Best display herp / reptile?

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So instead of reviving an old thread, I wanted to start a fresh new one for all the people who weren't on this forum in 2009 :P

I think the creator of the original thread had some good points to take into consideration when voting. One important factor to keep in mind is CO$T.

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

I mean for this to be both personal and practical, so I am going to allow multiple votes. Ie- you think some really cool retic morph would be a cool display, but realize it isnt for everyone, vote for that plus something else you think is really cool but probably a reality for more ppl.

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

Something that hides a lot or requires insanely hard husbandry skills is probably not the best thing for a conversation starter. Be creative yet practical.

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I changed the options from the original thread a bit. I hope I got everything :P

I always love both dart frogs, gtp, and emerald tree boas.

How much room do you have to work with?
There is a huge difference between what a frog needs and what a large monitor needs, let alone all expenses involved, and skill of the keeper.

in an unrestricted setting - large monitor

In my situation, other = my Russian Ratsnake
I plan on making her large adult cage a nice natural display cage.

I think the Green Tree Pythons make fantastic display animals. They really are not too difficult to care for, they are always visible, they are not generally too expensive to purchase or maintain, and you can make a wonderful rainforest setup for them. Most of all, they come in a wide variety of spectacular colors.

Crested Geckos would be a good choice for someone who is not as fond of snakes. They are very cute, come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, and they are very hardy and easy to maintain. They also are not as expensive as many other species and don't take up much space so 1 or 2 could be good for a smaller display.

I also think dart frogs make a spectacular display. One day I'd like to build a paludarium and create a large rainforest display that contains several pairs of dart frogs. Even though these are tiny critters, they do need a larger space if you're going to keep more than just a single pair of one species. But they are tiny jewels and displays can be really detailed as these guys won't crush or mangle live plants and natural materials.

Cool thread!! :gj:

Emerald tree boas

I think that disposition is also something to consider; large lizards (beardies and frillies as well as monitors and tegus) tend to be fairly destructive and are not likely to keep intricate display cages looking pretty. Large lizard cages / food / lighting / UVB also gets incredibly expensive, and they are relatively high maintenance. So I would say that if you're just looking for a display animal and not necessarily a high-maintenance pet, keep with the smaller lizards. Similarly, while turtles make great pets, they are not very clean and it takes a lot of work to keep a turtle enclosure looking pretty.

With caimans I think that goes without saying. NOT a display animal. (Or for that matter a pet at all, in all but VERY few situations.)

For display purposes, I really like all types of frogs. I think semi-aquatic cages make for the best displays, and I personally think it's more interesting to have to look at the cage for a few minutes to find them.

I would also add to the list:
Gargoyle geckos (my personal favorites and the only lizards I currently keep)
Madagascar day geckos
Chinese water dragons (also high-maintenance / costly, but they are gorgeous)
Basilisks
Uromastyx

Its not for me :P. It's just to get a good discussion going. I know everyone has their own opinions of whats cool and theyll all have cool things to say about their favorite herps!

I want a crocodile skink, but I want to put it in the hallway of my house which is a heavy traffic area... Not the best idea lol. So I'll just keep fantasizing :D

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Originally Posted by h00blah

Its not for me :P. It's just to get a good discussion going. I know everyone has their own opinions of whats cool and theyll all have cool things to say about their favorite herps!

I want a crocodile skink, but I want to put it in the hallway of my house which is a heavy traffic area... Not the best idea lol. So I'll just keep fantasizing :D

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Lol I know, I was just talking in second person to whoever may be browsing for ideas. :) It's a fun thread for sure.

Croc skinks are awesome! That's one I've always thought about too.

Hard to beat the visual impact of a Green Tree Python.

However, for the non-snake crowd, I would suggest Giant Day Geckos

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Emerald tree boas

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Is that what you decided on as far as your GTP/ATB/ETB debate?
I apologize for being slightly off topic everyone :)

I chose a few from your list.

= Chameleons
= Green Tree Pythons
= Dart Frogs
= Small Monitor - Tree Monitors are stunning. They're the "GTP" of the monitor world. The Blue, Yellow, and Green tree monitors are all gorgeous.

(google img of a BTM)
http://www.yournaturephotos.com/onea...ee-monitor.jpg

Rough green snake! They're diurnal, active(especially during feeding), insectivorous(watching them stalk their prey is a blast) and won't destroy an elaborately planned setup(graceful little suckers).

I find anything that is bright green and active, or at least doesn't need to hide, to be gorgeous...snakes mostly.

The most impressive display I've ever seen in person was a big crocodile monitor(8ish feet) in a huge, elaborate set up.

Fly river turtle. Sooo cute.

Lygodactylus williamsi, the Electric Blue or William's Dwarf Gecko.

Put a pair in a gorgeous, planted vivarium, and the little things will be all over the place, all day long--always something to watch. Gorgeous colors, and hilarious personalities. In a high traffic area, within a couple of months, they get used to the activity, and won't even take notice of people watching them--except perhaps to watch them back.

They can be fed Repashy crested gecko diet, and appear to thrive on it.

Definitely tops for a display animal for a smaller space. I've always thought they would make great 'office desk top' pets, too, since they rarely chirp (and it's super-quiet when they do), and are always entertaining.

Apart from that--probably a green vine snake, or green tree python.

My favorite would have to be a blue tree monitor followed by a sweet dart frog setup. Chameleon setups are awesome too, but they're so common nowadays!

There are a few on the list that id have to disagree with as "display animals". When i think display animal i think something that when i walk or people walk into a room and look at a tank thats what they see first when they look at the tank. I had a pair of cresties and theyre nocturnal so they always hid during the day. I could still find them if i looked but they werent out in the open. Also dart frogs. My friend had an epic dart frog setup and it was awesome to look at, but the darts he had were camoflaged really well. Usually the only way i could spot all of them was during feeding time. I voted for GTP, ATB, big snake, beardie, and small monitor. Every GTP is always out basking. Im pretty sure the same goes for ATB, plus i just like them haha. Every Beardie ive seen is always hunting or basking during the day. And im not sure of small monitor species but ive seen a few wild setups. One was for a Timor Monitor I think. And for big snake id prolly say boa or carpet.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

There are a few on the list that id have to disagree with as "display animals". When i think display animal i think something that when i walk or people walk into a room and look at a tank thats what they see first when they look at the tank. I had a pair of cresties and theyre nocturnal so they always hid during the day. I could still find them if i looked but they werent out in the open. Also dart frogs. My friend had an epic dart frog setup and it was awesome to look at, but the darts he had were camoflaged really well. Usually the only way i could spot all of them was during feeding time. I voted for GTP, ATB, big snake, beardie, and small monitor. Every GTP is always out basking. Im pretty sure the same goes for ATB, plus i just like them haha. Every Beardie ive seen is always hunting or basking during the day. And im not sure of small monitor species but ive seen a few wild setups. One was for a Timor Monitor I think. And for big snake id prolly say boa or carpet.

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I chose cresties because they're one of the easiest to keep, cheap, and they won't destroy a nicely decorated enclosure. Finding them is half the fun. My sister has fish and 1 invisible shrimp lol, and everyone loves looking for it!

Dart frogs can have awesome realistic enclosures - that won't get destroyed.. They sharp coloration on them makes them gorgeous, and you can house multiple!

A well-taken care of monitor will most likely have a huge home :P. That will be impressive no matter what monitor is in there :gj:.

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Originally Posted by h00blah

I chose cresties because they're one of the easiest to keep, cheap, and they won't destroy a nicely decorated enclosure. Finding them is half the fun. My sister has fish and 1 invisible shrimp lol, and everyone loves looking for it!

Dart frogs can have awesome realistic enclosures - that won't get destroyed.. They sharp coloration on them makes them gorgeous, and you can house multiple!

A well-taken care of monitor will most likely have a huge home :P. That will be impressive no matter what monitor is in there :gj:.

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Ohhh, ok i see your point now. So by display animal you mean an animal that is an actual good display animal (like i was thinking), or an animal that does well in a display setup. As in, they wont destroy it lol. That makes sense. In that sense then yea cresties are very good. Also so are dart frogs. The setup my friend had for his was really nice!

Chondros!

Chameleons or GTPs hands down

Hahaha dang! I wish I could change the poll! I should have said ASIDE from GTPs!

GTP - for display only, but they are just so beautiful.

I also voted Crested Gecko for display because ours will jump out of her leaves in a second to come say, "HELLO!" on the front glass and watch football. I'm not sure they are necessarily everyday pets for everyone - ours has mating frustration, so we're frustrated with her half the year, and they can be too flighty for some, but they are great pets for those wiling to work with them too. So, cresties as not a strictly display animal, but has my secondary vote.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

...So by display animal you mean an animal that is an actual good display animal (like i was thinking), or an animal that does well in a display setup. As in, they wont destroy it lol...

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Sorry, after reading this I might have to withdraw my nomination of crested gecko since ours destroys her "display" on purpose - knocks everything down from flopping and has a blast shredding and digging in the piles of paper toweling we give her... LOL Giving a single crestie an exoterra big enough for 2-3 might give her a little too much latitude. :P

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Originally Posted by sleepygeckos

GTP - for display only, but they are just so beautiful.

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:hijackd: Sorry! But I have to ask, why do you say gtp for display only? Do you mean because they are not good to handle? Just wondered because it's a common misconception with these guys. Some can be a bit aggressive and/or flighty, but many are quite docile - enough so that "display only" is not generally associated with them anymore. I'd post a pic of my own gtp, Hunter, with his breeder's 8 year old son, but photobucket is being stupid tonight.... :rolleyes:

Anyhow, didn't mean to change the subject, I just wondered. And I thought it would be educational and a good side note for someone interested in gtps who might be looking at this thread. :gj:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

:hijackd: Sorry! But I have to ask, why do you say gtp for display only? Do you mean because they are not good to handle?

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I always figured it was because, reportedly, your warm breath can sometimes trigger them to suddenly bite you in the face.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

I always figured it was because, reportedly, your warm breath can sometimes trigger them to suddenly bite you in the face.

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Oh is that it??? I thought maybe it was because they grew so big they'd strangle you with their tails.... :D:D:D

In all seriousness, GTPs do have somewhat of a reputation as being "no touch". That's why I tend to point out that that is often not the case. Here's Hunter....

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...iList/wes1.jpg

I have a Ornate Uromastyx green phase that i think is a great display animal! If i were to choose i would say Chameleons if there weren't so hard to keep up. GTP hands down for a snake.