Some questions....

[Enve]

Hey all, this is my first venture into this part of the forums Me and the wife are toying with the idea of getting our 7 y/o son a crestie (under CLOSE supervision obviously) and was wondering how they are for a beginner and with children. Originally we were going to get him a Bearded but my wife isn't too keen on the whole cricket thing. She doesn't mind once in a while but when she saw they could eat 20-60 crickets a day as babies she kinda freaked. Plus we want something that doesn't need such a big enclosure. His room isn't too big and my snake room is probably too hot for a crestie. Also are their any reputable breeders here on the forums? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Kristy]

Personally I think a crestie would be perfect for a child that age. Mine are 3 and 4 years old and they handle the cresties often, under close supervision that is. They are excellent beginner geckos.

They have calm demeanors, easily handleable when adults.

As far as care goes I have to assume you'd be the primary care taker. Its very simple. They trive at room temps, but nothing over 80-82 degrees or they stress out. They can feed soley on Crested Gecko diet without crickets, but grow faster if they do eat them once or twice a week. Plus is fun to watch them hunt.

For a enclosure, for babies, something the size of a critter keeper works well. For an adult you are looking at about a 20 gallon tall tank.

They are nocturnal, so thats a big difference compared to a beardie who would be more active during the day.

There are a couple of breeders here on Bp.net.

[Enve]

Thank you for the reply! It looks like I'm going to go with a crestie Anyone care to name drop a breeder/breeders that I could look into?

[Kristy]

:whispers: Talk to Emily (mlededee)

[Enve]

gotcha thanks again!

[mlededee]

hatchlings are pretty jumpy, but if you start with a 3-4 month old gecko that has been handled regularly and you continue to handle it you should end up with a nice, calm adult. most kids do quite well handling them under adult supervision. i had my 14 month old niece holding one over thanksgiving and she did great.

they are pretty easy as far as reptiles go and don't have near as many husbandry requirements as beardies (no heat, no required lighting, don't have to eat insects, etc.). take a look at the faq here on the site and see if you have any more questions.

[Enve]

Thanks for the info Emily! I'll be in touch through e-mail. His b-day is next week so between that and Christmas he should have enough for everything he needs.