Leachi or ATB

Kavyrie · 11-18-12, 07:30 AM

I just got a new enclosure yesterday, a 3'x2'x2' viv that had been used for a crested gecko colony. Needs to be wiped out but looks great. I'd like to get a nice display animal to put in it, but I've been stuck debating between a Leachi Gecko or an ATB. I'm going to a show on the 2nd, so I can probably find an ATB there. But we also have a sweet little male nuu ana leachi at the shop for $350.

I figured I'd list some pro's/con's of both and ask you guys for more.

ATB pro's:
Another snake
Interesting display animal
Possible vibrant colors (will be looking for a orange yellow or red)

ATB con's:
No guarentee of what I will find, or if it will be healthy
Probably going to be aggressive
More demanding requirements
Will have to do some work on the viv (install perches and add a finer mesh top, and possibly put more ventilation)

Leachi pro's:
Friendly and not jumpy
Less demanding requirements
Handlable
I've been taking care of it at the shop, and know its healthy
Easy to feed (ATB is easy to feed too, Repashy is just super easy to make)

Leachi con's:
Less vibrant
More expensive
More likely to hide (not a great display animal)

Alright people, convince me which would be better! I do plan on having one of each at some point, its more a of which should I get first. I know a person that breeds Leachi gecko's that we get ours at the shop from, so its not a "buy it now or never see it again" situation. We also have a bonded pair at the shop we are going to breed, so might buy a baby from that clutch.

DragonsEye · 11-18-12, 09:29 AM

While ATB are beautiful, I'd likely go for the leachie -- they're adorable chubby buggers and you don't have to worry about one trying to "eat your face". You mentioned that you already have snakes ... do you have any lizards? If not, then again I'd go for the leachie as something different.

**Aaron_S** · 11-18-12, 09:58 AM

Flip a coin

**lady_bug87** · 11-18-12, 10:09 AM

depending on your level of experience and what kind of keeper you are. ATBs are pretty hands off. Mine would rather kill you than let you touch it

Kavyrie · 11-19-12, 08:30 AM

I mostly have snakes, but I do have a beardie and a crested gecko. We have a breeding pair of leachies at the store I work at though, so I could possibly get a baby for much cheaper when the female has them. I don't mind having a snake I can't touch, I think they are beautiful and fascinating. My main thing is just that this enclosure would be a great display enclosure, so I'd like to have a great display animal.