Leopard geckos are typically light brown in appearance, although they can change yellow due to aging, stress, shedding, and food inadequacies, among other things. Your leopard gecko turning yellow is most likely caused by the fact that they undergo numerous changes as they age. This is typically not abnormal and is not cause for alarm. It might be more serious if behavioral or dietary changes also occur.
Heat exhaustion is another factor that might contribute to skin yellowing. Lack of calcium in the diet is another significant factor contributing to the color shift. This shouldn’t be a problem if you provide your lizard calcium-rich foods like crickets, mealworms, and wax worms.
Many pet lovers have been wondering if a leopard geckos’ natural coloration is supposed to be yellow or not. This article will explore the true colors of leopard geckos and the reason for their color change.
Are Leopard Geckos Supposed To Be Yellow?
There is a lot of confusion about the gecko’s natural habitat. People often claim that the color of a leopard gecko’s skin should be yellow. However, this is not true since leopard geckos typically have brown or gray skin, with tan or light brown spots.
There are two types of leopard geckos, the original type and the newer type. The original type is typically a tan or brown color while the newer type is typically yellow. In most leopard geckos, the dorsal body is light to dark yellow with black markings, the ventral body is white, and the tail is banded. However, several different color combinations have been produced through selective breeding programs.
Leopard geckos are beautiful and come in a range of eye-catching colors. Some of the more popular colors include green, yellow, brown, and gray.
Is A Yellow Leopard Gecko Mean It Is Unhealthy?
They age and change color naturally, and stress and calcium deficiency are quickly remedied. If your gecko has a problem other than a color change, it is necessary to take it to the vet. Issues in behavior, ceasing to eat, loose stools, and other health changes are examples of this. Another remedy for a lack is to sprinkle calcium powder on their meal worms or crickets before feeding them. Due to the effort required to develop eggs, breeding female leopard geckos are especially vulnerable to calcium deficiencies.
Calcium powders can be purchased at most local exotic pet stores or make your own calcium powder. Make this powder available by sprinkling it in various areas of your leopard gecko’s tank. Your Leo will enjoy licking it off, and it will assist with both the deficiency and yellowish color of their skin.
Why Do Leopard Geckos Change Colors?
Leopard geckos aren’t recognized for changing colors, so keep an eye on your gecko if you see any discoloration, such as yellowness. Check to see if the discoloration is a darker yellow or a brighter yellow; a darker yellow could indicate stress.
A sudden change in diet or variation in feeding time can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. The color changes are caused by a pigment called melanin which is found in the skin cells of the gecko. More melanin is created when an animal is stressed, leading to darker colors and patterns. Limited hiding places, too much heating, or a lack of heat can cause stress. At least two hides, one dry and one humid are important for a gecko to feel secure.
The color of your Leopard Gecko may change just before they are set to shed. While the changes won’t be visible at first, their colors will turn a little dull shortly before the shedding process starts. If you notice excess skin on your Leo’s tail, head, or legs or find it spending a lot more time in its hide, it is most likely about to shed. Be patient, and a couple of days after shedding, their skin color should return to its normal shade.
Geckos are starting to turn a bit yellow and that’s part of the process of them growing older. A newborn gecko will continue to change colors for the first year and a half of its life. If you’re buying a young gecko, expect quite a bit of color and pattern change along the way. Leopard gecko’s skin patterns and colors change up until 18 months of age. Leopard gecko morphs such as the tangelo, bright yellow, orange morphs, carrot tails, etc., only darken after 1 to 3 years of age. It is usually relatively easy to spot a young Leo. Typically, they will have dark bands on their bodies or will be in the process of developing their spots. This color change is a normal part of their development and is no need for concern.
Conclusion
Various factors, including aging, stress, shedding, and dietary inadequacies, can cause leopard geckos to turn yellow. It might be more serious if behavioral or dietary changes also occur. As a general rule, the color shift is probably natural and risk-free if your Leo is consistently eating and pooping and your tank environment is perfect. When the gecko reaches adulthood, the epidermis most likely will begin to exhibit yellowing of the skin, including the belly and toes. In cases of vitamin deficits or bacterial infections, the yellowing may appear on additional skin areas.
