Should I get a Golden (Lemom) Gecko?

iluvfoals

iluvfoals

New member
Hey it's me!! I have really been wanting a lemon (golden) gecko!! :biggrin: :banana: :biggrin:
I went on 2 websites, BackWater Reptiles and one other website-- Big Apple Herp..? No, don't think so... anyway, they are 10 dollars on the websites but FORTY DOLLARS for shipping. :yikes::cry::yikes:

So I think I WILL buy one, but is one right for me? I mean, I only (am going to have) $20. Only $10 at moment but.....

Thanks!

Dani
 
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Riverside Reptiles

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
You need to consider first what you're going to get for your $10 gecko from either of those places...
1) it WILL be a wild caught animal (likely nearly dead)
2) it will likely need many more dollars in veterinary care once it arrives
3) both of those places are simply middle men and will never even see the animal that you're getting. They will simply have it dropped shipped from a wholesale facility.

You're going to get what you pay for and if you purchase a $10 gecko, that's exactly what you're going to get.
My suggestion to you is to go to a local reptile show so that you can at least see the animal that you're buying (this will also save you money on shipping).
OR...save your money until you can afford to buy a quality captive bred animal from a well known breeder that you can trust.
I'd opt for the second option personally.
 
Marauderhex

Marauderhex

New member
Golden geckos (Gekko badeni, see Ethan I learned something new in that thread) are great display animals. I would hesitate to call them pets, as they are very skittish and secretive in nature. I currently have two females. One I picked up a few summers ago, the other I've had since 2004. I got really lucky with my older one as she came from a pretty shady pet store. I would also recommend saving up and buying from a reputable breeder (although there aren't many breeders of golden geckos), or at least buying from a reptile show where you can see what you are getting.
 
Marauderhex

Marauderhex

New member
BTW: Backwater Reptiles has quite a bad reputation in the community. I wouldn't trust them to deliver a quality animal.
 
XoVictoryXo

XoVictoryXo

New member
I hate to sound rude but I think you should enjoy the pets you have now and care for them the best you can. I dont think any 10 year olds should rush into accumulating too many pets. Are your parents okay with another pet expense? The price of the golden gecko is only a fraction of the expense, last week you mentioned u couldnt afford a proper set up for ur male and now u are breeding leos. Slow down and enjoy what you have!
 
iluvfoals

iluvfoals

New member
Thanks. :) I dont think I am really breeding leos and now I can afford males tank :) I think so, anyway. i am also freeing hunter
 
iluvfoals

iluvfoals

New member
And yes. My parents say I can. Actually, they told me I could. I didn't even try to get one they told me I could and if you don't have money to buy any reptiles you want you'd take every chance you did too! Sry if that sounded rude...
 
iluvfoals

iluvfoals

New member
I mean not if you dont have money to buy them i am saying if u didnt have money like i dont then u'd take very chance possible ;)
 
billewicz

billewicz

New member
Marauderhex said:
BTW: Backwater Reptiles has quite a bad reputation in the community. I wouldn't trust them to deliver a quality animal.
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Fist off, go to the show and see what they have to offer. Captive breed are not very common because they are sooooo cheap as imports.

But I will say that I've done several transactions with the Backwater gang and they were great and animals were in wonderful condition. I say this because you can fine good and bad vendors at shows too. The difference, as noted by Ethan, is that you get to see the animals before you buy them.

Good luck and enjoy the show.
 
billewicz

billewicz

New member
iluvfoals said:
Thanks. :) I am also freeing hunter
Click to expand...

Ummm, FYI: I'm not sure what type of reptile Hunter is but any long term captive, even a domestic reptile found in your locale, should not be released back into the wild.

This animal is now used to being provided a limited food type but in quantities not normal in the wild. Hunter may starve or become prey because it no longer has a natural fear since it has been a 'pet'.

The other issue is if Hunter has picked up a disease from cage mates or feeders, it can transmit this to the wild population for which there may not be any immunity.

This is why reptile shelters and rehabs do not release long term captives. Only animals that have been isolated and treated to strict protocols for future release.
 
aquamentus_11

aquamentus_11

New member
I admittedly don't know much about golden geckos in particular, but I have been a 10 year old and know that you will not be happy with a display animal. You may convince yourself that you won't handle him, but the temptation will be constant. I usually steer away from making statements telling people how they will feel, but I will guarantee this one. You sound like a good owner, but the fact remains that display animals are hands-off and that's not as much fun for someone who wants interaction. I don't know which species you currently have, but we can help you make a list of species that suit your expectations and desires if you want. Don't mean to condescend, man, but I know that I would want something I could take out and look at once in awhile.
 
Riverside Reptiles

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
It's a skink that they found in their garage. It should be released as it hasn't been captive long.

billewicz said:
Ummm, FYI: I'm not sure what type of reptile Hunter is but any long term captive, even a domestic reptile found in your locale, should not be released back into the wild.

This animal is now used to being provided a limited food type but in quantities not normal in the wild. Hunter may starve or become prey because it no longer has a natural fear since it has been a 'pet'.

The other issue is if Hunter has picked up a disease from cage mates or feeders, it can transmit this to the wild population for which there may not be any immunity.

This is why reptile shelters and rehabs do not release long term captives. Only animals that have been isolated and treated to strict protocols for future release.
Click to expand...
 
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