Leopard geckos

[bohemimum]

Hi, thinking about getting a leopard gecko and have set aside half term to do some research. Anyone got one? Any tips/ advice? We have two kids age 7 and 10, so think they are responsible to look after it. All info greatly received!

A friend of mine had one when I was a teenager. She used to feed it mice foetuses and would defrost them on her window sil.

We investigated these as a Christmas present for our animal mad 6 yr old and were told that they are nocturnal so if you want to keep them in a bedroom, or are a light sleeper, then they aren't ideal.

So we went the way of the Bearded Dragon instead and DD is still delighted with him - easy to feed, 1 poo a day to pick out and very happy to be handled and live alone.

He gets crickets and mealworms every other day and a selection of fresh leafy veg/carrots. He's converted us.

They are nice little things but not as robust as other reptiles and rather on the long lived side (if you dont kill them with poor husbandry - sorry just being realistic) at 25yrs. I would recommend considering a bearded dragon instead - lifespan 7-8yrs, and more robust, although still lots of research to be done. Nutrition is difficult with all the lizards and they will die if you dont get that and the temperature right.