Leopard vs fattail gecko for new gecko owner?

[Lou]

Hello

I have been looking at Leopard and Fat tail geckos. Like them both. Wanted to set up a 30 gallon long tank for one type.
Not sure which best for newbie. From what I read Leopards might sometimes fight even if kept in pairs since young while Fattails are "easier" going?

Leopards like it drier and fattails like it warmer/more humidity .

Anyone suggest one type over the other . I would like to keep a pair of which ever type I decide to keep .

Thank you

Lou

 

[PrototypeGeckos]

You shouldn't have a problem with Leopards fighting as long as you have a male and female or two females, it is when you have two males is when you have problems. As far as care, I would say they are both pretty equal as far of difficulty of keeping, neither are hard at all to care for. It is a toss up, pretty much depends on your tastes. Just remember to get a male and female or two females.

 

[LeopardGeckoMom52688]

I would reccomend a aft just because out of all my geckos my aft is the nicest and the calmer of them all!

 

[BamsMom]

I went through the same debate. When I went to the petstore to look and hold some, the AFT bit me but all the leos were nice and calm. I would say go somewhere and handle them...see what you like better.

 

[LadyGecko]

I would also say that they are equal in care and to get which one appeals to you more but if you do get a m/f -you will need to keep them separate for a few reasons-the obvious being not to have them breeding to young/small

The second reason is that IMO-babies just grow faster and do better when housed individually-no competition for food or stress from a dominant individual

Some AFT females have territory issues with other females too

Let us know which you chose and post pics !!

 

[LeopardGeckoMom52688]

I just got a second female for my female. And they are doing just fine. My aft female I have had for over a year gets along with my leo females as well. She is just a doll. She will sit on my laptop for hours. I actually left her our one night by acident about a year ago. And she didn't run away my dad actually almost sat on her the next day. She hadn't moved off the couch. And she didn't poop while out. She has never gotten stressed

 

[Gecko]

Most AFTs are super laid back. Every once and a while i find one that is super mean. You'll know immeadately though cause it will hiss and go crazy if you touch it.

 

[dprince]

I have both, and while I love both, the AFT's are calmer in my experience. :main_thumbsup:

 

[GECKOFREAK]

My AFTs are definately calmer than my leos:main_yes:

 

[rhino43grr]

not sure if price is an issue, but don't AFTs tend to be a bit pricier than leos?

 

[Stitch]

Since this is your first gecko I would suggest getting just one for now. You won't have the experience needed to house multiple geckos. I have both types of geckos and I agree that the AFT's are more laid back and do cost a little more. But in the end it's up to you to decide which you like better. There is not enough difference in care or personality for me to suggest one over the other.

 

[Lou]

Since this is your first gecko I would suggest getting just one for now. You won't have the experience needed to house multiple geckos. I have both types of geckos and I agree that the AFT's are more laid back and do cost a little more. But in the end it's up to you to decide which you like better. There is not enough difference in care or personality for me to suggest one over the other.

I thought of 2 so one wouldnt be by itself but you have a good point . Leaning towards the fattails as in Miami its more fattail weather than leopard.

Thanks

 

[Lou]

not sure if price is an issue, but don't AFTs tend to be a bit pricier than leos?

A normal Fattail from what I gather is more than normal leo but price isnt an issue .
I think a fattail might be more suited for Miami thus leaning towards them.

Thanks

 

[Lou]

You shouldn't have a problem with Leopards fighting as long as you have a male and female or two females, it is when you have two males is when you have problems. As far as care, I would say they are both pretty equal as far of difficulty of keeping, neither are hard at all to care for. It is a toss up, pretty much depends on your tastes. Just remember to get a male and female or two females.

Think will go with just one be it fattail or leo as a few posts mentioned best since baby. I intend to get a small one not an adult .
All the posts say same thing same care for both .

Thanks

 

[Lou]

I would reccomend a aft just because out of all my geckos my aft is the nicest and the calmer of them all!

I am leaning towards fattail though some here prefer leopards but since both fairly similiar as 'ease" of care goes and in Miami its warm/humid think fattail might be best .
I must say the leopards come in amazing colors never saw such colors till found this forum.

Thanks

 

[Lou]

I went through the same debate. When I went to the petstore to look and hold some, the AFT bit me but all the leos were nice and calm. I would say go somewhere and handle them...see what you like better.

Thats a good idea but the ONLY petstore in my area within 2/3 hours away is a PETCO its clean and nice but I dont think they ever had a Leopard/Fattail and will buy from a breeder.
I take it you have well stocked place by you with nice selection. I used to live in NY and that is now just a memory here in Florida.

Thanks

 

[Lou]

My AFTs are definately calmer than my leos:main_yes:

Think going with Fattail over a Leo . However must say wow some unreal colors in the Leos in this forum but the fattails might do better in Florida weather.

Thanks

 

[Stitch]

I thought of 2 so one wouldnt be by itself but you have a good point.

Trust me they do not need company. Due to the fact that females can retain sperm from one mating for up to a year, kinda proves that they do not have to live together.

I have 8 adult geckos and they all live in seperate tanks.

 

[Gecko]

I would suggest making absloutely sure the Fat tail is eating/cb. Sometimes people get Fat tails that are actually well conditioned wc adults and have trouble getting them to eat.

I actually started with a pair of Fat tails as my first geckos so I am partial to them.

 

[Stitch]

Gecko makes a good point about getting captive bred babies.