Recommended Geckos for a 5 year old??

[quinn]

Can someone please recommend a gecko that is friendly and colorful for a 5 year old? Thanks

 

[acpart]

As I'm sure you know, a 5 year old will need lots of supervision and help with a gecko. Leopard geckos are probably the most hardy, easy to handle and care for geckos. I have sold several geckos to 5-8 year olds (and their parents). Take a look at my caresheet on my website (click on the "caresheet" button at the top) which includes activities for kids to do with geckos and gecko "observation" questions: http://geckcessories.wordpress.com

Aliza

 

[OhioGecko]

I have worked with my 23 month old daughter and she can handle Leopard Geckos and African Fat Tails easily with supervision. I would suggest that you become familiar with whatever gecko you choose so you are able to demonstrate proper handling practices to your 5 year old.

 

[acpart]

I meant to add also that you should get an older juvenile or a gentle adult, not a baby, since the babies are jumpy and will be difficult for a 5 year old to handle successfully (in my opinion).

Aliza

 

[Autra]

I've got a three and a half year old who just LOVES my leos. I bought both of them full grown(ish), and while my female is a bit hyper(and doesn't get handled as much by the wee one), my male is completely laid back and perfect for her. She knows that just sitting still and letting him crawl all over her shirt is the way to go, so if mine can figure it out at 3, I'm sure your 5 year old will be better.

Obviously, you have to keep both little creatures under close supervision, but you should be great with a leo.

We also have a baby bearded dragon, but Callie isn't allowed to handle it yes, since it's so small and jumpy. That said, from what I've heard, full grown beardies are some of the best on the market for being handled, so you might want to check into that as well.

Feel free to PM me with any questions about kids and leos/beardies. I'm sure that I can at least come up with some good advice.

Good Luck!

 

[Drunkenmonkey]

I know a lot of people have mentioned Leopard Geckos, and one person had slightly mentioned African Fat Tailed Geckos, and while they are both amazing reptiles and usually easily handled, in my experience AFT's seem far more laid back, and easy going.

 

[Mel&Keith]

You're going to get more color choices with a Leopard Gecko but African Fat Tails are usually more laid back and handleable so based on personality I'd go with an AFT. Whichever you decide on be sure to get an adult or sub-adult. Also, make sure you ask the breeder which gecko they recommend for you. When people are looking for a pet I always to help match them with the right personality for them. They really do all have different attitudes! lol

 

[OhioGecko]

You're going to get more color choices with a Leopard Gecko but African Fat Tails are usually more laid back and handleable so based on personality I'd go with an AFT. Whichever you decide on be sure to get an adult or sub-adult. Also, make sure you ask the breeder which gecko they recommend for you. When people are looking for a pet I always to help match them with the right personality for them. They really do all have different attitudes! lol

I agree with Melody about finding the right personality for them. If you can go to a reptile show and hold a Leopard and AFT it will help you make a decision. A couple of personality traits that I have noticed between AFT's and Leopard Geckos are:

1. AFT's are easier to handle and can be handled even as babies.
2. AFT's are not as sociable as Leopard geckos, they hide more and are not as curious as Leopards. Leopards in general are more sociable.

 

[Combz]

Really leopards get much more color but in my honest opinion African fat tails are a lot more easier to handle. I just got my first fat tail not even a week ago from Ohio geckos and man she is so calm. Don't get me wrong leos can be calm buy you almost have to break them in to get used to being handled. I keep 2 leos and my fat tail together in the same tank so they both are pretty close to being the same care wise with minor differences. It helps a lot to handle a gecko of different species and see how you like it. Just have fun and try not to let the little guys suck you in... this is an addicting hobby lol

 

[silent183]

My 3 year old can't get enough of the leos hehe. She always wants to hold my hypo female, she's the most relaxed of the bunch.

 

[UnicornSpirit]

Just remember, make sure your child always washes his/her hands very well after handling reptiles! Children and elderly people are more susceptible to salmonella.

 

[GrimmyX15]

I thought African fat tails are more prone to stress being handled too much? I read it on my new book of leopard gecko...