Leopard or African Fat-tail Gecko Pre-purchase Questionnaire Are you ready for the commitment?

Your name: Phone or email: General Questions I am considering a Leopard / Fat-Tail gecko (please circle appropriate animal) Are Leopard / Fat-Tail geckos primarily nocturnal or diurnal lizards? Are they terrestrial or arboreal? How big do they get? How long do they live? Enclosure Questions Are you considering this animal for a pet, or for breeding stock? Do you have an enclosure ready for your animal, and if so what are you considering using? Heat: What is the preferred heating method for these geckos? What is the recommended temperature? Should the entire cage be at this temperature? Why or why not? How much light do they need per day, and of what kind? Substrate: What are two good choices for substrate? What is a common BAD choice for substrate (hint: causes impaction)? Shelter: Where do these geckos like to hide in the wild, and what makes a good hide in captivity?

How many hides should be provided per animal? What is a humid-hide good for, and how would you make one? What can happen to the gecko if you don’t have a humid-hide? Which animal likes more humidity? Leo or AFT? Water/Minerals: What mineral is most important for a gecko’s growth? List two methods of how it will get this mineral? How often should you provide fresh water for this gecko? Food Questions What two foods make up the majority of these captive geckos diets? What other foods will be accepted by these geckos? How much and how often should you be feeding your gecko? How big of food is appropriate for your gecko? How should you prepare your gecko’s food to be most nutritional? Health Questions Are these geckos clean or dirty animals? How often should you clean a gecko’s enclosure? What are the benefits? What would you do if you had a health concern for your gecko?

Shedding: How often do these geckos shed their skin? How long does it take? What does the gecko do with its old skin? Why do geckos shed their skin? How can you help your gecko shed its skin? What can you do if your gecko doesn’t shed its skin off its toes completely? What does it mean if your gecko’s color is becoming dull? Handling: Do these geckos like being handled? Are Leopard Geckos or African Fat-Tail Geckos more calm? Will handling them more be better or worse for their disposition? How should you pick up a gecko? Will pulling off a gecko’s tail harm it? Will it re-grow, and what would it look like a year after it was pulled off? Reproduction: Which are larger, male or female geckos? How can you tell the sex if they are the same size? Can you keep male geckos together? Why or why not? Can you keep female geckos together? Why or why not? Is it best to buy wild-caught geckos, or captive-bred geckos? Why? Do you still want a gecko?

Do you think you are ready for the commitment? I am purchasing gecko# and promise to care for it to the best of my ability. If health issues arise, I will seek help, including veterinary assistance when required. Signed If under 18, person responsible for the animal: Signed Some web sites recommended for additional information are: EdmontonReptiles.com (ERAS); TheUrbanGecko.com; AlbertaBredGeckos.com; GeckosEtc.com and GeckosUnlimited.com. We hope this helps prepare for the commitment of a gecko – for the animal’s sake and yours. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns. Corey Hochachka (TrogMan on the ERAS forums) Award-winning Founder and Senior Photographer Troglodyte Photography Inc. - illustrative photography and digital imaging - (780) 903-7486 www.TrogPhoto.com "A picture is worth 1000 words, we do the editing"