often need a warm hide, a cool hide, a moist hide, and a humid hide. 

Provide him with a variety of hiding places, such as logs, rocks, and plants. You can also use cork bark or other natural materials to create hiding places for your leopard gecko.

3. Keep the temperature and humidity levels stable

Leopard geckos are cold-blooded animals. They need a warm basking spot and a cooler hiding spot. 

The basking spot should be about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooler hiding spot should be about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The humidity level should be around 30-40%. You can use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your leopard gecko’s terrarium.

4. Handle your leopard gecko gently and regularly

Leopard geckos are social creatures, and they enjoy spending time with their owners. Handle your leopard gecko gently and regularly to help him get used to you and feel more comfortable in your presence.

5. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises

Leopard geckos are easily startled, so try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises near their terrarium.

6. Be patient

It may take some time for your leopard gecko to feel secure and comfortable in his new environment. Be patient and give him time to adjust.

Conclusion 

One time, I had a leopard gecko named Spot who would always sleep out of his hide. I was worried that he was stressed or uncomfortable, but I couldn’t figure out why. 

One day, I was watching him and I noticed that he would always sleep in the same spot, right under the heat lamp. I realized that he was actually trying to regulate his body temperature by sleeping in a warm spot.

Once I understood why Spot was sleeping out of his hide, I was able to make his terrarium more comfortable for him. I added a second heat lamp so that he had a cooler place to sleep, and I also added more hiding places so that he could feel more secure. After that, Spot started sleeping in his hide more often.

If your leopard gecko is sleeping out of his hide, don’t worry! It’s not always a sign of something wrong. Just observe his behavior and make sure that his environment is comfortable for him. With a little patience and attention, you can help him find a comfortable place to sleep.