A Little Advice

Hey all! I wasn't really sure where to post this, so I hope this is okay.

I've kind of had my heart set on getting a ball python for a while and my mom finaly said yes, (She's terrified of snakes) but is REALLY hesitant about it. I thought I'd do her a little favor, and get a lizard instead. I've done some research on different lizards and am torn between a cretsed gecko and Leopard gecko. I want a beginner lizard because I really don't want to dive into this right away, but I've gotten a lot of mixed opinons on it. I was wondering exactely which lizard would be a good one for me to get.

From my research it almost sounds like (set-up wise) the crestie would be a better choice, but they don't handle easily (though, that doesn't matter to me much). My cousin raises leos and says that they are the easiest to keep, but I want I little wider of perspectve on it, so anyone's imput would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

I would tend to agree with your cousin. I'd suggest leo's before cresties. Not that cresties aren't just as much fun or just a easy. Leos tend to require less supplementing in their diet and so forth and tend (from what I have heard about cresties) to be a hardier lizard and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.

I would say Cresties all the way. They are very handleable easier than leos I would say.

Cresties don't require any heat, unless your house gets really cold in the winter.

With the new food Trex crested gecko diet, there's no need for supplementing, and you aren't required to feed insects.

They are an awesome first lizard, leopard geckos are too though. It just depends on what you want. Their care is equally easy I would say.

Well, I guess if they are both equally easy to care for I, personnally, would want a crestie. But I have some questions before I do.

1.) In the summer, my house can get up to 90 degrees farenheit, and I was wondering how to cool the cage if I have to.

2.) How big of a tank should I have for a hatchling? I have a 10 gallon tank that can be turned veriticle for an adult, but I don't really have anything for a small crestie.

3.) And, just out of curiousity, how big do the cresties get??

Thank you for your input!

Thats the only problem with Cresties, is they can't tolerate heat over 82-85 for long periods of time.

I have a/c so it really isn't an issue, you can use ice cubes or cold packs and a fan. Misting their cage with cool water and using a fan. Also if you have a basement thats a plus.

You could also get a window a/c unit for pretty cheap which is what I did.

A hatchling can be housed in a ten gallon tank, as long is it can find its food. Other wise you can use the cheap plastic critter keepers until they are bigger.

With out a tail average size is about 4 to 5 inches snout to vent. Add a few for a tail.

Oh man...the more I read about Cresties the more I want one instead of my Leo.:) But then, I can't touch my leo at all...

MOST leopard geckos are really sweet and handleable and will not try to jump away from you with no warning like another little gecko in question. Leos do need a bit of heat, and like their cages at around 85 warm side. They live quite nicely in a 10gal with paper towel or newsprint substrate, two hides, a water dish and calcium dish. They come in many cool colors and are larger but not unmanageable in size.

Basically, it's all about what kind of care you can provide. If you don't really want the work of a semi-tropical vertical enclosure then go with the leo. If you don't want the hassle of feeding live insects and providing belly heat go with the crestie.

I have a crestie boy and hes awesome.. they dont require much and mine doesnt mind being handled, ive read they can jump pretty far. he doesnt require any additional lighting, to be honest though my bearded dragons are way more personable and interesting. they actually like being held and looked at. they do require quite a bit more space though...


my crestie is my avatar :) good luck with your choice