Should I get an Adult or Baby?

[Leilani]

Hello!

I'm wanting to get a leopard gecko, but I'm not sure if I should get an adult or a baby. I've owned leos in the past but haven't really ever raised a baby to an adult before! Part of the reason for this is that I am a little scared that something would go wrong and the gecko would end up growth-stunted. How hard is raising a baby leopard gecko? How common are problems like them not eating? I'm leaning towards getting a baby, because it sounds really fun to watch them grow and watch their adult colors come in, but I am scared that something would go wrong.

Also, do their personalities change from babyhood to adulthood? I know babies can be feisty, but does their feistiness cover up their real personality?

*Oh, and I'm not talking like hatchling baby, I'd only get one as small as 15-20 grams (I think that's about the smallest breeders will sell them anyway, right?)

Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or stories of raising babies!

 

[Leilani]

Oh also I think this might not be in the appropriate section in the forum... I'm new lol.

 

[acpart]

I'll move this to "general discussion". Leopard geckos are pretty hardy. If you're getting one that's at least 15 grams I don't think it matters whether it's an adult or a baby as long as it looks healthy.

Aliza

 

[Keagan]

I have 3 geckos, 2 leopards, 1 crested. The leo's I've raised from hatchlings. My male is doing just fine and is as healthy as a horse. My female however has severe MBD. It's all about what you want honestly. Personally I would buy a baby just for the experience. Theres nothing better then developing a relationship with your gecko and as it grows up with you eventually forming a trust bond with you. If you go this route then you'll gecko will be more comfortable with you and will let you hold if more frequently then what an adult would. As far as "anything going wrong" with stunted growth, its not really your fault as long as you're feeding it regularly, just remember some geckos simply dont grow as fast or as much as others. Only thing that you'd really have to worry about is making sure it doesnt drop its tail, which isnt the end of the world but can make it "less desirable". MBD is something that I have to watch out for, one gecko already has it, just got to make sure the others dont. It's not contagious, but I still keep an eye out for early symptoms. It can be prevented by dusting your feeders with calcium powder(D3). I also use liquid calcium to put in the geckos water.

Personalities can change. My male leo was very nice as a hatchling, then once he became a sub-adult he got more aggressive. I can only sometimes handle him, most of the time he will nip at my hand or go into the "S" shape and hiss at me. Half the time I cant even walk past his tank without him barking at me. Hope this helps! Have fun!

 

[cowana]

Going either way is fine, especially if you are getting a slightly larger juvenille at 15g or more. Babies are fun, and watching them grow and develop is pretty cool. Adults aren't as typically "skittish" as babies and usually more receptive to handling at first. So whichever away is more appealling to you is the way you should go.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) can be a concern for a growing Leo or any Leo actually, but is preventable. I suggest using Repashy Calcium Plus it is a complete supplement in one and is meant for daily use. Also, leave a dish of plain calcium (no d3) in the tank so the gecko can take some as it feels like it and you are good.

 

[Leilani]

Oh man I forgot about MBD, that's some scary stuff. I'll be sure to come up with a solid weekly supplementation plan like what I do with my beardies for the leo!

Thanks for all the advice! It's good to know that if I DO have any issues I'll have a great place to get help! I think a baby would be a fun endeavor. Luckily I'm not planning on getting the gecko until August so I still have 6 months to make my decision and write some nice pros and cons lists!!

Personalities can change. My male leo was very nice as a hatchling, then once he became a sub-adult he got more aggressive. I can only sometimes handle him, most of the time he will nip at my hand or go into the "S" shape and hiss at me. Half the time I cant even walk past his tank without him barking at me. Hope this helps! Have fun!

Wow that sounds nuts! I was super lucky with my old geckos, they were so chill!

 

[Tongue Flicker]

I had my first LG as an adult. Quite a troublesome young male. Learned everything i needed to know about basic care and stuff from him. May he rest in peace

 

[seaneboy543]

Hey I've done both I got two from baby's and it's been sick a delight watching them grow and colours come in and bonding with them from so young now when I see hem they come to cage and get a little stroke, didnt have any problems when them except one matuesd into a boy lol. My adult well 8 mnths when got here she very shy and I didn't get that chance to bond as much she love her to bits

Bo and kenzy when first got them

Bo who is now carrying eggs

and kenzy who grew a pair lol

and tifa cos I think she beautiful