Have you been thinking about caring for a reptile as a pet but don't have much experience in the area.  You've seen them in pet stores or maybe at a reptile show but are not sure what questions to ask to ensure you make the best decision for you, your family and your new pet. You've narrowed your selection down to two-  a crested gecko and a leopard gecko.  But which to choose!  Below, I will help answer this question for you.

Here are some similarities-  Both geckos are smaller in size (about 10 inches maximum) and a male and female can be managed easily in about a 20 gallon enclosure.  They are both easily handled and readily become accustomed to being held in just a little time.  I feel both geckos are simply adorable as well.  Leopard and crested geckos are readily available at pet stores and on-line, of course including our Web Store.  Concerning health, the two geckos are considered extremely healthy with few issues.  In fact, both have a lifespan of over 15 years!  If breeding is ultimately your goal, both animals are a great starter reptiles to breed- from getting eggs to hatching the eggs out.  For the advanced breeder, both have outstanding patterns and color varieties that will make even the most advanced breeder drool with envy.

But there are differences.  The leopard gecko requires live feeder insects.  Crested geckos, while they enjoy hopping and crawling meals, readily eats the Repahsy Crested Gecko Diet, which is an inexpensive, complete meal.  We feed CGD but also offer crickets on weekends.  PLUS 2 for Crested geckos (live food not required and less expensive to feed)

Leopard geckos require a heat gradiance.  About 20-30 % of the enclosure should be around 90-95 degrees. This is attainable with an Under The Tank heater.  Crested geckos do just fine at room temps.  +1 Crested Geckos

Ability to handle- while both are at the top of the reptile list, I would say crested geckos are more handle-able  PLUS 1/2 for Crested Geckos

Health-  Both are normally very healthy animals but leopard geckos do occasionally succumb to a disease call cryptosporidian.  I have never had an issue with crested geckos  PLUS 1/2 Crested Geckos

Colors/Morphs-  leopard geckos are very predictable in producing offspring due to co-dominance and recessive genes.  Crested genes determination is still all up in the air.  While it is interesting to see specific, expected results from leopard gecko breeding, it is certainly fun to see what crested gecko babies turn out to be.  Push as neither gets the advantage (depending on what your preference might be).

As you can see, there are a few advantages to the crested gecko-  food preference, cost of ownership (live insects/heatpads,etc), etc.  This is not an easy decision but, I can relate that we sell many more crested geckos to new families looking for their first reptile pet, and more leopard geckos to    I hope this helps make the decision right for you.