Good beginner lizard? - Page 2

prairiepanda · 04-27-15, 01:25 PM

As others have stated, for a garg or crestie there wouldn't be any problems getting the enclosure the same day as you get the gecko. With other reptiles, it's important to make sure temperatures and humidity are correct in the enclosure before moving the reptile in, but since cresties and gargs are kept at room temperature and aren't too picky about humidity this is not a concern.

If you get one of those acrylic enclosures, misting once a day will keep them happy and shedding well and prevent their food from drying out. In an exo terra or other enclosures with screen mesh tops, you'll probably need to cover part of the screen to keep humidity in. No need for any humidity gauge, though. Just watch and see if their food dries out or they have shedding issues, and cover up some of the ventilation if needed.

DDW · 04-27-15, 03:26 PM

Hm, good to know

DDW · 04-27-15, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

With many reptiles it is best to have a set up ready. With gargs and cresties however, they don't really need a special temp. Room temp is fine, so they can be in something not quite 'ideal' for a bit. So, if you see a nice crestie/garg baby for say... $80 and that's the one you HAVE to have. Cool, grab it. The kritter keeper cost will be between $5-15 depending on size, and the other stuff you need will also be there. So, if you need to wait somewhere for a week, or you have a 6 hour drive home, whatever it is, the animal will be just fine. That's what makes them an awesome beginner animal. Once you put them in something (even just a kritter keeper) leave them alone other than food/water/misting for about 2 weeks, or until you see them coming out to explore on their own. I have gotten some that are out and about and eating like a pig in 2-3 days but also have had some that took over a month to settle in.

So, if you get everything you need and set it up as soon as you can, the crestie/garg will be fine. This is not something I would suggest for other reptiles that require a heat source or very limited stress. Cresties, gargs, and even leos are VERY hardy. I see it all the time where people don't even have an uth for their leos, but use those awful overhead lights, and they live for years....not healthy or happy, but they live. A few days for one of these animals is not going to kill them or even be too much stress due to their low care needs. Even beardies require ALOT of work (to me anyway lol).

This is great! This helps a lot (in case I get my parents to agree on an animal (even if it's a last minute thing) *gears in my head planning it out* I can just have a list of everything I need ready *rubs handside together*

thanks

DDW · 04-27-15, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiepanda

As others have stated, for a garg or crestie there wouldn't be any problems getting the enclosure the same day as you get the gecko. With other reptiles, it's important to make sure temperatures and humidity are correct in the enclosure before moving the reptile in, but since cresties and gargs are kept at room temperature and aren't too picky about humidity this is not a concern.

If you get one of those acrylic enclosures, misting once a day will keep them happy and shedding well and prevent their food from drying out. In an exo terra or other enclosures with screen mesh tops, you'll probably need to cover part of the screen to keep humidity in. No need for any humidity gauge, though. Just watch and see if their food dries out or they have shedding issues, and cover up some of the ventilation if needed.

Thanks for the tips. Maybe if I'm quiet about it for a while they'll relax about it

jjhill001 · 04-28-15, 02:57 AM

Leopard Gecko hands down. Ten gallon, screen top, heating pad, substrate, hides. Just that simple. You can hold them as well. Starting cost for a leopard gecko and supplies would probably be around 75 bucks including the lizard.

If your parents are cool with it I would suggest a snake as a first pet to be honest. A corn snake is just as cheap but the feeding schedule is much more forgiving.

DDW · 04-28-15, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

Leopard Gecko hands down. Ten gallon, screen top, heating pad, substrate, hides. Just that simple. You can hold them as well. Starting cost for a leopard gecko and supplies would probably be around 75 bucks including the lizard.

If your parents are cool with it I would suggest a snake as a first pet to be honest. A corn snake is just as cheap but the feeding schedule is much more forgiving.

I'll have to check these little guys out^.=.^

I've already tried for a snake, I was wanting a Mexican black kingsnake but my mom is scared to death of any snakes (no matter how small or harmless) I've done Stuy on corns already:/ thanks though.

prairiepanda · 04-28-15, 11:18 AM

Leopard geckos are pretty cute and easy too, but they do require a bit more than cresties or gargs. They do need high temperatures, which means a heat source and thermostat, which adds quite a bit to start up costs, and their diet consists entirely of insects so upkeep costs are higher as well since you need to either buy insects frequently or breed your own. Great pets though and just as easy to care for as cresties or gargs if you don't mind dealing with bugs.

I guess leos and reptile stuff must be a lot cheaper down there than they are in Canada if you can set them up for $75? Here I'd be paying over $100(with the thermostat being the most expensive part) not including the lizard. Don't think I've seen a leo for less than $50 here, but I do know there are a lot more breeders in the states.

reptiledude987 · 04-28-15, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiepanda

Leopard geckos are pretty cute and easy too, but they do require a bit more than cresties or gargs. They do need high temperatures, which means a heat source and thermostat, which adds quite a bit to start up costs, and their diet consists entirely of insects so upkeep costs are higher as well since you need to either buy insects frequently or breed your own. Great pets though and just as easy to care for as cresties or gargs if you don't mind dealing with bugs.

I guess leos and reptile stuff must be a lot cheaper down there than they are in Canada if you can set them up for $75? Here I'd be paying over $100(with the thermostat being the most expensive part) not including the lizard. Don't think I've seen a leo for less than $50 here, but I do know there are a lot more breeders in the states.

Ive seen leos on sale for $25 before but 50 is average. Plus at an expo who knows what kind of deal may be out there. Good luck with your search!

**Minkness** · 04-28-15, 02:04 PM

I saw baby leos for sale for $15 at the last repticon and many are for sale in my local CL for like $60 for them AND their full set up. Though, most on CL seem to be kept on sand -_-

DDW · 04-28-15, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiepanda

Leopard geckos are pretty cute and easy too, but they do require a bit more than cresties or gargs. They do need high temperatures, which means a heat source and thermostat, which adds quite a bit to start up costs, and their diet consists entirely of insects so upkeep costs are higher as well since you need to either buy insects frequently or breed your own. Great pets though and just as easy to care for as cresties or gargs if you don't mind dealing with bugs.

I guess leos and reptile stuff must be a lot cheaper down there than they are in Canada if you can set them up for $75? Here I'd be paying over $100(with the thermostat being the most expensive part) not including the lizard. Don't think I've seen a leo for less than $50 here, but I do know there are a lot more breeders in the states.

The bugs are the biggest offset to the Leo. I hate to rule out a good animal based on diet but bugs can be quite expensive (especially in such a rural area I live in(I have to drive about an hour to even get to the closest reptile supplies at a pet shop) I want something that I won't have to make that Treck just for feeder insects and prices(and variety) aren't that great after that drive. And frankly, crickets are noisy and I already have enough wild ones chirping and hopping about. My cats also like to eat bugs so I'd have to make complete sure they can't get close to where they are kept or they will be everywhere

Yah, I think I'd stick to least insects as possible (the heating wouldn't bother me though)
thankyou though.

DDW · 04-28-15, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Ive seen leos on sale for $25 before but 50 is average. Plus at an expo who knows what kind of deal may be out there. Good luck with your search!

Thanks^.=.^ I can't wait for the expo, what would a reasonable price on a gargoyle or crested gecko be?

DDW · 04-28-15, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

I saw baby leos for sale for $15 at the last repticon and many are for sale in my local CL for like $60 for them AND their full set up. Though, most on CL seem to be kept on sand -_-

Hmm, pretty low prices. This makes me look forward to repticon even more. Thanks

**Minkness** · 04-28-15, 09:20 PM

If bugs are a problem, stick to gargs or cresties. They really will be the cheapest and easiest to care for.

DDW · 04-29-15, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

If bugs are a problem, stick to gargs or cresties. They really will be the cheapest and easiest to care for.

Okay, thanks

DDW · 05-12-15, 06:52 PM

So, I was wondering, in your opinion is the nicest lizard to keep. Other expenses aside, what is the nicest to handle and least intimidating of the lizards to you? (Maybe stay down to a 20 gal adult tank size if possible) and what are your favorite lizards to keep? Just curious now and want to keep talking since Im out of school and i don't want to start a new thread lol '

as always, pictures are welcome.