Thinking about getting an AFT

Vector · #1 03-30-2011, 03:36 PM

I saw some pics of some albino AFTs and I fell in love. I've been doing a little research on them but I have two questions. Is it true that unlike leopard geckos, AFTs cannot have mealworms as a staple? Also, I've heard they are a lot more shy than leos, though it does depend on the individual gecko. What are their personalities like compared to leos? Are they more calm, skittish, etc?

Eclair · #2 03-30-2011, 04:28 PM

I believe the rumor is that they actually just don't like mealworms. I fed mine a freshly molted mealworm once, and he ate it. Personally, I wouldn't feed mealworms as a stable, no matter the species of Gecko.

What do you mean by shy? When it comes to handling, they're very docile, and take on this "do what you must," persona. But, when lounging around the viv, he's always in a hide.

I've never owned a Leo, but I've heard AFTs are a lot less jumpy. There isn't really a taming phase. AFTs are just, naturally calm. At least, that's what my experience is telling me.

cookie · #3 04-02-2011, 01:32 AM

I have two AFT. They are VERY calm and lovable, Unlike the leo's they are not likely to run or jump out of your hands or snip at you. I've also had 2 leos, Their really just a hand full. I like the Fat tail a lot more. But that's my opinion

I've tried to feed mine meal-worms and they just didn't take to them, so I give them crickets. I'm trying to get my female to eat wax worms but she wont touch them either.

They love to sleep during the day, but mine are VERY active once its sunset.

Eclair · #4 04-02-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie

I have two AFT. They are VERY calm and lovable, Unlike the leo's they are not likely to run or jump out of your hands or snip at you. I've also had 2 leos, Their really just a hand full. I like the Fat tail a lot more. But that's my opinion

I've tried to feed mine meal-worms and they just didn't take to them, so I give them crickets. I'm trying to get my female to eat wax worms but she wont touch them either.

They love to sleep during the day, but mine are VERY active once its sunset.

I had to grab the wax worm with my feeding tongs and move it around in front of my AFT. He bit at it a few times, and spit it out, but eventually ate it.

cookie · #5 04-02-2011, 03:39 PM

I've tried to do that with her but she just walked away. But I need her to eat them.

josabby · #6 04-09-2011, 10:38 PM

I have three fat tail geckos that are all at least as calm as my most docile leos. I got my two females when they were about 10 weeks old and they were mildly skiddish at that point, but they are both very calm now. I got my male last fall and he has always been calm. They aren't as easy to find as leos unless you go to the right expo, but I would actually recommend a fat tail over a leo for a beginner because of their desposition. Mine have never liked meal worms like my leos, pictus, frog eyes, and crusties do, but they like crickets, wat worms and butterworms.