Best Gecko for a 10 year old?

[SudeepHArya]

Hi all

I am new here and wanted to know what you recommend for a 10 year old boy who has extremely severe allergies and wants a Gecko.

We as parents (mom and dad) will of course help him with anything he needs but I think he is looking for a Gecko with the following attributes:

• Companionship
• Being Tame
• Lovable
• Wants to be handled on a frequent basis
• Smart (i know stupid question)
• Sex of the Gecko

I am not sure what else he wants but since he cannot have a "Furry" pet he really has a passion to have a Geckos. I just would like to know your opinion on what you think.

Thank you so much in advance of your experience, dedication and opinion.

 

[Taquiq]

Leopard Geckos fit those requirements. Here is a caresheet from my website if you need help.

http://www.jkherp.com/care1.html

 

[clemsonguy1125]

Honestly, very few reptiles like being handled on a regular basis. Yes I know they can tolerate handling and get used to it but still, geckos and most reptiles are not meant to be handled. I know he wants a gecko but from your list of traits, I think a bearded dragon may be better, Ive had some experience with them but dont own one. From talking to breeders they tolerate handling well, friendly, smart, and lovable. The downside is they need UVB and a bigger cage but I think they are something to consider. But if he really wants a gecko, a leopard gecko is your best choice. Heres a care sheet I wrote on them.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Leopard-Gecko-Care/

 

[bettafish]

Keep in mind you'll probably be doing most of the care for the gecko too, 10 year olds dont have the best memories or attention spans

 

[fl_orchidslave]

While some leos like a bit of handling, it's not something you can count on. Some don't like it much at all. Your boy may be disappointed, and it would become your gecko. As mentioned above, a bearded dragon likes attention and being handled a lot, blue tongue skinks do as well. Both enjoy piling up on the couch to watch TV. A beardie often enjoys regular outings as well. Just something to think about.........

 

[Taquiq]

Yep, handling definitely won't help the Leo in any way but can be done sometimes.

 

[Joao]

I think it depends on the leo. A lot of people say they dont like being held, but my leo walks walks into my hand everyday so she can chill on the sofa with me. Depends on the leo and "training" i guess.

You could always buy and adult leo from a breeder who would be able to tell you how friendly they are... They would problably be able to suggest a calm baby too.Your son just has to be prepared to devote time and be patient. it will take some time before the leo will be comfortable with him. In the end it will be well worth it.

Bearded dragons are kewl, but require a lot of space, they get big... and they cost a lot more to feed. They arent very active either... they just lay down and sleep. A good alternative are fat tail geckos. they look the same as leo's and have the same requirments except for needing higher humidity. They are a little calmer and less active than leo's.

 

[stephanieluffsu]

I would say Leopard Gecko from a breeder, so they can tell you the tempermant of the leo.
It would be a bit more pricey to go through a breeder, but they have a wider selection with more knowledge, and their geckos are usually in better health than the ones in the pet store

 

[SudeepHArya]

I realized I may have misspoken so let me restate the handling part.

I am using the term handling which obviously means to touch and interact with hands I am meaning more or less he is looking for a reptile (lizard) that will not just sit in the tank and will actually be somewhat entertaining and he can "interact with" not necessarily touching and holding on a frequent basis. A simple pet on the head or a chin rub things like that, he is looking for a Leo that will come to him on his own (not being called like a dog obviously). This is what i mean I think the better word would be interactive.

 

[Northstar Herp]

Reptiles don't really fit much of your list at all. A leo might be a good fit for you, but it sounds like you're looking for a hypoallergenic mammal=gecko, but reptiles are completely different in most respects. I'm not saying that it couldn't work, but loveable, comes to you, tame, wanting to be handled, that kind of stuff is mammal language. I'm not trying to put you on a downer, I just want you to be aware.

There are plenty of threads where you can self-research on how reptiles differ from mammals. Just search around a bit and you'll find them.

That being said, a crested gecko is my pick. They're cuter than a leo and feel like suede, arboreal (they climb a lot), they eat a baby food like diet called Crested Gecko Diet and don't need anything else. They also don't need heat. You can get them pretty cheap, everybody breeds them... that's almost not an exaggeration. They're very mellow, but are a tad jumpy so you have to be patient for a while. Their bodies are more fragile than a leo too.

I could also recommend a king or corn snake. They'd be very handle-able and interactive. They're always on the move and would probably be more fun to "play" with than a leo or crestie.

Good luck with your future critter and your child! Allergies stink, we have one with a canine allergy and I dealt with staph infections all the time until we got rid of the pooch and things mellowed down.

 

[M_surinamensis]

I think he is looking for a Gecko with the following attributes:

• Companionship
• Being Tame
• Lovable
• Wants to be handled on a frequent basis
• Smart (i know stupid question)
• Sex of the Gecko

Edit: the strike-out tags didn't work, I have removed a copy of the list with things crossed off it.


I'm disinclined to discourage anyone from owning reptiles, I actively want more people who keep and appreciate them but in this instance I think the idea of finding a pet that really matches what the owners are looking to get out of it is more important. Behaviorally and when it comes to interaction, some reptiles are closer than others but none of them are really exactly what you want. They won't form a mutual bond, they won't become attached, they don't enjoy company, docility and tolerating handling are variables from species to species but all of them actually do better when left mostly alone except for maintenance and health inspections... You can pick a species that is closer, but there are none which will really complete your checklist. There is no reptile that is a genuine substitute for a puppy.

You really might want to look into some of the supposedly hypoallergenic mammals. Various hairless breeds, hedgehogs tend in that direction as well, although depending on his sensitivity they may or may not be options.

Edit 2: It's coincidence that I wrote basically the exact same thing as Kevin, I think I just type slower. Though I have no problem riding his coat tails in this instance, he said it first and better, I am in total agreement with his response at the bottom of page 1.

 

[Chestersmom]

I think he may enjoy a bearded dragon more. Leopard geckos are great but they are nocturnal and don't come out much during the day. Beardies are awake all day. beardies are also a little more durable for a 10 year old.

 

[Fencer04]

I agree with Kevin but if a reptile is what is wanted the Bearded Dragon fits this bill much more than a gecko does. They will run around the tank and chase their pray all day and he can watch them interact with their environment more than a gecko does while also being able to hold them when he wants to.

 

[Jordan]

Just to carry on from what was said by Seamus, (M-Surinamensis), i myself own a hedgehog and think it may be a better option.

They are relatively easy to take care of and very loveable.
It takes them time to tolerate handling, and they will always be defensive when first touched, but after a few minutes of them realising they are not being attacked they can be very relaxed, and be handled, petted, hand fed, etc...

I think it would be a great option, and African Pygmy Hedghogs (your best bet), are relatively easy to get a hold of.

There care needs are pretty simple, its basically the same as a hamster or such like's but with a bit more space.

I think this would be a great option for you, feel free to contact me for any more info on hedgehogs.