??? re CWD

lisagordier · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2005, 07:29 PM

As I've been reading about all sorts of lizards AND it seems most statements on the CWD are that they can be difficult to care for. Is it best (as a beginner) to stick with the Leopard Geckos?

Joanna · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2005, 07:31 PM

get a beardie!! they're like little puppies, except not as furry!!

TheOtherAndy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2005, 07:43 PM

This is going to sound a little weird, but yeah, I'd suggest you stick with geckos. I've kept a lot of different lizards over the years, but one thing I think escapes people is that many of them are just too intelligent to keep in a cage their entire lives. Of course, lots of people take that as an excuse to try to turn them into a kitty cat or puppy dog. I think thats pretty lame too. They're fascinating animals, can be very pretty, and very personable, but at the end of the day it just doesn't seem worth it to me anymore. 16 years of herping suggests to me that geckos and snakes aren't quite hip to the fact that they're being held against their will, and otherwise have all the same positive qualities as other herps. I really got into lizards because of their intelligence and their personalities...while that end was rewarding, it's also what got me out of them in the end. Snakes and geckos from here on out for me.

steph86 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2005, 08:25 PM

I think u should just stick w/ a gecko. I just became a gecko uhh... mommy (i guess thats the easiest way to put it). Ppl r so right when they say they r great for beginners because they r so easy to take care of and they can be lost of fun and have great personalities. But in the end u will be the one making the choice on what u want. So good luck. Also one more thing u can always start w/ a gecko just so u get a hang of how to take care of them and then always get something else later on. Hopefully that made sense.

lisagordier · #5 (**permalink**) 07-19-2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steph86

I think u should just stick w/ a gecko. I just became a gecko uhh... mommy (i guess thats the easiest way to put it). Ppl r so right when they say they r great for beginners because they r so easy to take care of and they can be lost of fun and have great personalities. But in the end u will be the one making the choice on what u want. So good luck. Also one more thing u can always start w/ a gecko just so u get a hang of how to take care of them and then always get something else later on. Hopefully that made sense.

Yep, makes sense.
Thanks also to those others that commented. My friend has a full grown beardie and he is very personable critter. But she did state that he can be demanding.

And, yes I know about all the different types of personalities reptiles can have. I've currently got a lovely RTB/Salmon Boa mix and she can be a handful. But I also love lizards (and geckos). But I'm pretty sure I want to start small.

Thanks for the input everyone.

02SXViper · #6 (**permalink**) 07-19-2005, 07:10 PM

i have a cwd, they are awesome...and yes they CAN be difficult to care for....but not really....ok lemme explain...,
his cage

heat light, uva/b light, a fake tree for climbing, large water bowl, and basically a half log (5$) and for substrate acoconut bark....bam, cage set up, very easy

feeding: about 4-5 dozen crickets a week (mine is a big eater, until late) and a few meal worms, bam easy

they are very clean, only going to the potty in their water bowl, which you must change every day.

cage is a 20L and will be big enough for about a year or longer maybe 1.5 years

in the end they are EASY to care for but hard to handle cuz they are so hyper and fast.

hard to care for? only when they get sick, if they get sick...because then you need to pry open they steel jaw, to give meds and maybe if its bad force a worm or cricket in their mouth.

otherwise im sorry but i can't agree with everyone, i think they are easy to care for...just hard to handle

strikerratt · #7 (**permalink**) 07-19-2005, 07:23 PM

cwd are not hard to handle maybe your is but not all

lisagordier · #8 (**permalink**) 07-19-2005, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02SXViper

hard to care for? only when they get sick, if they get sick...because then you need to pry open they steel jaw, to give meds and maybe if its bad force a worm or cricket in their mouth.

Whew, I can relate to that. Me & my snake were sick at the same time. Hubby said it took quite a bit to open her jaws to get the medicine down. And then it took a good 2 weeks before she'd even go back over to him!

Thanks for the other info. I guess, just with any pet/critter, it's just what you're willing to put into it.

leerankin · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2005, 09:39 PM

stick with the geckoes for the experience but if you have the space waterdragons make good pets and make as good pets as bearded dragons regarding handling and such but provide a big bowl so they can soak in it and a lot of space with plenty of branches and things and humidity is maintained they make great pet lizards
i used to have a pair of WDs and they get to 3ft or more in adult males but the females stay smaller at 2.5 feet but is still a size to consider....
as Joanna suggested beardies are good as they have a lot of character and in relation to other lizards stay quite small at 50cm(2ft in german giants etc),theres plenty of caresheets and people who keep them so youll get great help
good luck with your choice
lee

buck2003 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-21-2005, 09:54 PM

I'd also stick with a leopard gecko! There really nice lil guys! With great colours too!
You got years and years ahead of you for other stuff, so IMO start of with something that doesnt need as much lizard husbandry experience/requirements for now. Though its your choice, I'm sure you'd devote a lot of love and have it returned from a leo. Do what you feel comftable with.
Ps my 2nd choice would be beardie!

Buck

NicoleRussell · #11 (**permalink**) 07-21-2005, 10:11 PM

stick with a gecko unless you want the added expense of UVB and extra electricity....

lisagordier · #12 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 01:32 PM

Thanks. You "guys" are so cool. My friend mentioned she might get a set for my birthday. So they won't be lonley. That'd be cool. Wow. Got my RTB for my birthday and now maybe some geckos! Cool!

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