Where to look...
Rukia, Local pet shop find of mine
|
There a multiple ways to find and purchase Crested geckos.....no longer do you have to look locally! So depending on what you are after will depend on how you decide to go about looking for the right crestie for you.
These are: Local pet store: Big or small, there are many local reptile shops and large chain companies that now stock crested geckos, this is usually a popular choice for first time buyers of reptiles. These crested geckos can come from a range of backgrounds-
|
There are no wild caught (WC) crested geckos, the few that are left around are held with breeders or hobby keepers. Pet store crested geckos do not necessarily equate to poor quality, though lineage/background (this refers to known parentage and/or breeder, something that is valued particularly more with breeders) is usually very limited to non existent. It will be common to see multiples in one setup, husbandry can be a little off and from my experience what they are feeding is sometimes not quite right. This will vary from store to store as their are equally good and bad shops to buy from. Whilst a local reptile store and indeed sometimes a larger chain can have a wealth of valuable information, you should always make sure you do your research prior purchase. Bad or outdated information can and does get given out so use multiple resources when learning how to care for your crestie...not just an employee's say (this will also apply to the others options below).
Reptile expo/show: These can make for brilliant events, depending on the show/expo they can range from a small breeders meeting to larger scaled event for breeders to sell surplus geckos or for companies to sell dry produce/goods. This is a great way to meet and be able to talk to a breeder face to face. There is usually a charge for entry.
The UK only has one large show that is held three times a year. This takes place in Doncaster (commonly referred to as Donny), there are other much smaller expo's. The US have multiple large and small shows across the country, one of the most popular i've seen mentioned being Tinley held in Tinley Park, Illinois. |
Ragnar, found at Kempton show UK (no longer running), now owned by Christies Cresties
|
The EU's biggest show is Hamm reptile expo in Germany. Not only a large show to mooch around but Hamm also provides the opportunity to import cresties from other countries, for example US to the UK and visa versa. Again this is only held a few times a year and can be used as a exchange/middle point for some reptiles before they continue to their final destination. Not all breeders are happy to Ship/courier internationally so this is something you would have to discuss directly with the breeder due to the need of multiple couriers/shipping handlers and varying cost. Dutch Dragons Imports are usually used for international shipping too and from.
Join a national reptile group to find out whats going on new you :)
Join a national reptile group to find out whats going on new you :)
Spudnik Owned by myself, produced by Extreme Cresties
|
Local...and not so local breeders: There are plenty of companies that now allow for reptiles to be shipped (US term) or Couriered within the country (or as previously mentioned - as part of an international purchase). However, specific companies tend to come and go so always research into a reptile courier prior booking. Again, not all breeders will ship or courier (preferring sales in person), some may require that you yourself book it...others will help or do it for you. Fee's will range based on distance and the company being used. If you are in the UK then ask for the recommendations (some breeders will have a preferred choice) and reviews....most importantly, ensure they hold a DEFRA licence (Department for Environment, food and rural affairs.) Do not be tempted to use a mail service in the UK like Royal mail, if this is suggested then look for a different breeder.
|
For the US the most popular and usually recommended company for shipping is with Ship your reptiles (SYR).
The time of year and the temperatures does play into shipping. Heat pads may be required for cooler temps or receiving of your wee one may have to wait till weather improves, so do not be surprised if a breeder wants to delay a reasonable amount of time due to weather on their or your end. This should all be discussed and ranged properly with the breeder you would like to buy from. If you are wanting more closer to home then the internet is great for classified. Search local reptile groups, ask about local breeders, use sites like gumtree/craigslist/preloved. You'll be a little more restricted in whats available and when ones available but they can usually be found. Rescues: There are also multiple reptile rescue centres that may have a crestie that needs a new home, again, ensure you research them, make sure they are a genuine rescue before proceeding. Regardless of how you decide to obtain your crestie, ensure that you research the breeder or place that you are buying from. There are sites dedicated to reporting known scammers or problem sellers, examples being FaunaClassifieds, Facebook: FBI - feedback and inquiries for reptiles and facebook: Herpetoculture feedback and inquiry. Always read the TOS (terms of service) when buying from a site or breeder page, again it is there for you, this will outline the terms of sale and what the breeder may guarantee you under certain circumstances. If you are buying over the internet try to always use Paypal and never send as friends and family. This is IMO for your protection and to help reduce the chance in being scammed. |
Giselle produced by Geckodiet, owned by myself
|