What would be a better lizard for a kid.?? She's 9 years old. She wants to get a pair of lizards and I don't know what would be better a pair of Leos or a pair of Cresteds?? I figure the lizard keepers here would be able to tell me what would be easier on her husbandry wise.

Alan

I would have to say leopard gecko just because they are a little easier to handle, but in terms of husbandry they are about the same difficulty level but thats just me.

I have never owned cresties but most people say they are more willing to be held than leos. But my big LVAP leo female is a total sweetheart and doesnt mind being handled at all.

Id say leo. They get a little bigger, a little sturdier and not quite as jumpy. Easier for a child to hold I would think. Also tails arent as delicate. I mean if you yank on 'em yeah they'll come off but not as easily as a crested.

Care if on par but if I had to pick which one is easier Id have to go with leo. Only drawback I can think of is leos require all live food while crested can eat a prepared diet with insects being only a small part of it.

Thanks for the replies fellas. So I'm going to go with the leos.. I just have to wait until the Reading for Reptiles program gets rolling!! I want her to do some research and learn on her own how to take care of them..

Alan

I just had this talk with a guy from work...we are trying a gargoyle gecko with his 4 year old daughter who wanted a snake but mom said no....

They looked at leos and some of the other geckos but she liked the cresteds until I talked to him about the jumpy nature even as adults compared to my gargs. A little stocker when they grow plus no heat and the food....

The food argument I believe is what won the choice to try a gargoyle.

All has been well for the past month, she feeds it, sprays it and even has it licking a bit of the food off her hand to get used to her. The next step is taking it out more often but that will come in time...

You might consider an african fat tail. The care is identicle to a leo and personally I think they're a bit calmer

The leos, fat tails, and cresteds are super easy to keep... but as far as handling goes I'd go with a bearded dragon. I really like those lizards as pets.

I agree with chandler id go with a garg on ease of care and handabilty

leos are a good second choice..i also personally like uros as well but a little more care specifics

grunt
tough to argue against the crestie.
powdered food, room temp, no lighting requirements.
my kids('98 and '96) have been doing the care without my help for the past year.
they can be handled, they don't throw their tails as readily as was once thought. we've got 8 total from 2 months to 2 years, all have tails. ( hope i didn't just jinx myself )
ck

So here is my two cents or is that 10 cents due to inflation .....

We got the cresties -- the kids love them -- however -- they jumped dropped tails, ran up walls, hid behind snake racks great fun for the kids -- not great fun for the mom that had to wrangle them back into the cage. If you get them already established and handleable that may be your best bet as I've had some issues with getting the babies established and mellow and spent a great deal of time hunting them down from behind the snake racks. Some are really easy going especially if they are bigger and older -- but I just had my female drop her tail because I spooked her while removing her food bowl from the cage - bit of a downer and if it happens to a child they might freak or somehow feel they did something wrong (so be prepared to address that beforehand). So for ease of care I give them a solid 9 small cage no special diet or lighting - for handle-ability I give them a 6 depending on age, personality and if you are quick and like chasing down small critters.

Now the Chameleons (which aren't on your list but I'll throw them in here) are wonderful -- the kids love them -- and they don't run off and rarely jump -- they require a bug diet and lighting -- some don't care much for handling -- some don't mind. Depending on how soon the newness of the pet wears off for your child these are wonderful lizards. For these guys I give them a 7 for ease of care, an 8 for handle-ability. But be forewarned that they don't have the longest lifespan (could be a plus or minus depending on your thoughts one the subject)

Beardies -- yep everyone said beardies are the best childs pet. They don't jump or run off much -- they are cool to chill with. They are as my son found out - kinda boring. They do require the special lighting/heating and diet and big cage - so keep that in mind before you go there. Solid 10 for handle-ability - 7 for ease of care - 4 for interest.

I do not have any leos or fat tails so I will defer on those.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to take her to a show and let her see what type she wants. I like the cresties and leos.. But I've heard the beardeds are good for kids. I've never seen the gargoyles I'll have to check them out. Chams how big do they get?? I thought they were a bigger lizard.. I'm going to be researching all these for awhile. LOL Thanks again.

Alan