An albino gecko is a type of leopard gecko that generally lacks black markings. Instead, the average albino gecko may be white, yellowish, or pinkish without distinguishable markings. These lizards are typically cared for in the same manner as other leopard geckos, since they are considered a genetic variant on the same species. As a pet, the albino gecko is relatively easy to care for, and can live for up to 20 years. They usually require a source of heat and a diet of crickets or meal worms, supplemented with calcium, like most other pet lizards.
The average albino leopard gecko will grow to an adult size of more than 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) in length and will weight about 1.6 ounces (45 grams). These reptiles usually move around only at night, and so don't generally require UVA/UVB light. They do, however, typically need a heated basking area within their home. Most reptile breeders recommend an under-tank heater covering a only portion of the cage, so that the lizard can remove itself if it feels overheated. The heated portion of the cage should generally reach an average temperature of 90° Fahrenheit (32.2° Celsius) on the substrate's surface.
These reptiles have evolved to live in a very dry climate, so the habitat usually requires misting only about once a week. They usually won't drink water more often than twice a week. They can feed on meal worms, which are usually most nutritious when they are themselves fed on vegetables and mineral supplement powder. Crickets are also believed to make a nutritious meal for the albino gecko.
Insects fed to the adult albino leopard gecko should typically be coated with mineral supplement powder twice a week. Young lizards will need this mineral powder sprinkled onto their food each day, for proper development. High-fat prey, such as newborn mice or wax worms, should be fed sparingly unless the lizard needs to regain weight after egg-laying or illness.
Most breeders recommend using a substrate of fine sand for geckos more than 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long. Smaller specimens should usually be kept on a substrate of tissue paper, since they will often eat the sand grains and could become ill. Since the albino gecko usually behaves quite secretively during the day, they should be offered a place to hide. An overturned plastic container with a hole in one side is generally suitable. A 20-gallon (75.7 liter) fish tank will offer the typical albino gecko plenty of space, and a lid isn't usually needed unless there are cats or other possible predators in the household.
