First Gecko....Male or Female?

[CGREEN]

I am researching getting my first leopard gecko. I have found treads that talk about one vs two geckos in a cage. I plan to only get one. My other question is are there any advantages in getting a male vs. a female if I only get one? Are there behavorial differences? i.e. handling...bitting...activity level? Thanks!

 

[Psychotic4mb3r]

IMO there really isnt a difference. Ive had nice and mean males and nice and mean females lol.. just depends on the gecko . and personality wise, again just depends on the gecko.

 

[StonedFish]

IMO there really isnt a difference. Ive had nice and mean males and nice and mean females lol.. just depends on the gecko . and personality wise, again just depends on the gecko.

agreed

 

[LZRDGRL]

There are some people who say males are gentler, but I haven't made that experience; I also have both males and females that are very tame. I wouldn't look for gender, I would look for a fat tail, that your gecko hasn't been kept on sand before you got it, that it is well-nourished, that it has no shedding problems, etc. Those things are way more important. A leopard gecko can live 20 years, so you will want a good, healthy starter pet to enjoy for a long time, and not a sickly thin one where you have to spend more on vet bills than it was worth in the beginning.

Good luck in finding a beautiful new pet!

Chrissy

 

[robin]

everyone has made some excellent points. i always recommend a healthy male. while both males ands female can have good and/or bad moods. males do not ovulate and possibly produce infertile eggs. for that single reason i say male for a first time keeper.

 

[Dog Shrink]

everyone has made some excellent points. i always recommend a healthy male. while both males ands female can have good and/or bad moods. males do not ovulate and possibly produce infertile eggs. for that single reason i say male for a first time keeper.

+1. Also I have heard that giants are more mellow and calmer than regular leos so if you're looking at breeders I'd try to get a giant or super giant male.

 

[Psychotic4mb3r]

Ive never had giants but have been looking into them. Maybe sometime in the future for me lol

 

[fuzzylogix]

it all depends on your plans and space. getting one leo just isn't gonna happen for most people, lol. if you decide to get a male, just know that you cannot house him with another male, and if you house him with a female you're gonna get babies. If you go with a female, it is likely that you can house another female with her. as far as personalities, every one is different to me. i have males that super calm and others that are a little more jumpy. same with females. just make sure its healthy whatever you do and always ask what he/she has been fed. good luck on your search!

 

[Euphillia]

I asked the same question and opted for a male because I did not want to deal with the egg issue until I was more experienced. I am happy I went with a male.

 

[CGREEN]

Thank you for all the advice!!! I bought a book and Geckos and it didn't say anything about male vs. female. This forum is an awesome resource. Thanks