Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I saw my first Uroplatus gecko (I think it was a Henkel's) this past Sunday at a herp show and ever since I've been researching them.

So far, all I've had experience with are snakes, but I've always thought that geckos were the coolest of all lizards and that I would like to get one someday.

I know that leopard geckos and crested geckos are the ones normally suggested for beginners, but I've heard that Henkel's Leaf-tailed geckos are also pretty hardy.

Is there any reason that I should stay away from a Uroplatus as my first gecko?

Are they maybe hardy for a Uro, but not compared to leopards and cresteds?

Note: I'm not looking for a gecko to handle, so that's not a concern.

Thanks.

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alstiver@hotmail.com

1.0 '01 Hypo snow cornsnake (Tesla)
0.1 '02 Ghost (pastel) cornsnake (Banshee)
1.1 '02 Bloodred cornsnakes (Desi and Luci Too)
0.0.3 Goldfish (Kabuki, Isamu, and Yuki)
1.0 American Eskimo mutt (Rusty)

I am setting up my 1st uro tank. This will be my 1st gecko also. I have spent about 8 months researching/planning. I am takeing things very slow. I'm going to do a well planted 65g tank, so I want to make sure I can maintain the proper temp/humid before getting mine. As long as your willing to take the time and research their needs, I dont see why any reptile is out of Noobies bounds... Well maybe a 19ft Nile crocodile

~SoBeK~
1.0 Ball python

Uroplatus henkeli are hardy for the Uroplatus geckos, but not nearly as easy to maintain as leopards or cresteds. I would suggest either you get geckos like cresteds first or do as Sobek did and I too, research for a good long time and set up a "test tank" as you would keep the U. henkeli and make sure that you are able to keep the proper temperature and humidity. I think you should just be a little more familiar with geckos in general. Snakes are a bit different and most can thrive on minimal maintenance and space, plus feeding once a week or less. With a U. henkeli you will have to feed them every other day or every third day and you will have to buy very large crickets and roaches to feed them. Be wise in your decision, think it over thoroughly and do not act on impulse.
Robert Gundy Reptiles