Getting son another Leapord Gecko

[ncbeast]

Son is 13 now and when he was 10 we got him a regular Leapord Gecko. We bought it used off of CraigsList, it was already 4 years old and a really good size adult and it has really done great. Last year we bought another tank, a 40 or 45 gal long, tiled the floor and divided it in half with a piece of clear glass that I had cut to size. The under tank heater is right in the middle and does great. Now he is wanting another one for Christmas for the other side and he wants one that is more orange but nothing too speacial that will drive up the price just one that looks much different than the common one he has now. He has a $100 limit and I would like an Adult so it will eat the same size roaches or close as the one we have now. So I have two questions...

1. With the glass seperating the two should I get a female or male or does it really matter (they should never be together on one side but they will be able to see each other)?

2. We have the Repticon showing coming the first weekend in January that we have never been to but would it be better and cheaper to try to find one there than through mail order?

Thanks for the help.

 

[cassicat4]

I have both a snow and a tangerine Leo, and both of them were under $100. There are quite a few morphs out there that are under that price tag, so you certainly aren't limited.

I agree with waiting for the show. I've purchased geckos both at shows and from a breeder's website and picking one up from a show was much more exciting. It will also give you and your son a chance to interact with it and bond with it prior to making a decision. As well, shows have a huge variety with a lot of vendors selling Leos, so you'll really get to compare and see what ones you like best.

Sex-wise, I don't think it will matter. Like it was mentioned, you could always cover up the partition with aquarium background or the like to prevent them from seeing each other if you're concerned. I know if my Leos see each other, they're extremely curious and want to get to the other, so I imagine yours will be much the same.

I have to admit, I was amused by the whole "we bought it used off of Craigslist". I don't think I've ever heard someone call a previously-owned gecko "used" before.

 

[SC Geckos]

I have never heard of a "used" gecko....but I would avoid any craigslist animals.

As far as your questions, Do you know what sex your current gecko is? If its a male and you purchase a male, they could show aggression toward each other through the divider but that can be easily fixed as stated in the comment above.

Prices tend to be less expensive at a show versus online in addition to saving the money for shipping.

Last I would make sure that before you put the new gecko in the enclosure you have set up that you quarantine the new gecko for at least 90 days. to try and ensure that it has no health issues that could be passed to your current gecko. Have a temporary setup for him in another room of your house for the quarantine period. I quarantine any new geckos/reptiles in a different part of my house for at least 90 days before moving it to my reptile room.

 

[ReeseDietrich2]

I would buy from an expo, because (From what I have experienced.) you can quite often get the price of a gecko (At an expo) 5-10 dollars cheaper than what they originally said. (My friend is an expert bargainer lol) I got a beautiful Mack Snow Blizzard for 50 when original was 60

 

[ncbeast]

I have to admit, I was amused by the whole "we bought it used off of Craigslist". I don't think I've ever heard someone call a previously-owned gecko "used" before.

Yeah, that was pretty funny when I go back and reread it. Just like we have always done with dogs, would rather get them from a pound or someone needing to get rid of one instead of them being destroyed. Plus wanted one that was older and already established. Looked and no more Gecko's right now in my area which is great! The one we got was just from a pet store and they kept it for about 4 years and the kid lost interest and mom was tired of taking care of it. Has been another three years and has worked out great.

 

[razorgecko1982]

if you put a plexiglass divider in, they can not get to each other. does not matter the sex of the animal.

 

[Ozy]

I would cover the divider with a background or something. If they can see each other, it might cause undue stress.

 

[Reptileboy98]

i suggest a sunglow tremper line ( tangerine Tremper albino ) really orange

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Wherever you decide to get your second gecko, when you first bring it home I would recommend keeping it in a tank in a separate room than your existing gecko to quarantine it for 30-90 days. Often illnesses and parasites in reptiles take a while to notice and to make sure its healthy and doesn't carry anything that may hurt your "used" gecko you'll want to do this.

I think heading to Repticon would be a memorable and educational experience for everyone!! I'll be jealous if you decide to go! haha

Best of luck!

 

[r1master]

The expo is a great place to buy a new gecko. Just make sure to speak to all the breeders. I always buy from the most knowledgeable breeders. Also if you can find a blood gecko they have awesome colors!

 

[Ozy]

+1 to the doc. When you bring your new leopard gecko home, put it in a completely separate enclosure for at LEAST 60 days. My grandma always says "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" So definitely quarantine your new leo from your "used" one. LOL!