How About Them Geckos

[adawinters]

I have to admit that I am a fan of the gecko. I had Bibron's Geckos, Banded Geckos, a Flying Gecko and a Tokay Gecko back in the late 90s, before my landlord evicted them all, (which is a long story that boils down to a basic miscommunication -- I asked if I could have "tanked animals," and he said yes. Once he saw what kind of animals I had, set up in 16 tanks throughout the apartment, he changed his mind and sent them packing.)

Now, I've got 2 Leopard Geckos (and a much nicer, absentee landlord). I uploaded a couple of pics, but there are more on my profile.

[Kurt]

Do you know what I love about leos? They poop in the same spot every time, makes maintainence very easy.

[Jace]

Some great pictures. I honestly don't know much about geckos but I've seen several at the petstore and they are full of personality. Do they do better in a pair or by themselves? Which type of gecko would be best for a beginner?

[Kerry1968]

I would reccommend (sp?) a crested gecko.

The tiny one we have is a first foray into the world of reptiles. Not only is he a cute little divil but is very easy to look after.

You need a vivarium in which you can keep the humidity quite high (don't ask me the humidity percentage) we use a coco-bark type of substrate and keep it moist and he is misted every day. Plenty of climb-able plant cover, a viv thats taller rather than longer as they're arboreal and a temperature range between 70 - 80 degrees. They actually do well at cooler temperatures and suffer from heat stress if the temperature is too high. If it drops too low in the Winter you can place a small heat mat on the side of the tank.

They are nocturnal so no need for any special lighting and omniverous so they will eat crickets and other insects. They are also fruit eaters in the wild and to replace this in captivity most people use a MRP (meal replacement powder). I have yet to see my little one eat the fruit paste, but will devour as many crickets as I give him!

Other than the food issue I would say they are easy pets to keep, once you have the right conditions, but bear in mind we've only had ours for about 3 weeks!

Perhaps someone else will give you more input on crested geckos or another type of gecko.

[Jace]

Thanks Kerry-that was very helpful. The more I read and learn about them, the more I want one. However, the price tags on the geckos around here are rather steep, so it probably won't happen right away .

[googie]

Jace:

I have two Cresties. They are super easy to care for. The only problem is that you generally can never have two males together as they will eventually fight. If you buy your Cresties when they are young, you will have to wait to tell their gender. Males develop a large hemipenal pouch at the base of their tales. I have heard that they are super easy to breed as well, yet have not attempted this. Your tank set up should be taller than it it is long, as they are largely arboreal, although I have one who prefers to stay low on his log.
Feeding is easy. I would agree with the others that straight baby food is not the best. I generally mix it with a supplement (Crested gecko specific). I also give crickets gut loaded and dusted once a week. Heavy misting generally provides the H2O. Be careful with their tail as they will detach, yet DO NOT grow back with Cresties.

[zeppsmomma]

I have two Crested Geckos with hopefully many more in the future!

[Eel Noob]

Crested geckos make great first time pets. I would recommend staying away from baby foods and feed Crested gecko diets instead.

I have two Crested Geckos with hopefully many more in the future!

Definitely see more cresties in your future


Used to keep geckos till I traded them last month

2x crested
1x pictus

Here's a few pix of them

male crested unfired


Same gecko as above just fired up



male pictus gecko


female crested


.cute picture when I first got her


.

[Jace]

There is a male crested gecko in a petshop close to my house...I go in a couple of times a week and check up on him. I have two Leopard Geckos at the moment, but he is definitely on my "want it now" list...if I only had the room.

[zeppsmomma]

Crested geckos make great first time pets. I would recommend staying away from baby foods and feed Crested gecko diets instead.



Definitely see more cresties in your future


Used to keep geckos till I traded them last month

2x crested
1x pictus

Here's a few pix of them

male crested unfired


Same gecko as above just fired up



male pictus gecko


female crested


.cute picture when I first got her


.

You were right, I just got in a beautiful red spot dalmation a few days ago.

[Buck Rogers]

Bibron's Geckos

Which species of Bibron, was it this kind?




We find tons of these when we go on herping trips and they are always so much fun to play with when you catch them, but some of them have one hell of a nasty bite.

I have a normal female and a het lavender albino male and they such a pleasure to keep.

Male:



Female:



I have to constantly separate them or this happens: