Thursday, April 26, 2007

Rhacodactylus ciliatus - Leapin Lizards...

...Yes, I went and took the leap once again. Last Sunday I went to the New York Metro Reptile Expo. While there, I helped to man the Long Island Herpetological Society (LIHS) table and give out info about reptiles and amphibians to folks who needed help with their pets; and I also got rid of a few of my excess herps. After getting rid of a pair of Bearded Dragons, a California Kingsnake, and a Hermann's Tortoise, I sort of figured I just had to buy something.

Since my male Crested Gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) has been a loner for a few months now, I decided to get him a mate. He thinks she is gorgeous, or at least I hope that he does. I am hopeful that she will be laying fertile eggs before too long; meaning that he found her attractive and did his part. I am pretty sure he will oblige, then all I can hope for is that she is productive.

I don't know about you, but I enjoy keeping these little critters, that is along with my fish, frog, turtles, tortoise, snakes, dwarf hamsters mice, and dogs. Yes we have a small zoo, that changes in size, and in some of its occupants, on a recurring basis. In my opinion, herps (reptiles and amphibians) are great animals to keep as a pet hobbyist. While none are truly responsive like a dog or a cat, some of them make great pets in the more classic sense of pet keeping, and while others are less than cuddly, all are in my opinion fascinating and rewarding to keep nonetheless.

I took several pictures of this gal, but am none to good at focusing the digital camera (or I should say its auto focus is none too good), and this one came out the best. I wish though I could show you a close up of the head, absolutely weird and sort of dragon like in appearance. As it is though you can click on the pic for an enlargement.

In case you are interested, here are a couple of care sheets that I found by doing a web search. They are seemingly well written and detailed, and can be found at:

http://www.thegeckospot.com/crestedcareindex.html (lots of great pictures too, including a great head shot)

http://www.pangeareptile.com/id52.htm

These are fascinating creatures that can easily be kept in the home, including a small apartment. I keep my crested geckos, at room temperature, in a vertically oriented tank, with a few nice potted house plants and a piece of cork bark inside of it for aesthetics and as hiding places for the lizards. Crested geckos are a good choice for older children, about 12 and up in my estimation, who will get help from mom and dad. Always bear in mind that any pet you get for your children is also your responsibility as a parent in the event the kids don't care for it properly or lose interest. If you get one or more of these for your kids, and in the event your kids lose interest, this particular type of gecko could get you, as mom or dad, hooked for life on herps. Of course, if you keep at it with your children, they will probably regain any lost interest, or maybe never lose all interest in the first place. Thus they too could become hooked for life on these wonderful creatures, and maybe gain an interest in science and nature along the way. In addition think of the time you would be spending with your children enjoying your new hobby as opposed to them just hanging out, or watching TV, all of the time. Now that would be a good thing, wouldn't it!

All the best,
Glenn B

7 comments:

Pen of Jen said...

Glenn how cool! I agree if the parents show an interest and support the kids will not lose interest.
We have a 5 year old Guinea Pig. He actually responds to the kids and me, and loves to go out in the patch of grass we have.
I must say that he is huge, and I no longer wonder why one would eat a Guinea Pig. The amount of meat on 'Buddy' is well, nevermind he is a pet and well loved and cared for.
He never permitted any guests to move in with him though, he viciously chewed off ears of any bunk mate...including a female!

Pen of Jen said...

Glenn I am going to have a Caption Contest every Tuesday.

Scroll down to my blog called Things To Know(Tuesday I think), I found it linked and then thought about you. Its a firearms refresher course... check it out:)

Rita Loca said...

I wish I had a picture to show you, but, I don't. We had a type of lizard in the jungle that would stand up on its back legs and run. Looked like a miniature Godzilla. The kids called them "joggers". I am wondering if you know what they are called? Or where I can find out.They would range from 6 inches to maybe 10 inches or so. Very impressive when running!

Glenn B said...

Rita,

I know of those lizards but cannot remember what type they are. If I remember right, then can go so fast on their hind legs that they sometimes can run on water, therefore are referred to as Jesus Lizards (not of course their real name just an nickname).

Jen,

I watch Bizarre Foods foods on the travel channel, Monday night 9PM, and the host ate some Guinea Pigs in Ecuador. He liked it very much, and no I am not suggesting you BBQ your pet (LOL).

All the best,
GB

Rita Loca said...

Roasted guinea pig is great! You dig a hole, put in rocks heated over the fire for a long time, place leaves on the rocks, add the animal, more hot rocks, cover it all back up with the dirt. The next day it is done and delicious!
Sorry Jen!

Rita Loca said...

Glenn, We had the Jesus lizards and they are probably related, but these ones were much "beefier" not as lean. Like Godzilla! Very cool!

Pen of Jen said...

Hey Rita and Glenn as much as I like Buddy responding when I come to his cage, I have been secretly anticipating his demise for too long. I wish sometimes that the kids were less responsible, but alas they are too good at feeing, changing the litter etc.
So no offense here... BTW if you want to visit I Know what we could make:)(kidding!)