Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking at buying my first gecko. I'm a long time snake fan and run a part time reptile rescue with my gf. We of course have our own pets the we love. We were at a reptile expo over the weekend and I had a chance to get some interaction with a G.T. Leachi. I fell in love.... He was simply amazing. I'm told that they are more interactive than their smaller cousins. So I want to get one now... of course. I was wondering would it be a good idea to start off with a smaller one or are they okas a starter? I have plenty experience with pets that require specific environments. From Amazon Tree Boas to Sand Boas. Any insite into these beauties would be much appreciated. Any information you all want to throw at me too would be great. Thanks and take care!

Widj

Well -- you do have experience with other herps so if you do your homework and set things up accordingly this specie is not that difficult to manage. I have an Island E and they are a wonderful gecko. Their requirements are not too demanding yet very precise.

It's a nice choice for a gecko but they are not a very active specie. Most the time they are pretty sedentary. They move around only late at night. I wouldn't expect the animation of a leopard gecko around feeding time. Still they are really nice and fascinating creatures.

my advice, work your way up the Rhacodactylus genus. I would start with a crested gecko, R. Ciliatus, and see how you like them. I have kept chahouas, cresteds, and aurics, and cresteds are still my favorite rhacs. I would first get some experience with either a gargoyle or crested, then if you still want a leachie, go for it. They are amazing creatures, easy to care for, and are a pleasure to keep and breed. Rhacodactylus is/was the most amazing pet friendly genus of geckos out there.

thanks