Reptile & Amphibian Forums

would this be ok or should I think of another pet?

Leos would be great pets for the office seeing as how they are small, come in a variety of morphs/colors, easy to take care of, and funny.
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0.1 Albino Leopard gecko
Coming Soon
1.0 ball python

so i shouldn't be worried about saturday and sunday on my weeekends off?

I agree that a leopard gecko would be a nice pet to have in the office, and a nice alternative to fish. I would recommend that if this is your first leopard gecko, to keep them at home for a month or two so you can better understand their needs and behaviors. Remember that they are nocturnal, and are normally active at night. Weekends shouldn’t be a problem, just make sure on Friday to provide food, top off the water dish, and spray the humid hide. Do some research on the web for ‘leopard gecko caresheet’ if you need more information about their care and requirements. Let us know if you have anymore questions, and good luck!

DaveCable

It would be best if you get at least a subadult, as it is best to feed young leos/hatchlings every day. But you can always leave extra mealworms in the feed dish if you get a younger leo. Two days is no problem to leave a healthy leo alone. If it's an adult, you can even leave it alkone for week if need be. Just leave it plenty of water and a dish of mealies.

One thing you should note though- unlike a goldfish, a leo is a long-tern committment. Given proper husbandry and vet care if needed, a leo can live 20-30 years
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Sarah Stettler aka Starling
Sarah@stargecko.com
StarGecko.Com COMING SOON! Star Quality Leopard Geckos
Specializing in Hypotangerine Tremper Albinos

Unlike goldfish because they're cheaper to replace?
Goldfish CAN be a lifelong commitment if you take care of them properly. Most people try to stuff a few goldfish in a bowl, not realising that these fish are not only for intermediate fish keepers, but they require at least 10gallons/fish.

Mine never lasted too long. Though mine I think were the 5-10¢ feeder type, won at carnivals and such.
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Sarah Stettler aka Starling
Sarah@stargecko.com
StarGecko.Com COMING SOON! Star Quality Leopard Geckos
Specializing in Hypotangerine Tremper Albinos

That would be perfect... and they should get used to being around people fairly quickly then if you are around them a bit...

I would get an adult first of all, all the movement for a young one will stress them out likely.

Here is the basics of what you need for 1 leo...
10 Gallon Tank - Around $20 bucks I think

Under Tank Heater w/ lid- Should be about $15 for 10 gallon size IIRC

You don't need lighting really

Hides(3) - Perferably one hide on the cool side, one on the warm side and a humid hide near the warm side. Humid hide is perferably a margerine/cool whip container with a whole cut into it and moist paper towel... I will assume the others are store bought... $15 or more

Substrate... Paper Towel is preferred... Sand can be dangerous to leos. I have no idea how much a roll of paper towels cost so I'll say $5

Leopard Gecko - First, stay away from chain stores for buying leos... I would buy from a reptile exclusive shop or an online breeder... Probably looking at around $75 for an average adult leo as an estimate at a pet shop.

Digital Thermometer/Dimmer - For heat... Let the under tank heater warm up... If it is above about 88 it is too hot. Then you will need a dimmer you can buy at Home Depot or something to turn down the power to the heater... For both around $30

Food - Crickets and mealworms are the norm... Probably around $5 a week or so for food

Calcium/Vitamins/Food Dishs - Leos need food supplements... If you want to eliminate the need to change them I would just get the T-Rex leopard gecko dust available at most pet stores... Just apply it to the food before feeding and leave some in the dish as well for them to eat. If you are going to use seperate
ones use the Rep Cal... You need one dish for water and one for food and maybe one for calcium... For all that around $15

So if you bought everything I would estimate around $180 to startup

I agree that they would be a good bet for your office but one thing you might want to consider. Leo's are nocturnal, meaning that during the day they are least active and usually sleep. So they will be active during the evening. If this is not a problem I thing it would be a good choice. Hope this helps.
Ralph Accisano

1. Where can I purchase sub-adults?
2. Long term care is not a problem. I have had ball python for eight years now. I bought him as a baby and he is now full grown and healthy. I would bring him here, but I am afraid that too many people get scared by snakes. Thanks again for all your help.

I would check the classifieds section on this site ;p Or pet shops

many breeders have 2003 subadults still (including myself), you can also find at a reptile show. Where are you located? There may be a breeder near you who has some, you could go to a reptile show, or you can buy from most any breeder in the country you want and have them ship the animal. Shipping usually runs $35-$40.

Since you just want as a pet/office decor, you might also want to consider getting a retired adult breeder. These can still live for many many years, and you'd have an well established animal you could probably get at a good price. You could also get an animal with a superficial defect such as a kinked tail that makes then unsuited for breeding, but does not affect their health or longevity or ability to make a great pet. Just be sure to get a healthy animal. It it's an adult, look for a fat tail.
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Sarah Stettler aka Starling
Sarah@stargecko.com
StarGecko.Com COMING SOON! Star Quality Leopard Geckos
Specializing in Hypotangerine Tremper Albinos

I live in Lafayette Louisiana. If you have some please let me know and I will discuss purchasing them. Thanks