How do you pick a good thick tailed gecko?

Question

Im getting a gecko from a breader in november and im sure he will have a few. Im just wondering what to look for in the gecko. How to know wether its calm or aggresive. I want a calm one. Thanks for your time.

More detailed answers will be better and will have more chance of choosing the best.

Once again, Thanks!

Answer 1

I own 2 leopard geckos and 2 african fat-tailed geckos. My african fat-tailed geckos are way more calm than my leopard geckos but either are great. But he might only have one type of gecko to chose from.

Here are some tips to picking a great gecko:

1.) You want to pick a gecko that looks healthy....look at the color......You would want to pick a gecko with a bright coloring to it.....DO NOT pick a gecko that looks sickly(grey coloring/dull/runny looking eyes/skinny unhealthy looking tail)

2.) You also want to pick a gecko with a healthy looking tail....A more plumb rounded tail would be a better choice...I would stay away from geckos with extremely skinny tails with a wrinkly effect to them....If their young enough, their tails are going to be skinny just make sure they don't have a wrinkly look to them.

3.) If you want a calm gecko the best thing to do is hold him/her before buying it. Slowly reach your hand in front of the gecko and pick it up by sliding your hand under its belly......They will most likely be jumpy b/c they don't know you and their probably not used to alot of handling....NEVER pick the gecko up by its tail....the gecko could drop the tail and even though it grows back it won't look as pretty as the first time.......

Hold several different ones and test them out....You want to make the gecko feel secure....Cup your hands partially around him....Don't let him sit on your hand flat b/c he will most likely jump off....see which one stays with you the calmest...That would be the one you would want to chose....

Just Remember.....Your not going to get a gecko that is completely calm...You'll have to work on that after you buy it...If you hold the gecko enough he will get used to you and used to being handled....

Hope I helped and good luck choosing!

Their great pets to have!

Answer 2

Izzy,

     According to what I've just read on Wikipedia, the Leopard gecko is probably your best bet. It mentions that it is the most calm and does not have "sticky feet"  but has little claws.  Also, it says to move slowly with your hand when approaching them and pick them up from the underbelly rather than try to grab from above.

                                later