Which is better for a beginner?

[blueberrypancakes]

I would like to get either a crested or a leopard. I really want a leopard gecko for looks, but the disposition is way more important.... I love my BP Jackson, but he had to put up with alot of my learning mistakes- so I want to be smarter about my pet choices this time!
So, ease of care and handleability are the deciding factors for me. What are your opinions on these two beasties?

[EverEvolvingExotics]

Crested Geckos are the easiest pet I've ever had, hands down. I think they look and feel better than leos, both species have the potential to be very docile pets. CGs don't need heat or insects, leos do. I'm not saying don't get a leo, I just prefer cresties and I have had many of both.

[purplemuffin]

The one thing that makes crested geckos more 'difficult' than a leopard gecko is maintaining humidity. Which is not a problem at all if you know what you're doing. Technically you still have to maintain humidity with leopard geckos too, but most people have a setup that already gets it just right for them since they need less. If you are using an aquarium for a crested gecko, just make sure to cover the majority of the top so the humidity stays up. Most homes don't even need any additional heat, and the crested gecko diet is fantastic!

I love both and think they are great, but I do feel cresties are easier and cheaper. It's not by much though, so get what you want. Either deal with adding heat or deal with adding humidity.

[Sarin]

I much prefer Cresties because of the reasons already stated. Plus they are MUCH easier to handle in my opinion. Cute little guys.

[blueberrypancakes]

This is why I love forums- I get to hear lots of opinions from people with experience. On several websites that I visited, they said that the leopard geckos were easier to tame, and that the crested were not as easy to care for. But the unanimous vote on here seems to be for crested. Thanks to all!

[EverEvolvingExotics]

This is why I love forums- I get to hear lots of opinions from people with experience. On several websites that I visited, they said that the leopard geckos were easier to tame, and that the crested were not as easy to care for. But the unanimous vote on here seems to be for crested. Thanks to all!

That's why I like forums too. You can take everyones advice and put it into decide for yourself. Just because somebody tells you their opinion doesn't mean it will be yours. It's nice to see what has worked for others in the past and adapt it to your comfort level. Good luck picking your new species. Which ever you choose, you will have plenty of options for color and pattern within a reasonable price point. Since both don't require large caging it makes it easy on the wallet or purse as well.

Post pictures when you pick your choice up!

[guambomb832]

I always wanted a leopard gecko, but the thought of having to buy another heat lamp to meet their husbandry requirements kinda diswayed me. For me, it was always a toss up between leopards and cresteds. I finally got a crested about a year ago and I was hooked, but the poor thing died from unknown reasons Then fast forward to now, I got 4 crested geckos and a leachianus on the way!


For an absolute beginner or a very interesting pet, crested gecko is a superb choice

[Clementine_3]

Well...have to do it...Leo's ftw!
I have never had a crestie and will probably some day get one but I do love my Leo's.
Sure, they need heat but dang it, they are just so cute and full of personality. I have 5 and they just crack me up with their little Leo faces.
Look how cute...really, look at that face!


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[Teclis]

I quite agree, leo's would be the way to go. Heat is easy to maintain compared to humidity, and besides that; the options in morph's are just as endless as ball pythons!

[mainbutter]

Both are super easy, and any human being on the planet who can read and has access to a petsmart can take care of 'em.

To comment on crested gecko stuff:

1) Crested gecko humidity is easily provided via a few inches of a moistened good substrate choice. I use ABG mix, it's available from josh's frogs, but I made my own from raw ingredients ordered from a few online retailers. I still like to spray my crested geckos daily if I can because, even though they will use water dishes, they like to drink by licking droplets off of leaves/walls/etc.

2) Cresties can have a range of temperaments. For some reason, all of the males except one in my collection are spazzes, and not really all that handleable. All the females are quite handleable.

3) I feed Crested Gecko Diet exclusively all year, though on rare occasions when I have a few leftover crickets, I'll give them to my females.

4) Crested geckos need height. Leos don't.