Purchasing a baby

[skitch92]

Do you think it is an ok idea to purchase a baby from a pet store, or do you think it is worth getting one online. If it is wiser to get one online, could you list some sites that have some young babies available?

 

[Mel&Keith]

It's always better to buy an established juvenile from a breeder. Tiny babies may not have had time to start feeding regularly before they are shocked into a new environment. There are some of the worlds best breeders right here on this site.

 

[GeckoRing]

Another option is looking for a breeder in your area, that would avoid shipping.

 

[skitch92]

thanks guys, i figured that would be the answer. Do either of you happen to know anybody whose got a site with some young ones available?

ALSO: What is the best age for a gecko to buy?

 

[Mel&Keith]

A lot of us are just now getting our season started so everyone still has the last of their 07 hatchings on the available pages. We prefer to list geckos for sale once they reach 18-20g so they can be visually sexed. You can place an ad for what you're looking for in the Wanted section of the Classifieds here. Soliciting is prohibited on the main boards so you may have better luck there.

 

[fallen_angel]

a few other things..

Geckos in pet stores can potentially be poorly taken care of, so if anything, look at the conditions of the leos you find in any store before purchasing. A healthy leo should have a nice, (comparatively) thick tail, and should be alert (if it's not sleeping).. The living conditions should be clean too.. Make sure the gecko is at least 4 inches long, because as Mel said, geckos that are too young (and often sold in pet stores) may not have had enough time to feed regularly before put into a new environment. Of course, there is the option of buying an unhealthy gecko in the hopes of saving it and giving it a better home, but that is best for the more experienced reptile owner..

 

[Ccrashca069]

I reccomend getting a leopard from someone on this site. That you know it is well cared for, healthy and you will know the genetics in case you want to do a little breeding. Also Customer service will be excellent.

 

[fallen_angel]

I agree whole-heartedly, just wanted to add that tidbit for anyone who may be reading and is considering buying from a pet store...

Skitch, I PMed you with some info

 

[bubblez825]

I bought 4 baby leos from petsmart and petco, snd they have all died. I seriously dont recommend getting one from a petstore. Like Jess said, they can be badly taken care of, or not fed as much as they need to grow. If you are looking for babies, you might consider talking to Kevin. He has some hatchlings(nice fat ones too) and is incubating more eggs. His user name is traffic if you want to PM him and ask some questions. I recently got a sub-adult from him and she is fat and sassy. Doing very well for 9 months old too. Hope this helps!!!!1

 

[zzz888]

If you buy from a pet store, make sure the gecko is healthy.
I would say the best way to get a gecko is from private breeder in your area, so to avoid shipping.
I got my first gecko on mail and the waiting was so bad!

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

Trust me, I work at a pet store, the babies that come in are waaay too young to even be for sale. I have to spend months bringing them up to a good health before I can even think of putting them on display.

The care that goes into these little guys costs a lot of money, and in the end, it is so much more worth it to buy a healthy, happy, and guaranteed leopard gecko from a breeder.

Leos from most pet stores have a myriad of health problems, whilst leos from a breeder are normally (and when I say normally I mean almost //always//) in a great condition. Sure you can invest a few bucks in a pet store leo, but soon you'll be paying more than you would pay for a gecko from a breeder. I'm not joking, I've seen it happen to one of my coworkers. He spent about $200 on a pet store leo that died, and then later bought a leo at a show for $65 who is incredibly healthy.

I'm glad you've decided to buy a leo from a breeder, trust me, that is one of the best decisions you can make.