[masqurin]

Hello everyone As i joined tarantula hobby a few years ago now i want to join gecko, too I have seen a few basic guides how to look after geckos etc.
At the moment I am looking for a gecko I could buy. I live in Northern Ireland and there are not many shops that sell "that" type of animals. To buy my tarantulas I had to order them in England. I was wondering if you know any shops that could have them? I noticed that there are some people selling geckos on this forum.
I would like to buy any of these species:
-r.ciliatus
-Naultinus grayii
-Naultinus e. elegans
-Naultinus manukanus
-Naultinus rudis
-Naultinus stellatus

I really like green lmao

Would you advice them for beginner and if you have any tips about geckos I would love to hear them. I was wondering if these species are rare and how much would they cost(more-less)? And at what age should i buy a gecko?

Thanks in advance
Regards, Masqurin

[Olivine]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

All Naultinus sp geckos are fully protected: export of these species from their native New Zealand is therefore banned (although, sadly, some are still being smuggled out illegally). Although there are a few keepers in Europe who acquired animals before the ban came into force in 1996, these species are very rarely offered for sale (the breeders who have them normally swap them among themselves to mix bloodlines rather than offering the for sale). I'm afraid that the chances of you finding one are therefore extremely remote; and, if they are offered for sale, then the price tag they normally command runs into the £1,000s.

Crested geckos (R. ciliatus) on the other hand are widely available; they're one of the most commonly kept gecko species. Cresties are an ideal beginner species, as they're relatively easy to care for. Two of the best care sheets I've come across can be found on the Rhac Shack and Treasure Crest websites: both contain excellent information on crestie care.

Prices for cresties normally start at about £40 - £50, though the cost varies depending upon the morph (colour / pattern of the animal); popular morphs, such as harlequins and pinstripes tend to cost more (up to a few hundred pounds for an exceptional animal, especially if it's a female). In terms of age, it's entirely a matter of personal choice, as there's not really that much to choose between a young juvenile or an adult (though young animals can be more jumpy / skittish). If you do decide on getting a youngster though, I'd make sure that it's at least eight weeks old (any reputable breeder won't sell them before this age, as it gives them a chance to make sure that the animal is eating / growing / pooping / shedding with no problems: sadly, there are some breeders who aren't quite so conscientious).

I keep cresties myself, so if you have any questions, just ask

[masqurin]

Thanks for a very quick respond from your side
I am going to move to New Zealand then
But in case i won't, where could i buy them?
And is there any possibility to sent geckos by a post (courrier)?
Or i have to look for shop in my local area?
Its uk forum isnt it? So maybe someone could sell me one or two here
If you can sent geckos by a post do you know any internet shops that actually sell them?

Thanks again!
Regards, masqurin

P.S Thanks for your guides, I found them very helpfull

[Olivine]

There are plenty of people breeding cresties now, so you may be able to find a local breeder (finding a crestie is much easier than finding most other geckos species!). If we knew where you were based (just a rough idea not the specific location), then someone may be able to recommend a breeder local to you.

Although you can't normally send live animals (except for invertebrates) using a standard courier service (like DHL), TNT does provide an overnight delivery service that's used by a few breeders / shops (I think this normally costs around £30). Personally, I'd avoid this though; there are no guarantees of the conditions that the animal will be kept in overnight and, although I'm sure many people have used the service with no problems, I've also heard some real horror stories about it.

There are also several specially licensed animal couriers; these normally offer same day delivery and are therefore slightly more expensive (generally £40 - £50 on a multiple drop 'run', where the courier collects animals from various sellers and delivers them to different buyers on the same day). Many breeders are happy to use a licensed courier as long as it's at the buyers expense (about half of my geckos have been delivered by courier and I've never had a problem so far).

PS Don't forget that the breeding season is just getting into full swing, so the first hatchlings of the season will be available over the course of the next month or two.

[masqurin]

I live in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Do you know any breeders near that area?

[barnsie2212]

I have a breeding pair of giant day geckos for sale with full set up everything included if interested