Good beginner lizard?

[Minkness]

Males and females have no real difference in colors or markings. Usually the best way to tell is that when they are sub-adults the males have buldges under their tails. Bugs are needed for young ones though for either gargs or cresties. But again, not a ton and only for about a year or so. I'm not sure, but I believe it is because they are a huge protein source to aid in proper growth. It's also a great way to make sure the gecko is getting calcium when young.

Enclosures are cheapest actually at repricon. The same enclosure I got was 7l $75 at my local store and $50 at repticon. Though they did have one at repticon that is a full set up with all kinds of stuff included such as water dush, calcium supliment, water enhancer (which I don't use), climbung stick, fake plants, and some other stuff, and it was only $75 at the con but $120 at the local store. Also, if you get a baby, you really don't need a full sized enclosure. A medium or large kritter keeper is fine for a good while as they are slow growers compared to other reptiles. I have a 7 month old female crestie still in a medium sized kritter keeper that only cost me $5. Also, getting the VIP tickets and being one of the 1st to get in will help out too. I got free calcium (which I don't use since I have my own) and a bunch if other free promotional stuff as well that also included general care sheets and info packets about different kinds of reptiles. Totally worth it, especially for a beginner.

As for them getting loose...it happens. I had one in a front opening enclosure that has a lock on it but I used to be lazy and not lock it, figuring my crestie couldn't open the door....he learned that if he jumped at the door hard enough, it would open, and he'd get out. Same guy also figured that if he jumped suicide style from my hands and hit the floor running, that he could get under or behind something I couldn't move. One got out and I somehow still don't know how and I found it two days later just chilling in an extra kritter keeper I used to keep old fake plants in. It happens, but be watchful, mindful, and careful, and you should be good. For the record, I have 2 cats and a dog and with as many times as my little Hudini has gotten out (i seem to have only 1 offender out of the many, many I have kept over the years lol) there has been no fatalities.

Hope this helps.