Crested or Leopard Gecko as 1st Lizard?

TripleB

New Member
Messages
13
Location
North Carolina
My son (soon to be 8) and I are looking to purchase our first lizard (his first pet other than a fish) and have narrowed it down to either a Crested Gecko or a Leopard Gecko.

I originally thought we would go with a Leopard Gecko..they're colorful, readily available, and I've heard a great deal more about them than other lizards (except maybe the bearded dragon).

Then I see where someone recommends this gecko called the Crested Gecko...so I've been reading more about it.

Other than their personality (have watched several videos showing their movement and jumping), what appeals most to me about the crested gecko is the fact that live food and special heating isn't needed for a crested gecko to be healthy.

What doesn't seem to be as appealing, compared to a leopard gecko, is they seem to hide more (in the leaves, trees, other items in the terrarium), they're not as colorful, and I've read their tails fall off easier (and don't grow back).

That being said, in your opinion, is a crested gecko or a leopard gecko better and/or more enjoyable for a first time lizard owner and his son?

Also, can you recommend a book on crested geckos that gives me a great idea of the needs of a crested gecko as well as how to care for him if we decide to go with a crested gecko?

What size terrarium should be used for a single crested gecko? I was reading on one website and they said a 20 gallon tank is a must but then they said a 12x12x18 is perfect...which is basically an 11 gallon tank. So is a 12x12x18 fine or would I need a true 20 gallon tank (which is 14x14x24 or 15x15x20).

Thank you very much for your help!

TripleB
 
Last edited:

fabianbigge1

New Member
Messages
50
Location
Ohio
My son (soon to be 8) and I are looking to purchase our first lizard (his first pet other than a fish) and have narrowed it down to either a Crested Gecko or a Leopard Gecko.

I originally thought we would go with a Leopard Gecko..they're colorful, readily available, and I've heard a great deal more about them than other lizards (except maybe the bearded dragon).

Then I see where someone recommends this gecko called the Crested Gecko...so I've been reading more about it.

Other than their personality (have watched several videos showing their movement and jumping), what appeals most to me about the crested gecko is the fact that live food and special heating isn't needed for a crested gecko to be healthy.

What doesn't seem to be as appealing, compared to a leopard gecko, is they seem to hide more (in the leaves, trees, other items in the terrarium), they're not as colorful, and I've read their tails fall off easier (and don't grow back).

That being said, in your opinion, is a crested gecko or a leopard gecko better for a first time lizard owner and his son?

Also, can you recommend a book on crested geckos that gives me a great idea of the needs of a crested gecko as well as how to care for him if we decide to go with a crested gecko?

Thank you very much for your help!

TripleB
I'd recommend crested geckos, though my opinion is biased because I have 3 crested geckos and no leopard geckos. Crested gecko tails don't come off too easily. I hold mine all the time and their tails haven't fallen off. I've fed all three of my crested geckos plus my gargoyle gecko for 14 dollars in 3 months with CGD and I still have half a bottle of it left.
 

fabianbigge1

New Member
Messages
50
Location
Ohio
I just took this photo of mine, they don't hide at night. They are horrible hiders during the day. Leopard geckos are nocturnal too, at least from what I've read.
uploadfromtaptalk1425190420241.jpg
 

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