Where to purchase a gecko?

[dolfun55]

I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions on where to buy a new baby leopard gecko.
I got my last one at +++++ and she was fine but I have heard horror stories of people buying them from places like +++++ or ++++++++.

Thoughts?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Main thing is to make sure the baby you're getting is healthy. I would hunt around the internet and make sure you know what a healthy baby looks like before heading out to buy one. I would also check for breeders and/or reptile shows in your area and check out their feedback here and on faunaclassifieds.com Board of Inquiry. A breeder will help you learn how to best care for your gecko and can help you out with any questions you have along the way. If none are available then I would check your local pet stores. Some treat their animals way better than others so you'll just have to see for yourself if the ones near you are selling animals you can trust to be healthy

 

[dolfun55]

Thanks doc!!
Are there any morphs that are better than others as far as their disposition or it like anything else....aggressive/pleasant in any morph like dogs/cats etc?

 

[Akari_32]

I prefer to buy from a good breeder, and this is easiest at shows for me, so I compare their stock in person. I look at how they handle their animals, how many have dropped tails (one guy at the last show i went to had like three from his stock with dropped tails already! I walked away and never went back. I personally don't want to deal with a baby that is terrified of handling), how active they are, healthy colors, good weight, etc. Buying from chain stores is hit and miss. Some take great care of their geckos, and some just throw food at them once in a while.

I would also steer away from any enigma morphs as your first gecko. They have some breeding related issues that result in them needing very high amounts of attention. Some become completely reiliant on their owners, and some get so bad they need to be put down.

 

[dolfun55]

This will be my second gecko. Unfort I live in an area where there are no events and no breeders per say. Pet stores or online are really my only options.

I am not really looking for an enigma. I dont that kind of money quite honestly.

 

[Akari_32]

I got my Dreamsicle pretty cheap, actually. It was the second day on the show, though, so they always come down in price. Who wants to transport all those animals back to their shops again, anyways??

Do you have any local reptile shops around? If you did, I bet they could hook you up. I don't see any problem with buying from a chain store as long as they care for their animals properly (ALL their animals). If that's what you need to do, do it!