Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I have been keeping snakes on and off for a good fifteen years. Now, I would like to get into geckos, but do not now where to start. I am interested in the following types: cresteds, satanic leaf, gorgoyles, and mossy leaf.

Can someone compare and contrast the above mentioned species and explain the pros and cons. Also, please send links to care sheets/husbandry related sites since I know ZERO about caring for geckos.

TIA,

ToddG

satanics: small and i'd consider to be the most sensitive of the species you listed. not the easiest to get your hands on. males are relatively cheap right now, but females are still rpetty expensive. require high humidity and cool temps, around 72 F.

mossies: one of the relatively easier kept uroplatus species, also one of those more commonly bred (i think, although no one around here has been vocally successful lately). considered a medium-sized uroplatus species, and will require larger housing than satanics. needs thicker branches/corkbark slabs.

cresteds: probably the most popular and easiest to breed species you listed. easy to get your hands on, easy to keep. more recommended for someone not used to geckos yet. still requires cool temps and high humidity. if tail is dropped, it will not regrow.

gargoyles: very similar care to cresteds. more aggressive. tails regrow. not really as abundant in the trade as cresteds. only mentioned species im not experienced with.

basically, rhacodactylus are more forgiving than uroplatus as far as care goes.

as far as care sheets go, i hope i dont sound mean in saying this, but its really for your own good: look them up on your own. you might find some give different opinions on care and whatnot, but the more you look through the more information youll find. also, they will help lead you to other places to find good info. good luck.

Yeah, I wouldn't start with leaf-tailed geckos if you don't know anything about geckos or don't have any experience. Crested geckos are much hardier and easier to keep and breed. I'd start off with cresteds first.

Hello all,

I have been keeping snakes on and off for a good fifteen years. Now, I would like to get into geckos, but do not now where to start. I am interested in the following types: cresteds, satanic leaf, gorgoyles, and mossy leaf.

Can someone compare and contrast the above mentioned species and explain the pros and cons. Also, please send links to care sheets/husbandry related sites since I know ZERO about caring for geckos.

TIA,

ToddG

OK, I'll just give you the basics on all of the above species.

Crested & Gargoyles: Fairly large geckos, eat fruit, insects, and Crested/Gargoyle gecko diet. Handleable, no heat needed, can house in a simplistic or naturalistic enclosure. About 20 gal for 1-2 geckos.

Satanics: Small geckos, eat insects only(and snails). NOT handleable.....look and don't touch(at least not often). Naturalistic setup is ideal. 10 gal for 1, 20 for 1-3.

Mossy Leaftail: Medium Uroplatus..........same as satanics, just larger enclosure of course.

I would go with the cresteds or gargoyles for your first geckos, they are very forgiving when it comes to messing up a little bit.......then after a little bit of practice with those guys i would get some uroplatus.

John

i would also agree about the previous statements about getting a crested or gargoyle gecko first. get a feel for them over a few month time period and go from there. a great thing about both is they can be essential sustained on a full diet that consists of mixing a powder with water! it's a full diet. i still prefer giving crickets atleast once a week because they go crazy for them and grow a bit faster on them. i also haven't gotten any gargoyles but will in the near future.
as far as uroplatus go, definately wouldn't not suggest satanics as your first species. the mossies are somewhat more hardy than the satanics and are a bit larger. if you do go for a mossy over a rhac. then i would do exactly what you're doing and get some pretty strong information before you order. you're doing the right thing by asking questions and checking out your options. do what's right for the geckos and you'll be on the right track.

I wanted to thank everyone for the most informative replies. It seems general interest in geckos has really grown the last few years, and I have been seeing more of them in pet stores and at herp shows locally. I went to a show yesterday and could not believe all the geckos. Also, I was taken back in amazement by the beauty of many specimens available. Anyways, how is the market for cresteds and gorgoyles? If I am going to keep them a breeding colony will be inevitable and curious how easy the young are to get rid of. I am trying to fund my herp projects by having the animals pay for themselves. This seems to be at the beginning stages of interest in the herp hobby, so am I off track here?

Thanks again and I will post picks if/when I get a few.

Todd

My first gecko was a Giant Day Gecko and they are in my opinion my favorite gecko species. Not only are they beautiful but they are extremely active, not noctural, easy to keep and awesome eaters. The only downfall to phelsuma is they are not handleable at all, although I hand feed mine and it will always come right over and start licking my hand as soon as I open the cage. Make great display animals and amazing pets.
-Matt

No, I have not considered that species. Actually, my main concern is the aggressive nature of geckos. I prefer to care for animals that I can handle, especially since I have a five year old daughter. My understanding is these are more for "show" than a pet to interact with. Am I correct by saying so? I may purchase one with the intent to strictly display the animal and see how it goes. Do you use gloves when cleaning the cage and for handling? So many questions, lol.

Thanks again,
Todd

They are not an aggresive species they won't attack and bite you. The reason why you can't handle them is because their skin is very fragile and also they are so quick I doubt you could ever get your hands on one. To clean my cage I simply take a large tupperware container put it over the gecko and slide a piece of paper underneath and take him out that way. They are definatly display animals as are the majority of reptiles but I know for a fact that they are a much more interactive species than Uroplatus.
Just something to look into. I also recommend the Day Gecko (Phelsuma) and Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus) for any further questions you have.
-Matt