[drskipjack]

I was wondering how hard N. wheeleri is to keep? I might want to get them sometime, but I am only 13, and my only experience is a blue tongued skink. Would it be possible for me to keep them, or would another species be easier?
Also, how much does a single wheeleri go for in the US?

[meisen]

Wheeleri are probably the second easiest after Underwoodisaurus (Nephrurus to some) milii . Quite easy, if you can keep a blue tongue and do your research I don't think you will have any problems. Getting a healthy animal to start with of course is also key. These guys are durable IMO and I have had zero issues besides a dropped tail (shipping...uggh) on one. I'd try to find a reputable breeder and start looking in the summer/early fall...most babies that folks are going to have are already hatched and/or sold at this point though I do see a few here and there.

Others may disagree with my experience but I think well started babies usually go for around $150-200. Once they are sexable, young males are $125-150 and young females in the $300-350 range. Sometimes you see adult pairs as high as $600 but I personally wouldn't spend that much. I recommend getting one baby to start to see how you do with it then find a mate later down the road if you decide you want to breed them. If you are set on breeding find a trio of babies and see if you can get a deal, should be doable for $400 or less.

Set them up as per Sykes (website or Reptiles article) or any of the basic rough knobtail caresheets out there. I do one additional thing that likely doesnt hurt: I mist mine directly making sure they get it on the head. They always lap this up. That is in addition to misting the outside of the terra cotta pot bottom.

I think (hope?) there is going to be a bumper crop of wheeleri next summer

[meisen]

Just one caveat, all young knobtails are a little tricky to sex IMO. Sometimes wishful thinking gets the best of a breeder too though I think someone actively misleading you is really rare. Usually its just hard to tell and often sexing them amounts to best guess. Or development happens late ie late hemipene poppers *ahem*.

Best is to stick with a reputable seller and not invest too much in the sex of any animal.

BTW don't let anyone try to give you flak or run roughshod over you for your age. I started in the hobby at a really young age too and was breeding Colubrids by 14 or so....likely knew as much and had as much experience as many other hobbyists three times my age. Having supportive parents helped a lot too. Do your research, read, read, read and read some more. And always keep a skeptical view of the self proclaimed internet experts (myself included).

Good Luck and let us know what you wind up with!

[drskipjack]

I would just get a well started, single baby. I don't care what sex. I probably won't be getting one soon, just looking ahead.

[spiddy]

Great posts Meisen. I couldn't agree more. I also give them a "direct spray." As far as sexing, I've been breeding both smooth and rough knobbies for quite a while, and still find the roughs to be difficult. The best way, which is what I try to do, is just to let them grow out. At 10 months old, the ultimate size differential really begins to present itself. That, combined with hemipenes buldge, will cinch it. Unless I'm certain, though, I sell mine as unsexed. The only other care tip that seems to work for me is that I like to let the sand completely dry out prior to my next mist. This is a nephrurus that likes things dry.

[SteveSharpie]

Great advice guys! Wheeleri is the best bet to start out with but be careful it wont be long and you will want more knobs! They are an addiction. I couldnt agree more with Meisen's comment about age, I too started breeding reptiles at a young age(11 years old) I supplied the 3 local pet stores with leopard geckos and bearded dragons by the time I was 12. I also had great parents that supported the heck out of my addiction( with space, money and time). Keep going, gain as much knowledge as you can about the animals you keep. And dont be afraid to make mistakes, over the years I have made tons but I learned from them all.

[Geckology]

Hi

I have had my Wheeleri just four weeks and fell in love with them as soon as I layed eyes on the lil ones but my joy was doubled when I saw them kick sand all over themselves,..that was so kool.

They are pretty eas y to care for a plastic tub with a heatmat underneath a third of floor a drinking dish,...not that they will probably use it,...and 2 hides,...one each end of the enclosure. A digital thermometer each end to monitor temps and a few holes in the sides and top of tub made by a soldering iron,...put an inch of sand in the bottom and presto.

From what I have read on pricing in the USA is a bit disturbing when Mine cost 1200 for a pair just under a yearling and they originate from this country

About 3 yrs or so ago they were around the 2000 and up price mark each.

They are loved by many here but as you can image not many own them not just because they are expensive but they have not been in captivity to long over here.

Anyway they are the bomb and lovem to bits...pics in albums if you'd like to take a look

Cheers,
Brett

[*ZERO*]

I may be getting a pair of Nephrurus soon.. hoping to aquire a pair of rough knob-tails when someone i know goes down to the US for the next expo

that or a pair of Helmeted Geckos