Reptile & Amphibian Forums

before i go out to get a leo on july 19 or 20 from the texas reptile expo i have some last minute questions (im most likely going to go try for a baby/juvenile

1 how big should my hides be? what about the moist hide?
2 because im getting a young gecko i want it to be accustomed to handling, how often should i handle the new animal to try to ease its fear of humans?
3 what other specifics do i need to know before i get a gecko?

thanks guys

Be careful when buying from an expo. DEMAND lots of history for your new hatchling. Make sure you see the parents and ask about any genetic problems or markings. NEVER buy upon first instinct. I know it will be hard. But I am SOOO happy I decided to wait and buy from an online breeder I knew...if you DO end up taking the plunge...I use those 24 oz. glad-ware tupperware type containers from the market for the moist hides that are like 2" x 5". I find that a side entrance allows easier access. For the regular hides, ANYTHING that fits your tank and is dark...it can be as simple as a paper towel ending... And as far as handling, I let my guys explore my bed and carpet for at least 2 hours every day. Maybe more when i'm cleaning they're cage. Other specifics I tell all my reptile clients (i'm a veterinary tech.) you should check a stool sample for parasites and get your gecko dewormed even if parasites are not seen (samples are, well, SAMPLES) very cheap, and VERY important.

update on the expo.. it seems to have been postponed, so right now im considering to buy from lllreptiles.com or reptiledepot.com i hear they are very good.
any other suggestions would be good but those shipping rates disturb me

will a 2 inch by 5 inch tub be big enough for an adult gecko?

where are some good reptile specialists (rumors are they are better than local vets) that i can visit in my area? i live in hoston, texas

Here is a breeder that is in the Houston, TX area.
http://www.cjgeckos.com/

thanks do you have any more breeders?

also do you know of any expos and shows in houston within july-august? (besides the texas reptiles expo)

I don't know of any other breeders in Houston. HISS is in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area, and Ron Tremper is in the San Antonio area. I am in the Dallas area.
As for shows, the only other ones I know of are http://www.eths.org/ethsexpo2008.html
http://austinreptileexpo.com/
http://www.narbc.com/

Carin