Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What i mean by that is, do they take to being held or in a room where you watch tv etc. I breed boas and a few balls, and have them in typical breeding cages etc in snake rooms. but i want something that can be viewed and enjoyed in a vivarium i suppose you call it, in the family room etc.
I Love the looks of the leopard geckos, and the fact the dont require UV lighting and that they dont get very big, all thats great. Im also considering a bearded dragon... for most of the same reasons.
I have been told by really just one person i met in a new reptile store near me, that beardies are more "user friendly" for a lack of a better term. They take more readily to being held and are more active in thier cages.
So i guesss im asking what you folks with experiance with either leos or beardies think.
I prefer the leo's !! But both are pretty cool!

Thanks alot
Mike & Luz Combs

The best description I've read of how leopard geckos do in captivity said that they were best as 'display lizards that will tolerate some handling'. Obviously, your mileage may vary. I, for example, have a leo that will come watch TV with me, and who quite happily climbs up onto a hand (most of the time, anyway). I've also heard of the opposite extreme - leos that have bad tempers and bite a lot. I think a lot of it has to do with how (and how much) you interact with them as they're growing up. All that being said, though, I don't think I'd keep them in the living room given the choice, simply because they prefer it to actually be dark at night, and so I keep mine in a room that's at most dimly lit at night.
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0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Tigger
0.1 Crested Gecko - Pooh-Bear

My leopard won't eat unless I hold him first, usually for about 10-15 minutes. My friend's though, won't let you hold it at all. Like Ostlyn said, it depends on the gecko.

Leos are easier for a few reasons. They have lower heat requirements, they don't need UV lights, they have more simple dietary requirements, and they recognize standing water better.

However they are nocturnal, so you won't see them as much during the daytime in a display tank. Generally they are not as tolerant to handling as beardies, but this is more of an individual thing between animals. Adult males tend to be very handleable, I have 2 that will sit in you hand as long as you'll let them. But I also have animals that will twist nearly out of their skin and jump from your hands any time you touch them (that is if you can catch them).

If you have kids and want to see your animal during the day, then I would get a beardie. Just make sure you get yours from a reputable breeder who has tested his colony for adenovirus. Adenovirus is spreadable to humans and can be dangerous to small children.

Your input has been very helpful. I am the type of person i like to know everything i can before i would make such a decision.If i cant provide the best care for any animal, i just dont get it. I have read quite a bit about both lizards, and came to the forums to get real life input.
Thanks again
Mike & Luz Combs