So you've decided that leopard geckos are a suitable pet for you (well done, great choice!!_ and you understand the responsibilities and how to take care of a leopard gecko (or at least you're willing to learn!)
Now let's consider the factors involved in picking out the perfect gecko pet.
HEALTH
This is the most important factor to consider. You will need to inspect your prospective new reptilian buddy from head to toe. More details in our leopard gecko health care section.
Let's assume they've passed the all vital health check
COLOR
I think 99% of people will instinctively look at the color and patterning of the leopard gecko next. I definitely do. That's one of the leopard gecko's key attractions as a pet in the first place: their stunning and varied looks (pattern and color morphs). Leopard gecko fans often have strong preferences. I used to wonder why people choose patternless leopard geckos when there are so many color morphs to pick, but I'm beginning to understand their attraction too. There's no guide to this, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Popular morphs include the Tremper Albino, Bell Albino, Eclipse, Blizzard.
AGE AND SIZE
Baby geckos can be a little grumpy and need special handling. If you're a first-time owner you might consider a young adult which is at least over 6 months old and over 5 inches (12.7 cm) long
SEX
Buying either a male or female leopard gecko is fine as a first pet. If you're thinking about buying more than one (I recommend starting off with one if you're a beginner...you'll become addicted and want another in no time anyway!!), just remember that two MALE leopard geckos cannot be housed together. They will fight and probably one will end up killing the other one. Male leopard gecko ultimate cage fighting! Avoid...!
CHARACTER/PERSONALITY
Most baby geckos are feisty so you can't judge their personality if they're too young. But once they are older (maybe 1 years old), their personalities really start to develop. Some can be more active, playful and responsive than others. Some are mega chilled-out...mellow and calm. Again, I think you'll instinctively be attractive to the right personality for you. I wish I could say that about the guys I've dated....but that's for another blog....:-)
Finally, don't rush the process. It's worth looking around until you find the perfect one....
Where to find leopard geckos?
Where to find Leopard Geckos?
The Leopard Gecko is a native of Pakistan, southern Asia, India, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Today, nearly all Leopard geckos sold as pets in the United States are hatched and raised in captivity. This eliminates the hardships and stress suffered by the animals from being captured in the wild and then shipped for long distances.
Here are some other places and ways to find a Leopard Gecko:
Pet Shops
Pet shops are probably the easiest location to go and search for leopard geckos for sale. Almost any town has local pet shops. If they do not have leopard geckos for sale, you can have them order it for you. The only trouble you can get from pet shops is that you are not able to know if it is healthy or where does it came from. You might purchase a gecko that can be wild caught or was cage together with other wild caught geckos where it could possibly get disease or parasites. Also, pet shops have limited range of animals and the likely to become more costly.
Reptile Show
It can be an ideal place to search for leopard geckos. The range of animals you can see there is wide and diverse. You will be able to search for geckos of different ages, colors and most of the prices are viable. Reptile shows became very famous and you must be able to search for one. The sellers at the shows are normally very supportive and ready to talk about the proper care of their animals.
Leopard Gecko Breeders
There are a number of mail order and online breeders. You can find many variation and color of gecko that you want. Breeders are truly an ideal way to search for a particular sort of leopard gecko. There is some problem when ordering gecko from them. You are not able to examine the gecko before you buy them. The gecko should be transported and it can possibly cause illness or injury. Leopard geckos are very pricey. Most prices of the breeders are reasonable. However the cost having the gecko transported through overnight deliver usually increases its cost.
The Leopard Gecko is a native of Pakistan, southern Asia, India, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Today, nearly all Leopard geckos sold as pets in the United States are hatched and raised in captivity. This eliminates the hardships and stress suffered by the animals from being captured in the wild and then shipped for long distances.
Here are some other places and ways to find a Leopard Gecko:
Pet Shops
Pet shops are probably the easiest location to go and search for leopard geckos for sale. Almost any town has local pet shops. If they do not have leopard geckos for sale, you can have them order it for you. The only trouble you can get from pet shops is that you are not able to know if it is healthy or where does it came from. You might purchase a gecko that can be wild caught or was cage together with other wild caught geckos where it could possibly get disease or parasites. Also, pet shops have limited range of animals and the likely to become more costly.
Reptile Show
It can be an ideal place to search for leopard geckos. The range of animals you can see there is wide and diverse. You will be able to search for geckos of different ages, colors and most of the prices are viable. Reptile shows became very famous and you must be able to search for one. The sellers at the shows are normally very supportive and ready to talk about the proper care of their animals.
Leopard Gecko Breeders
There are a number of mail order and online breeders. You can find many variation and color of gecko that you want. Breeders are truly an ideal way to search for a particular sort of leopard gecko. There is some problem when ordering gecko from them. You are not able to examine the gecko before you buy them. The gecko should be transported and it can possibly cause illness or injury. Leopard geckos are very pricey. Most prices of the breeders are reasonable. However the cost having the gecko transported through overnight deliver usually increases its cost.
Having trouble getting your leopard gecko to poop?
If your leopard gecko hasn't 'been to the toilet' for a few days, it can cause them distress and be a sign of an underlying illness.
It's a common problem and there isn't one easy answer as you have to consider the root cause first before you go ahead and tackle the issue. For example, you can hardly expect a gecko to poop if they haven't been eating. Or leopard gecko constipation can be caused by eating sand by accident... unfortunately people have mistakenly housed leopard geckos on sand.
Here's a useful article giving tips and solutions to leopard gecko impaction (otherwise known as leopard gecko pooping problems)
It's a common problem and there isn't one easy answer as you have to consider the root cause first before you go ahead and tackle the issue. For example, you can hardly expect a gecko to poop if they haven't been eating. Or leopard gecko constipation can be caused by eating sand by accident... unfortunately people have mistakenly housed leopard geckos on sand.
Here's a useful article giving tips and solutions to leopard gecko impaction (otherwise known as leopard gecko pooping problems)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
