Leopard Geckos versus Crested Geckos

[SlytherinQueen]

So currently I have a Crested Gecko, Spike, whom I love to death.

And I think I want to get another gecko.

Now I've been reading posts about leopard geckos and now I can't decide whether I want to get another crested or a leopard.

I know the differences between the keeping, habitats and the like.

Crested Geckos- 29 gallon tank, bed a beast, heating pad, tropical humidity, lots of branches and leafy plants...

Leopard Geckos- 20 gallon tank, paper towels or sand depending on the age, heating pad, lights, desert, basking spot...

But the real question is... Which ones do you think make better pets? Maintenance, Feeding, Handling.

[fastfoward5k]

I own both (2 Leopard Geckos and 1 Crested Gecko) and leos are more handleable, cheaper, easier, hardier, and a lot less time consuming. But I still love cresties too.

[Galapagos]

I also have both (2 Cresteds and a leo) and I love my cresteds to death but I think leopard geckos have a lot more personality than cresteds.

[Ccrashca069]

I never had a crestie so I don't know how they are like. I have Leopard Geckos, an African Fattail and a pair of P. picta geckos. I like each one for their own reasons.

I say pick what you like the most and have room for. Also I don't know anyone except Petco and PetSmart that use sand for Leopard Geckos. I use paper towels and carpet. Leopard Geckos also do not need a basking light either. So make sure you do your research on care.

Good Luck on whatever you choose and post pics.

[Shadow_Crested]

I would say Leo, Even though i have two cresties that have my heart for life! If you already have a crestie why not got for some variety?

[SlytherinQueen]

That's what I was originally thinking. Get something different. But then again, I love Spike, my Crested. In my opinion he has a very big personality for such a little guy. He likes sitting on my shoulder while I do things around the house occasionally. He tends to chirp if I cluck my tongue at him.

I would like to get another Crested to breed with him.

But I do like this one Leopard Gecko that's for sale at my work. In my experience, baby leopards have a bit more attitude. They hiss and try to bite when I reach into their tank. I know it takes time and handling.

I think I may have to get both. My Crested Gecko is alone in a twenty nine gallon tank and I have a spare twenty gallon tank.

P.S. I like paper towels for most of my reptiles.

[Ccrashca069]

Most of my leopard geckos I can put on my shoulder and they will stay but there are a few I can't. Leopards like warmer temps so with winter coming on you can't handle them as much unless you stay in a warm room.

From what I been told, cresties are more room temp so you will be able to handle them more.

Even Day Geckos are cool but they are more of a display gecko and like room temp or so.

[SlytherinQueen]

Such decisions. It's hard. Ha.

[Ccrashca069]

yes......... I am a gecko addict lmao I also live within 35 minutes of a gecko breeder that raises a lot of different species of geckos. She gave a great deal on my Striped P.picta pair I have. I bought my 1st leopard gecko breeder from her also. Her site is www.geckoranch.com Great place to window shop lmao

[fastfoward5k]

Originally Posted by Ccrashca069

Most of my leopard geckos I can put on my shoulder and they will stay but there are a few I can't. Leopards like warmer temps so with winter coming on you can't handle them as much unless you stay in a warm room.

From what I been told, cresties are more room temp so you will be able to handle them more.

Even Day Geckos are cool but they are more of a display gecko and like room temp or so.

My leos like to go on the warmest part of my body (usually my shoulder).

Even CGs don't like it below 72...

Most Day Geckos like it about the same temp. as leos (90-95) and are completely unhandleable.

[rawson5084]

I have 5 leopard geckos and I love them..... I dont know anything about other geckos lol

[theguy67]

I also have five leopard geckos, planning on breeding in the near futur. Leopards grow their tails back unlike crested, and I would not put my leopards on sand due to impaction. Though I do wish they climbed more.

[paintedlizards]

we have 16 leopards and a crested gecko.

We handle the leo's daily are constantly monitering temps feeding etc. the cresties in a exoterra tank ( the big one ) in my living room on a nice end table with lots of fauna in the tank etc. we handle him but not every day. we keep the house at 73 degrees for him etc. he's our almost zero maintenance(well, compared to 16 leos!) gecko!

[VenomBabe]

"Crested Geckos- 29 gallon tank, bed a beast, heating pad, tropical humidity, lots of branches and leafy plants..."

You do not use bed-a-beast, and they do not require any higher humidity than 50-60%.

Please check out lotuscresteds.com/care.htm

I think unless you plan to breed I would get a leopard gecko.

[Shadow_Crested]

Originally Posted by VenomFairy;

do not require any higher humidity than 50-60%

Acctually, You want the humidity around 75% with a spike up to about 90% when you mist everyday.. Just figured i would point that out... And Bed-a-beast is completly fine as long as you dont feed live food on it. Figured i would point that out too... And just Saying

Originally Posted by VenomFairy;

You do not use Bed-a-beast

is kind of rude in my opinion because thats like telling someone they cant wear a t-shirt, and i use bed-a-beast and nothing has happend to my crested geckos....

[VenomBabe]

Originally Posted by Shadow_Crested

Acctually, You want the humidity around 75% with a spike up to about 90% when you mist everyday.. Just figured i would point that out... And Bed-a-beast is completly fine as long as you dont feed live food on it. Figured i would point that out too... And just Saying is kind of rude in my opinion because thats like telling someone they cant wear a t-shirt, and i use bed-a-beast and nothing has happend to my crested geckos....

Oh I wasn't being rude. But, t-shirts don't die from dirt so you can't compare that.

Anyways, this is why captive geckos should not have substrate. It does happen. DW and it's a bit gory.

http://www.forums.repashy.com/uropla...sy-photos.html

Don't take my words as rude, everyone has different opinions and I know from the top breeders not to use substrate.

[SlytherinQueen]

Bed a beast is recommended by a lot of breeders I know. It provides the proper humidity which is difficult when I live in a desert. Also gives the females somewhere to dig and lay eggs. The other gecko died of orchid bark. Repti Bark is not very good at all. I'll agree there. Contains mites sometimes and will cause intestinal blockage. But Bed a Beast and the Tropical Soil I have used are so fine, dry or wet, that it doesn't pose a problem. To prevent accidental ingestion, I feed my gecko his bugs in a empty container.

[VenomBabe]

Does bed a beast not have mulch in it? They don't sell it here.

[BallPythonLuver]

Originally Posted by VenomFairy

Does bed a beast not have mulch in it? They don't sell it here.

No, it's compressed coconut fiber. Same as eco-earth. Here's a link to it: http://www.pettech.com/reptiles/bed-a-beast.htm Sorry to jump in hear but I just wanted to answer your question.

Also I don't have a crestie but I do know a little about them because my friend has a couple. Leopard Geckos IMO will be easier matenince because you don't have to mist them(except their shed boxes).. but then again they need heat and cresties just need "room temp" like you mentioned before.. it's really your choice. Leos and cresties also both come in some very affordable color morphs...Baby leos are spazes sometimes but regular handling should fix that pretty quick..I think I'm rambling now but also it's IMO easier to feed leos since they eat only insects. None of the diet/ friuty stuff...and it would be nice to have variety since you already have a crestie...Leos are a bit more hardy but I don't think you have to worry about that since it seems like you've done a lot of research.

[Truly Rare]

I don't happen to think, cresties are more expspensive than leo's..leo's eat a lot more crickets than cresteds, and cresteds eat CGD and afew crickets...they are cheaper, and don't require high heat..as leos. Cresties don't like it over 80'

[Shadow_Crested]

VenomFairy, That thread you have posted to the Repashy Forums was a case of feeding on Orchid Bark (and its not even A crested its a leaf tail), Not Bed-A-Beast. Orchid Bark is bark... Whereas Bed-a-beast is just your knock off Eco-Earth (cocofiber)! No offence or anything but be sure to check you facts before you post something that is false..!

[VenomBabe]

The fact that everybody says not to use substrate with Crested geckos is not false.
Allen Repashy even says not to use it unless you have a natural set-up and to feed in a seperate container if you do.
The important thing nobody mentioned was feeding in a seperate container.

And please don't sit there and accuse me of being false, I personally only believe in using substrate for adult cresteds who's digestive systems wouldnt be as effected by the natural substrate. I only use it around the females who are naturally accustomed to using it to lay their eggs.

I take precautions always, but that's because I am a chinchilla owner and everything has to be 100% precise with them.

[fastfoward5k]

Well CGD should always be in an elevated dish, and crickets should ALWAYS be fed in another container, regardless of substance. Crickets could hide in the foilage and attack the crestie during the day while it's asleep. Feed crickets in a KK.

[VenomBabe]

True but some people feed in the tank and then remove excess. I am just highly fearful of impaction. I have my reasons.

Anyways, I apologize I am not trying to be -mean or rude- or hijack this thread. I just am afraid to use substrate because I've heard of some dieing due to it but I doubt it would ever happen truthfully, but I take sooo many precautions its not even healthy for me. I stress over the care of my reptiles.

[SlytherinQueen]

I did mention feeding mine in a seperate container. Mine doesn't really like bugs anyways. He tends to ignore crickets but occasionally he'll eat a worm or two. He prefers the Crested Gecko Diet. Which he likes eating it as I make it every night. He gets to sit on the dresser and eat until he's full. Then he likes licking his reflection in my mirror above the dresser. I think he's lonely. Ha.

And back to the topic... I think I'm going to stick to my cresteds for now. If I can find a female roughly the same size would allow me to house her with Spike. I like the diet rather than the crickets, personally. Petsmart sells crickets without wings but still. Bugs creep me out.

[fastfoward5k]

Originally Posted by SlytherinQueen

I did mention feeding mine in a seperate container. Mine doesn't really like bugs anyways. He tends to ignore crickets but occasionally he'll eat a worm or two. He prefers the Crested Gecko Diet. Which he likes eating it as I make it every night. He gets to sit on the dresser and eat until he's full. Then he likes licking his reflection in my mirror above the dresser. I think he's lonely. Ha.

And back to the topic... I think I'm going to stick to my cresteds for now. If I can find a female roughly the same size would allow me to house her with Spike. I like the diet rather than the crickets, personally. Petsmart sells crickets without wings but still. Bugs creep me out.

Some people says it's hard to wean cresties on to CGD, but it'd be hard to wean mine off it! He refuses to eat crickets, roaches, worms, baby food, or fresh fruit. All he eats is rose flavored CGD.

[Ccrashca069]

Originally Posted by VenomFairy

The fact that everybody says not to use substrate with Crested geckos is not false.
Allen Repashy even says not to use it unless you have a natural set-up and to feed in a seperate container if you do.
The important thing nobody mentioned was feeding in a seperate container.

And please don't sit there and accuse me of being false, I personally only believe in using substrate for adult cresteds who's digestive systems wouldnt be as effected by the natural substrate. I only use it around the females who are naturally accustomed to using it to lay their eggs.

I take precautions always, but that's because I am a chinchilla owner and everything has to be 100% precise with them.

No disrespect or anything but your taking what Allen says and trying to preach it. I have emailed Allen a few times and tried a few of his products. 1of his products caused 3 geckos of mine to die. So as you can guess I don't think much to Allen. I have also seen a lot better looking and healthier Cresties then Allen will ever produce. I live close to Julie Gecko Ranch and seen cresties Allen sells. My geckos that died were good untill Julie talked me into buying some of Allens products.

[VenomBabe]

Can you prove that it was his product that did it, or was it lack of eating it? I know it's hard to get them to eat it at first.

My geckos were underweight and were not growing until I fed Allen's.

[Ccrashca069]

Used the product for 6 months. 1 got MBD within 3 months and the 2 others died after laying eggs because of lack of calcium. After that happened I switched to all Rep-Cal products and not had that issue since. And using that product was the only thing different from then and now. I have 40 leopard geckos and a few are my own hatchlings. I also brought it up to Julie and she tried to tell me it was the old forula and he has a new one out. No thanks I will stick to Rep-Cal.

[SlytherinQueen]

I like the RepCal better too. Just my opinion. My little one likes his diet mixed with baby food. But only pear flavored. Peach he will not eat. Ha.

[VenomBabe]

Everybody has their own opinion. I had a rescue female that was fed on repcal and baby food and she was 10 grams under-weight and had mbd really bad, I started feeding his diet and she gained 12 grams and has full calcium sacs, within TWO days of starting her on it.

So truely, it's all a matter of opinion. Nobody really knows whats good for the buggers, we just try.

[fastfoward5k]

I use the CGD from Matthew Parks (I buy it from Dale McGhee).

[theguy67]

i think we should vote!! lol