First Timer

[Kate!]

Im looking to buy my first exotic pet. Ive posted an introduction to share some general information about myself and my situation. As i said, im looking to buy my first exotic pet and im having a bit of a difficult time deciding. I understand you guys must get alot of these type of posts so i apologize now.

Im after a pet that has easy/medium needs and requirements. I would like something that is not too small but not too large and a breed that likes occassional handling. Right now im leaning more towards chameleons and bearded dragons. I originally planned on crested geckos but i decided i would like something slightly bigger in size that i could handle with confidence, which does not require an arboreal vivarium.

Any help is much appriciated
Kate

[olivine]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Of the species that you mentioned, beardies would meet your requirements most closely. Chameleons, though stunning, do require arboreal vivs and are generally considered more of a display species: they tend to become easily stressed when handled.

Another alternative would be leopard geckos: though they're smaller than beardies, they tend to be relatively calm and handleable. The set-up required by a leo is less complicated than that needed by a beardie and, overall, their running costs are considerably cheaper too (as you can probably tell, I'm biased towards geckos!).

[jools]

Hi and welcome! If you like beardies then they are great but they do need a 4x2x2 foot viv which your parents might not like. Had you thought about a Rankins dragon? They are very similar to a beardie but smaller. Like olivine I also love geckos - leopard geckos come in loads of different morphs (colours) and make great pets.

[ChrisGogs]

Originally Posted by olivine

Chameleons, though stunning, do require arboreal vivs and are generally considered more of a display species: they tend to become easily stressed when handled.

I can second this. Chameleons even after a small amount of handling do become extremely stressed. And require a arboreal Viv and very specific conditions.

I Found this out buy buying first thinking later! And unfortunately had to return Pop back to the store.

Beardies however are extremely hardy! I have known of alot of people to frankly abuse these animals and they have been fine, I am not however saying I agree with this!

I am currently looking into my next pet! And I think I am going to get a Creste Gecko! They seem like an awesome pet, And apprently are the best lizard to handle!

[jonodrama]

go for leopard geckos. there are plenty of friendly breeders on the forum and like others have said the set up& feeding costs are cheaper. Don't worry you'll have plenty of time to enjoy keeping other lizards.
welcome to the forum

[Kate!]

Crested Geckos were my original choice but i wanted something a bit more larger. Im not really a fan of Leopard Geckos. Im still considering a crested gecko as i think that would be a very good starter lizard, especially with it being small in size. I just worry about the handling of it, with it being a small, jumpy breed, i would be scared of it jumping out of my grasp and something happening to it. But with the bearded dragon its larger in size and would seem more manageable and substancial, if that makes sense?

[lukendaniel]

Originally Posted by Kate!

Crested Geckos were my original choice but i wanted something a bit more larger. Im not really a fan of Leopard Geckos. Im still considering a crested gecko as i think that would be a very good starter lizard, especially with it being small in size. I just worry about the handling of it, with it being a small, jumpy breed, i would be scared of it jumping out of my grasp and something happening to it. But with the bearded dragon its larger in size and would seem more manageable and substancial, if that makes sense?

if you havent done so already go to your local shop and see if you can handle a few things to see what you like the look and feel of best.

if your local to notts at all your more than welcome to visit our shop for any help or with questions



daniel www.lndexotics.co.uk

[Kate!]

I live up in Liverpool so i wont be able to visit your shop. I will however scout out a nearby exotic pet store and go check some different breeds out. Thanks for that advice.

[ChrisGogs]

Originally Posted by Kate!

Crested Geckos were my original choice but i wanted something a bit more larger. Im not really a fan of Leopard Geckos. Im still considering a crested gecko as i think that would be a very good starter lizard, especially with it being small in size. I just worry about the handling of it, with it being a small, jumpy breed, i would be scared of it jumping out of my grasp and something happening to it. But with the bearded dragon its larger in size and would seem more manageable and substancial, if that makes sense?

They Grow to about 6-8" which isnt bad! When they are babys obviously they are very small but if you look on you tube there are many videos of how to handle them,

Have a look at this one Handling Crested Geckos: How to Care for Crested Geckos | eHow.com

Hope this helps

[olivine]

Originally Posted by ChrisGogs

I am currently looking into my next pet! And I think I am going to get a Creste Gecko! They seem like an awesome pet, And apprently are the best lizard to handle!

From personal experience, I would say that young cresties are actually considerably more of a handful than some of the other species I keep: they can be very skittish and quite jumpy. Although they do generally calm down eventually, other Rhac (gargs and mossies), plus species such as leos actually seem easier to handle than cresties, initially at least.