Should I keep/breed P. Tigrinus????

[hdavidf309]

So a while back, I got a single P. Tigrinus (Tiger gecko) youngster from Jon Boone in a trade situation and it has been growing and eating for some time now. It is a Zimbabwe form and is CURRENTLY 4 months old (approximate) and looks to be female. My question is should I get a mate (or more than 1) for it to breed with, or will it over run me too much with Tigrinus? BASICALLY..... do you feel it is wise to keep/breed these pretty animals (in addition to maybe 11 other species) in just a 10'x10' space......or will I get overrun and it will take up too much space. please elaborate.....and maybe give me a good baby housing option for larger #s (?). Thanks!

 

[Marauderhex]

I'd say that unless you have a plan for selling/giving away the babies, don't breed. It's a lot of time and money, feeding/housing the babies until they've sold, getting more vivs for the babies as they mature, if you plan on keeping all that you produce (which isn't really a viable reality with tigrinus since they are such a female heavy species).

 

[Kremlin]

Hi Dave,

I should actually be the expert on this topic but unfortunately I'm not! Pity, because I actually live in South Africa! But as time passes I should actually start studying my local species of geckos, I'll keep you updated!

Arno.

 

[mikew1234]

If you organize your space properly, 10X10 is more than enough to keep quite a few species. Especially smaller ones. With the right shelving and organization, You could 15-30 enclosures per wall. 12x12x18 is enough to hold a trio IMO. But they are extremely prolific. Females can lay 10 eggs a season, and my friend's trio gets towards 30 eggs. If you enjoy them, and feel you can get rid of some of the babies, then I see no harm. This hobby is about keeping what YOU enjoy first and foremost. If you like it, chances are there's another crazy gecko fan that will want it too.

 

[hdavidf309]

I agree with you on that. To me, 10 eggs per season should be no problem to sell.....30 being a bit more difficult (lol), but not impossible - especially if you sell some wholesale. that said, I appreciate your comment and in the end I DO AGREE that when it comes down to it, I am a hobbyist and I should only keep what I personally enjoy. With P. Tigrinus, I am still on the fence at this point. They are great geckos, but I am not sure they are what I want to keep in those #s (as opposed to other desired species). Just my thoughts. thank you!