Operation: Gecko Grab. My first Gecko Rescue.

Hi Gecko board, I'm Randy. I usually hang out in the beadie section, but during my Craigslist-looking-for-beardies-to-rescue-browsing I came upon an add from some one looking to get rid of their Leopard Gecko. I don't know a lot about gecko's but they seem to fulfill a sort of mix between chameleons and other more handler oriented lizards, not claiming to be correct about that, just my first impression.

ANYWAY- long story short I'm rescuing a Leopard Gecko on Friday it comes with a glass viv. Looked like a 20 gallon in the picture. Other then that it didn't look like there was a whole lot in there. I don't know what's up with the lighting situation, it's age, sex, diet, or temperment.

Bottom line is I need some advice on how to handle the Leo. I'm NOT keeping it myself. It's a present for my sister who's been after a chameleon or a beardie. This seems to be a good compromise, as she specifically asked for a CL rescue so she could help something out who needed it. In her situation it's going to fill the role of DECORATIVE PET. Not so much handling buddy, so I don't think it matters if it's tamed or not.

I have an Awesome Beardie so i'm just wondering what I'm going to need in the way of lighting and other viv gears, food, and simple care sheet.
Thanks for your time!

I posted my entire leo set up with pics in this thread: http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=162376

You can start there (I was answering a question about shedding) and whatever I left out I can fill you in on. Awesome on the rescue. They are cool and gentle creatures.

Leopard geckos are nocturnal so you will probably see him/her only in the evening or maybe a tail hanging out of a hide. Just like with beardies, it isn't recommended to use sand with these guys since they can get impacted. They eat the same feeders a juvy beardie would eat as well. They don't need UVB but need to be kept fairly warm since they are a desert animal. A good way to make sure the gecko sheds is to make a "shedding hide" with moist moss for the gecko to go into if it needs extra humidity. Geckos love to hide so lots of little caves, hidey-holes, branches, and some fake plants will make him feel safe and make the tank look nice. Leopard geckos can be quite friendly if handled but will make a hissing noise if they are upset.

The geckos that are more of a mix between a chameleon (display animal) and a handling reptile (beardies) are the New Caledonian geckos (cresties, leachies, and gargoyles). Leopards are one of the closest to a beardie personality in the lizard world and will wear tiny harnesses and hang out with their owners. I think leos are just adorable and I'd love to have one some day.

I can walk around the house slowly with my gecko on my shoulder. She loves to look around and 'tour' the house. :lol: She also love to be talked to while we do our little walk.

Thanks for the replies I'll take it under advisory and get the right stuff to go along with the rescue

Are gecko's different in regards to the whole "reptiles don't feel people emotions" thing?

RandyMarsh":1uqe2fg9 said:

Are gecko's different in regards to the whole "reptiles don't feel people emotions" thing?

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Honestly, Bella doesn't care who holds her. I think she likes whoever is the warmest. :lol: My beardies all favor us differently, but even though my gecko is MINE, she doesn't care if me OR my husband holds her.

just another question: What type of stress do Leo's have from rehoming and how long might it take to go away? Also i'm getting his old house too so at least i'll have that