Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

snakelily · Contributing Member Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 51

I am thinking of giving a gecko to my soon to be 8-year old daughter as a birthday gift. But I don't know anything about geckos and lizards, and I'd rather get informed before I go to the store, rather than getting suckered into buying something that won't work out.

I wonder if any of you might have a suggestion. My wish list of attributes is short:

1. hardy (i.e. won't die at the drop of a hat and cause a lot of heart ache to my little one)

2. must tolerate frequent handling without getting stressed out

3. shouldn't grow larger than 5 or 6" max.

This last one I think is a tough one. It rules out beardies and leopard geckos which would, I guess, otherwise fit the bill.

The reason for the small size isn't space by the way but, uh, well, anything bigger (for lizards and geckos that is) kind of freaks me out, I'm embarrassed to say. Why this is I don't know, I feel comfortable around 5 or six feet long snakes, but lizards....

I'm hoping someone on this forum might have a suggestion. (Hopefully it won't be: "Get real!!" Wink

)

Mememe · Site Moderator Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 2141

I doubt you will find anything that small that will tolerate handling that well. It would be very delicate anyway.
They get to about twice the size you suggested, but a rankins dragon may, otherwise, fit the bill! Then again, it's not a gecko!
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Paulk · Key Member Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 253 Location: essex

I would sugest Rankins as well but they are not Geckos (as mentioned before).

There are plenty of lizards that would be suitable for your daughter if only you can get past your small phobia. Perhaps you could use this situation to help you move away from the fear of larger lizards. Bearing in mind that this fear could rub off onto your daughter, not only would a pair of leopard Geckos be a great birthday gift but i'm sure it would be a great excercise in gradually getting over 'the fear of large lizards.

As you would buy them as juvs and watch them grow slowly with time, as the Geckos get bigger the fear gets smaller and your daughter has a cool dad not afraid of anything! Laughing

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Beardies are the way!

Wish I were an invert!

lizard man · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject:

Hmm, well rankins is a good idea, its a smaller similar looking species to the bearded dragon that is commonly kept, and for the leopard geckos most sources say they get 7-8 inches but in the flesh they realy dont look big at all, and when you see some of the other lizards up for sale beardies realy arnt that big either lol Laughing

But as to what i was saying, i dont know if you have seen many leos in the flesh but if you just get to you closest reptile shop or if you know some one that has one just watch it move and the way it works, im hoping you will see they realy arnt much of a problem, they only time they will move fast is if startled.
Only downer with leos is the tail can drop if you didnt already know, its not something that just happens if you blow on it but if you apply enough pressure (squeeze) it will fall off, its a defence mechanism and it will grow back but not the same condition the original tail looked.
as i say its not a big issue at all as long as who ever is holding the gecko knows not to grab it by the tail Wink

Steve

snakelily · Contributing Member Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 51

I am asking questions about a gecko, and a "lizard man" answers! How cool is that?

The site I consulted about leopards mentions 7-13"!! Shocked

I agree, 7-8 is still ok bec. a big part of it is also the tail. I am not concerned about the tail falling off, we know to handle our animals gently so this shouldn't be a problem. A pair of leopards would definitely be cute, especially if they have babies!!!

I will go look around at a reptile store, I just wanted some ideas before I go look.

BTW, I don't mean to exclude lizards and dragons. Crested are really cute, and something moss? What are they again? I saw some pictures, but I think they were babies.l Definitely something to drool over...

Paulk · Key Member Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 253 Location: essex

My bad lily! Embarassed

Good luck in your search for that perfect prezzie! Wink

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Beardies are the way!

Wish I were an invert!

Exalted Gecko · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:38 pm Post subject:

Crestie's wouldn't be so good as they don't tolerate a lot of handling.

Leopards are probably best but to avoid even more potential heart ache, get just the one until you know what your doing a bit better. Smile

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Kind Regards,

Chris

snakelily · Contributing Member Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 51

Thanks, Paul.

I looked at chameleons in the thread on this forum, and now I'm in love.....
However, it's not a present for me, but for my daughter. On the other hand, I think she would loooooove a cham! Laughing

We'll see. I still have a few more days.

You are right Chris, I might start out with one Leopard if I decide on Leopards. I have absolutely NO experience with geckos. (We have lots of wild ones though running around the house during the summer, this being Florida.)

I'll let you know what I finally decide on.

Thanks a bunch! Wink

Exalted Gecko · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:42 pm Post subject:

Well either way its cool that your thinking, not buying first! Wink

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Kind Regards,

Chris