What gecko should i buy

The leopard gecko terrarium should have a basking site at one end that reaches 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cool area at the other end in the degree range. Temperature can drop into the low 70s at night. Several options are available to heat the terrarium.

Infrared or low-wattage incandescent lights are good choices for heating as well as UTHs under-tank heaters. Ultraviolet lighting is optional for this nocturnal lizard, though it can be used if live plants are in the terrarium. Lights should be turned off at night. Leopard geckos are exclusively insectivorous.

They should be fed a diet of commercially available insects, such as mealworms, super worms and crickets. Wax worms should be given only occasionally because of their high fat content.

Insects should be gut-loaded fed nutrients and supplemented with a reptile-specific supplement containing calcium, vitamin D3 and other essential vitamins and minerals, such as phosphorus and vitamin A or the pre-cursors to make vitamin A.

Provide a shallow water dish for drinking. The African fat-tail H. They share many characteristics, such as size, shape, weight, terrestrial and nocturnal behaviors, and a long life span of 15 or more years. They are also mild-mannered and tolerant of handling. The terrarium setup for an African fat-tailed gecko can be the same as that described for the leopard gecko, though the moist hide box is even more important for a fat-tail because it is from a moister environment than the leopard gecko.

A daily misting is required to achieve a proper humidity level of 70 to 80 percent. A moisture-retaining substrate, such as peat moss or orchid bark medium grade to prevent accidental ingestion can be used to increase humidity.

It may also accept commercially available cockroaches, such as Dubia or Madagascar hissing roaches. The crested gecko R. Once thought extinct, this charming, soft-skinned gecko with the big eyelashes appeared during a rainstorm in New Caledonia in and pleasantly surprised everyone! Crested geckos have gentle dispositions that allow them to be handled, and they are hardy, making then a good choice for a first gecko.

The crested gecko is an arboreal, nocturnal gecko with a wide body and large head. Specimens measure approximately 4 to 5 inches without the tail, and can weigh an average of 35 grams when they are sexually mature at 15 to 20 months.

The arboreal, tropical crested gecko needs a vertically oriented terrarium. An adult should be kept in a gallon terrarium or larger, and multiple females may be kept with one male, but not with two males because they will fight.

Several manufacturers offer tropical kits that include a suitably tall terrarium 18 inches long, 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall with front-opening doors.

They also include accessories such as temperature and humidity hygrometer measuring devices, substrate, food and water dishes, artificial plants and foam terrarium walls. If you prefer the do-it-yourself method, buy an arboreal terrarium without the kit and create a custom jungle look with real plants and vines there are also nice artificial vines available, as well as real grapevine , bamboo, and cork bark walls and tubes.

Hiding places are important, and bamboo and cork bark tubes are a favorite of crested geckos. At least one long piece of bamboo, cork bark or PVC pipe should be placed diagonally across the terrarium. You may also go the simplistic route and use an all-screen cage or gallon plastic Sterilite-type tub with a screen top. Some crested gecko enthusiasts do not use substrate with these more basic setups, as substrate is not critical to an arboreal gecko that spends little time on the ground.

A temperature range in the upper 70s to low 80s during the day works best. Temperatures can drop into the low 70s at night. If you need to heat the terrarium to reach the proper temperature, apply the same techniques as those used with a leopard gecko enclosure. This is an excellent choice as a dietary staple for your crested gecko. It is mixed 2 parts water to 1 part food and offered in a shallow, sturdy dish that cannot be easily tipped over, such as a crock.

Replace it with a fresh serving after 24 to 36 hours. You may also offer crested geckos commercially available insects, such as crickets and roaches.

Young crested geckos are enthusiastic insect eaters, but this seems to change as they get older and begin to prefer fruit-based diets. Prepare insect food items with a vitamin and mineral supplement the same way as described for leopard geckos. Water should always be available in a sturdy, shallow dish. Relative humidity in the enclosure should be at least 50 percent, achieved through misting either by hand or he use of a commercial misting system or humidifier.

Another beautiful New Caledonian gecko that does well in captivity is the gargoyle gecko R. It is found in the southern part of Grande Terre, exclusively among scrub brush and clearings of primary forest. At night, gargoyles may be found walking on roads, so at times they are also terrestrial. Gargoyles are captivating geckos because of their unique look.

Their marbled eyes are also fascinating. Many morphs are available, the most common being the reticulated and striped. The red-striped morph is particularly stunning. Gargoyles are not as social with each other or with people, so approach handling with caution. They may bite, and they have sharp teeth. They tend not to hang out together in the terrarium, so lots of uncluttered space is preferred. Grape vines for climbing work well for gargoyles in this type of setup. Finally, some specimens may be more insectivorous than others.

Known for their plump tails, slow movements and docile temperaments, African fat-tailed geckos are fun pets for new owners and kids over the age of 8. Adults grow to be inches long, and while they can be shy, they tolerate being held and can become tame with regular handling. These pet geckos do not like being constrained, so take special care when handling them.

Use open hands and never hold them by their tails. They will detach their tails as a defense mechanism and though it will regenerate, it will have a different appearance than its original shape. Use an under-tank heater or heat tape with a thermostat control. African fat-tails also need light for about hours a day, but because they are nocturnal, ultraviolet light is not required as long as their diet contains the necessary amount of vitamin D3. Provide them with a moist hiding area to sleep and relax, and line the habitat with a substrate to keep it looking tidy and encourage burrowing.

Mist the habitat a few times a week to maintain proper humidity levels. African fat-tail geckos eat mostly insects like mealworms and gut loaded crickets that contain essential vitamins and nutrients, but they also can eat commercial diets like Pangea Fruit Mix Gecko Diet with Insects Food.

Provide fresh water in a shallow dish at all times. Whatever species of gecko you choose, you and your family will enjoy caring for and interacting with your new pet.

Their interesting diets, ability to be handled and unique characteristics make them arguably the best pet lizards for budding enthusiasts and can help teach younger children responsibility. Chris Brownlow has been writing about pets for over 10 years. As a writer who believes in immersing herself in her topic, she has tasted more than 20 different flavors of dog and cat food while working on an advertising campaign for PetSmart. Published: July 20, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: January 20, Online may be a bit pricier, and you need to factor in shipping both the added cost and getting your pet safely to you.

For a reputable online dealer, check out CBReptile for live leopard geckos and reptiles affiliate link. If you opt for in person, you can look to local pet stores.

You could also see if there is a leopard gecko breeder in your area. Reptile expos are also a great way to see your gecko in person before you buy. A healthy gecko should have a bit of meat on its bones. You should not be able to see the tailbones, hip bones, or vertebrae through the skin. If you can clearly see the bones outlined in the skin, this is a sign of a sick or malnourished lizard.

Watch the leopard gecko walk. Does it walk easily and smoothly with its body up off the ground? Is it dragging or favoring a leg? Are the legs misshapen or a bit rubbery looking? This may be a sign of metabolic bone disease, or MBD, where the bones have not properly formed.

Look at the toes. Are they all there? Check for old shed skin that may be binding a foot or toes. When shed skin gets stuck on the toes, it restricts blood flow, causing the toes to wither and fall off.

Watch the gecko breathe.