Which ones to look for?

[RagginOut]

Our local reptile show is coming up in 2.5 weeks and my oldest is absolutely stoked about it. We've had the 55g and 75g set up for about a week now and she's ready to get her lizards for it

She's wanting 'all different colors' in regards to stocking the tank, and I want to do it as cheaply as possible since we're looking to get 5-6 or 7-8 depending on which tank we decide to dedicate to the leo's.

What makes a leopard gecko 'worth a lot' and what makes them worth less? I feel that if I have a better idea of what to look for, then I can get some better prices and not feel bad if Im paying 40$ for something that would normally retail for 80$. I'd like to stick between the 25-35$ range and I know a few vendors will have some geckos in that range already.. I just don't know what they are going to have just yet.

Thanks for any tips. I've been window shopping online for the last few weeks and I just haven't been able to put it together on why some geckos are insanely high in price and others are 30$, when TO ME they look darn near the same.

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

It's because of supply and demand, there are hundreds of normals and patties but only a very small handful of Black Pearls or Diablo Blancos. The less there are, the more they'll likely cost.

 

[adam&nikki]

It's because of supply and demand, there are hundreds of normals and patties but only a very small handful of Black Pearls or Diablo Blancos. The less there are, the more they'll likely cost.

very well put if black pearls were priced at 100 bucks then every one would get one most reptile expos will have cheap but nice looking geckos the last one i went to i got a tangerine tornadoe for 50 dollars you just have to look around a bit and dnt jump on the first one you see

 

[RagginOut]

i guess i was meaning how i see some orange/white ones sale for 50$ then on another site they sale for 400$+, Clearly something is different between them, but by my eye they look the same.

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

It's the genetics behind the morph that will determine a large part of the value. Many strains are highly desired, and therefore they will cost a lot. Also, the breeder could play a large part in the price.

 

[STUTFL]

Wowza, 7 leos?

 

[RagginOut]

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=58832 thats the 55g im planning to house the leos in.

and below is the 75g we'll put a bearded in if we find an adult we like.

 

[STUTFL]

Pretty. Just make sure you get big enough leos you can confirm they're all female! :laugh: And keep some spare room on hand.

 

[LIZARDLOVER]

I would be careful. Just because they're female doesn't mean that they won't fight at all, they may still become territorial and quarrel.

 

[STUTFL]

Like I said, make sure you've got 4 to 7 spare tanks! :laugh:

 

[STUTFL]

Personally I'd go for the lower number of leos rather than the higher, even if you do find 'em cheap. It can quickly turn into a mess if/when the fighting starts, especially if you have so many you can't tell right off who's the bully.

 

[RagginOut]

We have several empty 29gallon tanks than can be pulled out if need be. so having extra room on hand won't be an issue

 

[sunshinegeckofarm]

with the tanks you have ready i would go for adults or very close to being adult and i would stick to all females if you dont plan on breeding. Also i would try to add a very enclosed hide or two to the tank but otherwise they look good and very interesting. i hope you find what you want at the show.

 

[RagginOut]

with the tanks you have ready i would go for adults or very close to being adult and i would stick to all females if you dont plan on breeding. Also i would try to add a very enclosed hide or two to the tank but otherwise they look good and very interesting. i hope you find what you want at the show.

there are halved clay pots under the rocks for the enclosed hides,,, though i still need a hot and moist one.

i definitely plan to only shop for females no interest in breeding at all. just display


ty.

 

[acpart]

Some geckos are more expensive because they come from big-name breeders. This is not necessarily just a case of hype. Big name breeders can oftten provide assurances of genetics and gecko quality which many people have experienced. I would say, when you go to the expo, to stay away from vendors who have a bunch of different species and just a few leopard geckos. I feel it's likely that they have gotten these geckos in trade and are just moving them along.

Aliza