Thinking about getting a gecko, which kind, and why?

[DooLittle]

So we have been thinking about getting a gecko. We have been doing some research. Fat tails, Leo's, and crested, have all come up. Just not sure which one we want. Looking for people who have experience with any of thems opinions. We have experience with assorted herps, snakes,turtles, uromastyx,frogs, so care is not an issue. Which in your opinion is the friendlier more easily handled breed? Thanks!

[Jay_Bunny]

I've never kept fat-tails but I have kept leos and cresteds before.

Leos, it depends on their personality. I had a girl that was a joy to have. You could hold her and everything and she never once tried to bite. The one I have now...well lets just say I have words with her sometimes. She's not very nice. Care is really easy.

Cresteds I've had limited experience with. I've only dealt with babies and because of where I got them, they didn't last long. But they were friendly and easily handleable. And care is super easy.

It really depends on preference.

[Clementine_3]

I vote Leo's.
Care is super easy and they really are funny little things. Of the five I have all are friendly, never bite (unless they think I am a worm!) and only one doesn't like to be handled. She just panics and gets all stupid, but the rest don't care. Three of them actually seem to like being out/held, and the other doesn't hate it but doesn't love it either.
I only have had Leo's though so can't comment on anything else and am obviously partial to them.

[ShockBunny]

I have a leo and my sister has 2. They are an absolute delight! One of my sister's actually stands on his hind legs up against the glass until you come over and let him crawl up on your hand. He seems to genuinely enjoy being held. Mine will hang out on my shoulder or boobs while I putter around online. The only time he ever bites is when I try to hand feed him and he misses. He has a food bowl now instead. XD

I don't have experience with any other geckos to compare it to, but I can say that leos are fun. I'm thinking about a crested or gargoyle next.

[benwallage9]

I've heard fat tails won't eat mealworms as readily where as most leos will. I don't own either but might be something to think about.

[heathers*bps]

I vote leos as well. IMHO they are probably the best first gecko. I've had tokays, too. And while they are pretty simple to care for, as long as humidity levels are reached, they aren't able to be handled as majority of them are fiesty little turds.

[Crazy4Herps]

I know this wasn't on your list, but you should consider gargoyle geckos. I may be biased because they are the only geckos I keep, but I LOVE them! They're a very close relative of the crested geckos (husbandry is basically the same, temps in mid-70's, they eat CGD, insects, and I occasionally feed mine some fruit as a treat), though they get to be slightly larger and shouldn't be housed in groups. They're very neat, not quite as commonly seen as some other geckos, but simple enough in terms of husbandry. They have good temperaments so long as you handle them regularly. The only time I've seen mine become aggressive is if one of the females has eggs. I have four. I've had them for years and I have not had any problems or concerns with any of them. I've heard the species can be finicky when it comes to eating live food, but all of mine are avid cricket eaters.

[geckobabies]

Pick what you like the best They are all easy to care for, and they all have their own specific issues that need to be met. I would not classify any of the three you mentioned as difficult.

Leopard geckos have more variety and color patterns to choose from at a lower price. Crested geckos do not need to be fed live prey which is a big plus for a lot of people. Fat Tails are a lot of fun and many new morphs are being created each season.

All three are easy to handle. As they grow in size it will be easier, with all three care will need to be taken when they are young as they are often "jumpy" and "flighty" until they get used to being handled. If I had to pick I would pick Leopard Geckos.

I don't think you will go wrong with any of the three GL!

[perfectpythons]

My vote goes to the crested gecko because it has the easiest care requirements. No heating needed (unless you live somewhere cold). I only use live food twice a week (other times I use rephasy super foods). Breed so easily and I just leave the eggs outside w/o incubation (I live in southern California).
P.S. I breed all three and cresties are my favorite. You can handle them easily.
Good luck

[Kodieh]

Leo's are the best because they need high heat, a humid box, and a hide. No humidity concerns throughout the tank and the only way they get too hot is if the temps are over 100 degrees. With fat tails you need good humidity, the same for cresteds. Though cresteds can't get too hot.