Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question. I am doing a project for class and would like to know where should I buy a leopard gecko, preferably? Please help me out! thank you

I really wouldn't reccomend buying it if you are just going to get rid of it after the project is done...

But I guess it isn't my place to say

I would advise away from chain stores let petco/petsmart as their pets often have medical problems.

Try the classifieds section on this site as well or look at the forums sponser sites as they are all reputable sources.

This question is from their topic about Purchasing.

Oh in that case...

Large chain stores often do not care properly for their leos, I have witnessed 5 adult leopard geckos in a 10 gallon tank when only 1 should be in.

They always put them on sand, which CAN lead to medical problem from the geckos swallowing it; this is called impaction.

Sometimes they have parasites and other diseases as well.

If I were to purchase from a petstore I would look at how many are housed together, how fat they are, I would ask how often they clean the cages and so forth, how old they are, and I would look at the substrate (the floor)

Seriously help the kids out.

Ok you could buy a gecko from a pet store. Or you can buy one direct from a breeder.

Both have their ups and downs.
Store
Pro's - walk in with money walk out with gecko
- convienient
Con's - most stores buy in mass from breeders who's stock may be less than healthy
- some stores do not know how to prop

Private Breeder
Pro's - healthier animals (usually)
- better selection
- varied morph's (different color patterns like tangerine, carot tail, albino etc)
Con's - higher pricing (usually don't quote me on this one I'm Canadian)
- shipping costs
- customs and duty if buying internationally

So both ways of purchase have there ups and downs. Where you buy
your gecko will depend on two main things A)available cash and B) overall health of the animal

Large chain petstores(petco, petsmart, petland)-More often then not they are housed in small enclosures, food is to big, have disease and parasites-Do not buy a reptile from one of these

Family owned petstores-Many are extremely good with care and maintenence of their reptiles some are also bad-If buying from one of these make sure of 5 things
1)Store does not smell if it smells then they are not cleaning enough
2)Make sure all other animals besides reptiles are properly cared for
3)Make sure the reptiles are eating approitly sized food (for leopard geckos no longer than 3/4 length of head and 3/4 width of head) also make sure that herbivores always have dark green leafy greens in their enclosure
4) check specific animal for mites
5) make sure the animals are not crowded in a cage- an adult leopard gecko 1 per 10 gallon

Reptile specific stores-Most of them keep extremely good care of their animals-if it is not possible to buy from a breeder buy from one of theses

Leopard gecko breeders-Good care is a given here-if you can buy from them

which to buy from in order
1)breeder
2)reptile specific store
3)family owned pet store
4) n/a
5)n/a
6)n/a
......
1000000)chain pet store
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0.1 Albino Leopard gecko
Coming Soon
1.0 ball python

*Preferably* from a reputable breeder or a breeder you can trust to sell you a healthy animal.
Do lots of research before you buy about the particular animal, and once you are ready, look at your options for housing, feeding, maintance, purchasing, and vet care.

There are many well known breeders out there that can give you an excellent price and a healthy animal, and most will offer a live arrival guarantee.

*Preferably NOT* from a petstore or flea market. Most of these animals have been poorly cared for because of the lack of knowledge by the petstore staff. Their main goal is to make money for the shop, and not 100% about the animals in it.

Another choice is at a Pet Expo. Alot of good breeders attend these, and there is almost always a good variety of animals and breeders to choose from. Not to mention being able to see the animals up close and personal so that you can see their overall health. If its a good breeder, it should be a healthy animal.
Ask lots of questions, the only dumb question is a question not asked. Any good breeder will be more than willing to answer all of your questions knowledgably. Do not buy from anyone who is unwilling to talk to you or answer questions.

Anyway, I hope ive help. Btw...Ms. Windom gave me permission to help, lol.

Good luck, and happy researching!

~Crystal
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Crystal Light (Yes..thats my real name)

*Whenever you lose a gecko, just think of it as God building on his own Leopard Gecko collection

www.thegeckobarn.com