Gecko as a first pet

[angelx]

Well i am thinking at some point i would like to own one. Not sure yet as to what pattern or type yet but wondered a few things.

Do Geckos need to eat live prey (like rodents i mean)?
Do they bite?
How many times a week do you feed them?
With water bowl do you need to add something in it for the food to not drown?
Any good info websites i can read more about them?

Thanks for any answers.

 

[defcon222]

It depends on what type of geclo you're looking at. Most people start off with either a leopard or crested gecko.

Cresteds can be raised on a completely insect-free diet call crested gecko diet. It has all the vitamins/minerals they need. I still give mine some roaches from time to time.

Leopards need insects to live (some people also feed adults pinkie mice). I feed mine mostly mealworms and roaches for the adults.

Cresteds and leopards rarely bite, usually they mistake you for food. The most likely time for strikes are around feeding times (fingers may resemble worms). They may also bite if you're holding them too tight, and there's also just the possibility of a grumpy gecko.

I feed mine twice a week. The gecko diet stay edible for 2-3days if mixed more on the watery side. My leopards tend to pick at the mealworms in the dish for a day or two before they're gone.

If its a deeper water bowl and you're planning on feeding crickets, then you'll need something. The geckos won't drown, but the bugs will (and that's not prety ).

This site has some great info (the search button's in the green bar up top). I've noticed most breeders have caresheets on thier websites, but info on Leopards/Cresteds is easy to get and they're really easy to care for.

 

[angelx]

Thanks I shall look around the forum too.

Mainly for me i would like to own a reptile that not not need to be fed live/frozen prey(rodents) and i did read geckos not needing it but then again maybe some types do. I will be doing research first like this before owning one for sure and if i do get one i also read that setting up the home for a week first is also best to do.

I also wondered i have a 64q bin(i think that is the size) already done up with holes on top for air(was a hamster/mouse DIY bin cage) would that work as a home for one?I would most likely have to mod it a bit more adding a mesh screen on top for thee lighting.

Or is it better to just stick with a tank? I would love to use the bin seeing as its not hard for me to clean but if tanks are better i will for sure go with that too.

 

[defcon222]

Again, it depends on the gecko, as some need UVB lighting, but...

I keep my leopards in 16 and 28qt containers and my crested in 20 and 64qt containers. Holes in the top is all they need for ventilation. You can use screen, but they may cut themselves on the edges.

More importanly, you'll need heat for them. I heat mine using FlexWatt heat tape (they are all housed in homemade rack systems). If you're only looking at one or two geckos, a heat pad will work, but you'll need a thermostat! I use the zilla 1,000watt verison (petco sells them for $50, but you can get them for ~$30 online). Heatmats/tape will get way too hot if left unattended (90+ degrees) and leopards/cresteds like 70-80's.

Since it was a mouse cage, I'd at least clean it with a mild bleach solution, then let it air o;ut for a week or so. Since sterilites are fairly cheap, you could also just get a new one and be on the safe side.

 

[SamanthaJane13]

Well i am thinking at some point i would like to own one. Not sure yet as to what pattern or type yet but wondered a few things.

A Crestie is a GREAT first gecko!! They don't require any special heating or lighting, so if you're comfy, they will be, too!!

A word of caution...Cresties are HIGHLY addictive!!! You start with one, and end up with MANY in very little time!!

Do Geckos need to eat live prey (like rodents i mean)?

Cresties CAN eat crickets or just about any worm-other than mealies-but should be fed 99% Repashy Crested Gecko Diet.

Do they bite?

They CAN, but usually only if frightened or stressed...but it's such a joke!! They act all fierce, but the tiny nip has no real power to it.

How many times a week do you feed them?

Every two to three days.

With water bowl do you need to add something in it for the food to not drown?

Nope-just don't give them a swimming pool. An inch or two in a jar lid is fine, but they still need to be misted twice a day.

Any good info websites i can read more about them?

Ciliatus.com/forums or pangeareptile.com/forum. Great people who care and will help you, and LOADS of info!!

Thanks for any answers.

No problem...just don't say you weren't warned about the addiction factor!!

 

[angelx]

thank you so much. Great info.

 

[SamanthaJane13]

BTW-they have GORGEOUS cresties at NorthernGecko.ca (check for correct addy)