I need to choose

[saranita]

because of size (Oryx is kind of small for a leo) the only worms other than mealies I give her are waxworms as a treat VERY rarely because they are fattening, I might try some butterworms since they seem to be quite small in my area. Other worms I'm not sure of but my main concern would be size, the general rule of thumb is no food larger than the space between their eyes.

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Ok. Are dubia or crix better?

 

[saranita]

For a leopard gecko, crickets

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Okay, thanks for clearing that up. How much do leos normally cost at reptile expos?

 

[saranita]

Never been to one couldn't tell you

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Okay that's fine. What pet store did you go to to get yours?

 

[saranita]

one youv never heard of in my city. its not a chain store.

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Okay. Thanks. How interactive are leos normally?

 

[bambichik39]

Try www.geckosunlimited.com it has a forum on there specifically for leopard geckos. geckos at reptiles shows go anywhere from 30-300 dollars+ it all depends on what you want. Honestly though there are so many different pretty morphs out now, even the cheaper ones look as nice (to my anyways) as the expensive ones. plus, some of the expensive ones, like enigmas, have a lot of help problems. just do your research, that website will be a lot more helpful because it has a lot of leo breeders on it. good luck!

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Okay, I'm editing this because apparently I heard my mom wrong. My Dad said we should start off with the gecko, which is fine with me. I do NOT know for sure when I will get it, but my b-day's soon and I might get enough money from it for a leopard gecko.

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

SOO my mom said that whatever money is mine, I can do whatever I want with it. How much money will a bearded dragon, crested gecko, leopard gecko, ball python, or corn snake run me?

 

[saranita]

You have to think of the long runs, not including food my bearded dragon has cost me over 1000$ but my leopard gecko cost somewhere around 100-150$

 

[AndyT]

Yeah I definitely would not go with a beardie unless you have the money to commit. They are by far the most expensive to care for that you listed. I've spent at least 400 on my guy, and he's still a baby. Not sure on prices for the snakes. I think a corn snake or one of the geckos will be the cheapest.

 

[bambichik39]

I'm not trying to be rude, but honestly you are going to have to do some research. This is a bearded dragon forum.. most of us have other reptiles but you need to go out on the web and find some sites dedicated to those types of animals. The prices vary, and since it seems your only source of income is your birthday, then a bearded dragon isn't going to be the right choice for you. It gets very expensive and thats an expense that cares on from month to month. A small gecko that doesn't require UVB sounds like the best way to go. Your local library is also a great place to look- I researched all my of reptiles (except the ones that kind of found me) prior to purchasing them. They have great books and great websites. Look into the different kinds and see what people think about owning them. Just because a lizard may be cheap, doesn't mean you will keep your interest, which just ends up with a neglected animal. Look into it further and like others have said, think of long term. UVB bulbs are EXPENSIVE! and thats every 6 months. Along with live feeders, food and care for the live feeders, veggies.. and I know we don't stop purchasing stuff for my lizard babies just because we have a great set up. I know I find stuff all the time that I think Pablo would like, just like I'd buy toys for my dog, I'd buy that basking spot or blanket for my beardie.

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

I was looking at a savannah monitor but then figured that it was a bad idea for a starter. Stupid me. Are all monitors bad for starters in general or are tegus okay?