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My son who is 13 loves reptiles and has been BEGGING for one for Christmas. I met a gentleman in my area that sells them so I am considering it, but wanted to do my research first.
He tells me they do not require a heat lamp, but what I have been reading says they do. I called my local pet store and they say a Leopard Gecko is better suited for a teen, but I thought I would get your input first!
Thanks!
Julie
Get a creasted they are way better. I dont use a heat lamp with mine and as long as they stay aroud room temp they are good.
I had a leapord for a while and will never get a different gecko other than a creasted.
Providing your room temperature ranges between 70-78F there isn't any need for additional heat. If temperatures tend to be below 70F alot, then a low wattage bulb will be required to ensure a warm spot of about 75F. This bulb should be mounted outside the cage and only warm up one section. It also should only be on max. 10-14 hours a day.
If room temperatures fall in the desired range, no additional heat is needed at all. If you intend to have live plants in the cage, then a full spectrum florescent tube will need to be provided to ensure the plants get the light they need.
Though I personally have never kept leopard geckos, they do have a bit more care requirements, needing a definitely hot spot etc. Both geckos are nocturnal and both tolerate handling for short periods well enough. Crested geckos are arboreal whereas leopards are terrestrial. Crested gecko tails don't grow back should they come off, leopard tails do.
I find crested geckos do have alot of personality, with their big eyes, crests and almost comical grin. The way they unstick their feet as they walk, all very interesting. Whether a crested gecko is right for your son, will depend on what your son wants in a pet lizard. If he wants one he can handle quite a bit and see in the day time, a nocturnal gecko wouldn't be a good choice.
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PHLdyPayne
What did you end up going with?
Tom
Julie,
Did you purchase your crested gecko?
There were some great comments here but I am surprised no one mentioned that leopard geckos require live food and crested geckos will readily eat crested gecko diet- a powdered food you mix with water that is a complete diet.
Link
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Wally
Web Site: Supreme Gecko
e-mail: Supreme Gecko e-mail
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