| Author |
 Topic  |
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
 Posted - 24/06/2012 : 10:42:56
|
So I was planning on getting a Beardie a while back. I never got round to it and to be honest the main reason was 'cause I didn't feel confident enough that I could look after one : / It's silly really but I always feel that I'm not good enough and then put myself down. And it works.
Yesterday my mam caught hereself looking on Ebay (hence the Giant Hissers in my other post) and she was asking me why I've never thought about a Gecko instead. I'd said that I had and went on to tell her about all the Mrs Doyle impersonaters on here who like to egg everyone on to get a Crestie ; ) I said that actually I love the idea of having a Crestie 'cause they just seem so bloody canny!
So anyway, long story short I'm now thinking I'd like a Crestie instead as they don't seem to come with quite as long list of care instructions. There are a few things that I like them for and in a way they may be a better option for me at the minuet. Shortly I'm going to be starting my BA degree in Creative Arts and that's a nine year course. So I may not have as much of myself to share between everyone and I know Beardies can be big attention seekers. But a little Crestie might be a little less clingy? I'm not saying I have no time, just that I might not have enough time for such an attention seeker right now.
So anyway, what better place to ask about Cresties than on here, right? You all seem to have one!
I'd just like to know how they compare to Beardies really. Are they as attention seeking? Scratching the glass to get out all day etc. Do they need special care or just as much as a Beardie does? Lights, heating, food etc. Are they as friendly over time? They seem to be very friendly and that's one of the things I like about them : ) I don't mind giving time into taming, I think it can be half the fun.
And that sort of thing.
|
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
Kelfezond
The bearded one
United Kingdom
4803 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 10:52:50
|
| I've been thinking about getting a crestie for a while now myself, I think we should take this endevour together ^^ |
\v/ Click me for Kelfezond Reptiles Facebook Page! \v/
  |
 |
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 10:56:36
|
Cresties do not require uvb. Strictly speaking they do not need uva but I think that using a heat bulb is a good way to keep temps at the required levels(22-26 is ideal) .moderate humidity misting once or twice a day will be sufficient. They can eat insects as well as crested gecko diet which is rather easy. They can be attention seakers but being nocturnal this can work in your favor as they won't be hammering the glass to get out during the day.
They are very friendly tamming is easy, you more than likely will not get bitten as long as you take it slow.
Also, once they drop their tail it cannot regrow like leopard geckos. Just something to rememeber.
Damn, I miss my crestie! |
0.0.1 Python Regius |
Edited by - Unamed on 24/06/2012 11:02:34 |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 11:21:57
|
Ah, yeah, That would be a good idea Kelf : )
Thanks Unamed : ) I don't mind getting bitten. I've been bitten that many times by numurous things... but I got bit by a Garden Spider once while cleaning up hedge leaves for my mam... that really hurt. I'd rather get bit by anything else than by one of those again!
Yeah, I've read about their tails, but is there any real chance of them loosing it?
Yeah, night time might work better. I sit and watch some telly then so I'm usually free!
So do they live alone? They don't like to have a friend? Don't want them feeling lonly or fighting.
I've been breeding my Dubai Roaches for a Beardie, but I can easy change to mealworms instead. Or Crickets. I've read you have to be careful about what insects you feed then 'cause they can't digest thicker exo-skelentons, is that right? That's why they can't eat roaches? What Crickets are best?
What viv is best, a tall one I'm guessing? Not your standard Snake-type viv? |
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
Lotabob
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
5008 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 13:21:32
|
Good morning!
So cresties then. I have Harley in a 2 foot vivarium at the moment, his bigger, all glass arboreal is coming soon but he is happy enough where he is, no lights required, one heat mat stuck on the wall at 25oC and that's it, plenty of stuff to climb on and hide on, a few platforms for comfortable hiding. Repashy Gecko food available and a few bugs a week. I mist every other day and use cocobrick stuff for substrate, clean out every few weeks and spot check daily as the humidity makes mould appear rapidly if there is any muck at all.
You can cohabit females with one a lone male but really I'd leave them on their own, squabbles do happen and tails can be dropped because of it.
Handling is easy enough though oh boy are they fast and they are on springs too, they do settle though, when I'm cleaning harley out he will climb up and sit on my shoulder. He is in my bedroom and I can hear him jumping about and been a loon on a night but he will hide and stay very still (and go very dark) through the day, as in the wild.
As for them biting, I've only had Harley bite me once when food wasn't involved but several times when i'm giving him meal worms or something and their teeth (or rough gums) are titchy and it doesn't hurt at all.
Baby cresties are Uber cute
Big ones are funny looking but have cheeky charm
|
|
Edited by - Lotabob on 24/06/2012 13:22:57 |
|
|
|
austin_89
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1248 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 15:34:39
|
| I'd go cresties. I have 2 babies and theyre gorgeous and fun to have them out :D |
1.1.0 Normal Royal Pythons... Kane (CF11) + Frankie (CB11)
1.0.0 Spider Royal Python (CB13)
1.0.0 100% het kahl albino boa Dexter (CB13)
1.0.0 Butter Corn...
0.1.0 Snow Corn... Alice
0.1.0 Red Harlequin Crested Gecko... Charlie
0.1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko... Cleo
1.1.0 African Green Mantis
1.0.0 Staffy... Alfie
1.1.0 Cats... Ebony and DK
|
|
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2012 : 16:48:09
|
Their tail will only drop if you handle them rough or grab them and spook them etc.
It sounds like you've got your other answers already, anything else you want to know just ask |
0.0.1 Python Regius |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 25/06/2012 : 08:55:11
|
Thanks Lotabob : ) Sorry I must have missed you yesterday. Harley is a very cheaky looking little critter! I want a Harley too : 3
I do have one other question. I been reading up on them and it seems to be that a lot of people say that if they're kept in a warm room then they don't need additional heat. Now I have a sub-tropical aquarium which is not heated and it's kept at 72 just by being in the living room. I have to keep the house warm for me 'cause with me having M.E. I can't seem to keep my own temp very well for long. So with that in mind would I still need a heatmat? People seem to say not?
The lighting is a funny thing. It seems to be that some people say you need a UV and some people say you don't. That's a bit confusing. But seen as they're night-time-comey-outers then I can't really see why they'd need one. It's like giving a light to a Royal, surely?
|
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 25/06/2012 : 13:45:15
|
Basically if your room is averaging around 24c you will not need additional heat. You will need an accurate thermometer to confirm this.
Uvb is most definately not needed as they are nocturnal.
You could argue that it may be some bit beneficial for them because of the d3 but you have to remember they would be hiding in dark shades during the day and venturing out at night. Thus, not absorbing much uvb radiation. |
0.0.1 Python Regius |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 26/06/2012 : 09:00:15
|
Is 72 too warm then? : /
Yeah, I'd get a digtal themometer like Tig had.
Don't think I'd bother with a light. I mean he/she would get light from the window anyway during the day. I'm guessing that would be enough, even with it just being a bit from the side. Plus I'd give him/her their vits 'n' calcium powder too. |
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 26/06/2012 : 11:24:55
|
around 75f(24c) is ideal. 72F-80F would be ok. you do not want go above 86F (28-30c).
you should look into crested gecko diet. when i had my crestie i did a mixture of sometimes CGD and sometimes feeder insects for variety.
|
0.0.1 Python Regius |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 09:04:21
|
I put my digital themometer (that was Tig's for his viv) in the living room yesterday, just had it sitting on my keyboard, to check the temp in the room. And it stayed at 72. So presumably that would be fine for a Crestie without having extra heat? 'Cause he/she would be living in the living room.
To better that theory I've just brought my Giant Hissers home yesterday and they're in the kitchen with no heatmat 'cause they're home is also staying at 72 all on it's own (it's just a plastic tank for now, so nothing special). So seems the whole of the down stairs of my house is kept at that temp.
Yeah, been looking up food. I would propbably feed some live food with plenty of veg and some fruit 'cause there seems to be mixed veiws on the dry mixes you can get. Some people say they need it as a staple and some people say it's not very good for them. But a more natural diet of veg and insects seems a better choice anyway (and a cheaper one). I do still have my Dubia Roaches that I'm breeding as food, but I'm not sure if they'd be OK for a Crestie? I've read they're not good for them and I've read that they are. I've read they're packed full of protene so are really healthy... and I've read that they could kill a Crestie due to them choking on one. So again I'm a bit confused on that. |
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 12:03:00
|
appropriate sized dubias will be fine. large ones can be a bit of a challenge but im sure an adult crestie could handle it. just ensure your not offering food items that the crestie cannot handle and you will be fine.
the usual feeders are also fine. crickets, mealworms (from time to time) the odd waxworm and locusts are good too.
variety is the spice of life. i personally liked the CGD made by sandfire superfoods. i used that alongside feeder insects and my guy was blooming.
also, those temps seem fine. just keep an eye on them if things get a bit cold thing of adding additional heat. also, keep the enclosure away from drafts and direct sunlight incase it heats up too much. |
0.0.1 Python Regius |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 12:57:47
|
I'd definately go with a Beardie..they get big enough to let on the floor to roam supervised..and don't jump with little or no warning. Gimli sits on my shoulder while I do stuff for an hour or so..and he has never jumped off :)
Another bonus is they don't hide away during daylight, he's always tapping the glass or roaming his viv. |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
Edited by - JanieW on 27/06/2012 12:59:55 |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 13:03:28
|
Gimli the nosey neighbour
This is why I say go Beardie, you can do more with em..I like Cresties, but not as much :) |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
Unamed
Yearling
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 13:16:22
|
| beardies are pretty cool. they require more specific care requirements though, such as uvb lighting and a larger enclosure but as you say, being diurnal always has its benefits. you will see them more etc etc. |
0.0.1 Python Regius |
Edited by - Unamed on 27/06/2012 13:16:42 |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 08:46:36
|
Yeah, I do love Beardies. Have wanted one for a long time now. But truth is that right now I'm not sure I could afford to run all the lighting etc that they need. And so I think that for now a Crestie might be a better choice for both me and him/her.
I don't mind if they hide. Tig hid all day but I still loved him (still do). Anyway, I have Hamsters and they're always sleeping!
Well at the minuet I have all kinds of sizes of Dubias, they're breeding like Rabbits. I could keep the larger ones for breeding, only giving Crestie the smaller ones. Plenty of babies knocking around.
The only reason I ask about the Dubias is 'cause I already have them so it would be easier 'cause there's already a big supply of them with me. I could still buy the odd tub of Crickets or Mealworms for variety.
JanieW, I love Gimli : 3 |
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 10:17:17
|
I'm glad you like Gimli, Blue :)
Now back to your dilemma, firstly you need to think about what you want from a lizard. Do you want something to watch in the evenings, to play with and handle?
Something robust and eats Dubia Roaches as a staple diet?
If the answer is yes, then that's a Beadie.
Now to costs:
All you need is a 100w spotlight, and a UV Strip light..and a timer as lights and heating run on a 12hr cycle. |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
BlueDragon
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
876 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 10:57:41
|
See, it's the running of the lights that I'm worried about. I don't know how much it would cost is all. I wouldn't of thought it would be much, but my mam was the one who said that I probably couln't afford it (with everything else on the go too). I'm clueless as to how much these kinds of things cost and there'd be little chance of me understanding either, I think, with how stupid I am with numbers.
I like both Beardies and Cresties for different reasons. I like Cresties 'cause they're cute, they got the most gorgious smilley face and they like to walk over your hands and they stick to you and that's kinda funny... and they sing! I like Beardies 'cause you can seem to interact with them a bit more, they're cheaky and active and like to be with you, and some you can even take for walks outside with them on your shoulder. But this can turn into a bit of a problem with them becoming real attention seekers, and I'm not sure I'd have the time to be with a Beardie if they were as clingy as that. And that wouldn't be fair on him/her. Whereas a Crestie wouldn't be quite as clingy and would be happier to be by it's self for a while when I was busy or just tired and needed a sleep (which I often do).
I am torn between to two. I'm just reading up on both of them now and having a good think about it. Won't be for a while yet that I get either anyways, so plenty of time to choose ; ) |
Just me and my zoo. |
|
|
|
Laws
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1007 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 16:59:24
|
"HAI"
Go crestie! they are really easy , we dont really handle charlie loads , however he is a weirdo and is terrible for stalking us in his tank which is next to my bed . Really easy mix the powder up and offer every other day and then u can chose to give live food if u like a few times a week but the powder stuff contains all they need despite making them grow slightly slower . Heat u can use the exo canopy and put a glo bulb in , but 72 sounds fine and then just suppliment the heat with the bulb in the winter . |
www.facebook.com/Thehogbox
|
|
|
|
Mikeyboy1992
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
35 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 17:33:45
|
| Cresties do make great pets. I have a little male myself. They dont seem to be great attention seekers, they just hang around doing their own thing and dont mind being handled. They do jump around a bit, like from your hand to someone elses or on to your top, but sometimes they take a leap of faith and land on the floor. Mine has done this a few times but doesn't seem bothered by it. He's such a little character. So far I havnt heard of any bites either. Im not actually 100% sure on teeth so thats probably why lol. But they are very easy to keep, Just refil a spray bottle everyday and lightly mist the inside of the tank. I find that the best substrate for them is a bottom layer of coco fibre which comes in bricks, you just add water to it in a bucket and it will expand. Whatever you have left can be kept in a carrier bag with no holes in and just tie a knot in it. It will last. Make that damp, dont soak it too much, and put a half inch layer in the tank and another half inch of orchid bark on top. I have a small piece of wood laying on the bottom with a half a cocnut hide incase he feels shy. I have a fake fine twisted round for climbing and some fake greenery. Most of the time I see him stuck to the glass anyway. For food, so far I have only used 3rd and 4th crickets and he has been totally fine. Also I have a little water dish and another dish which I put a blob of gecko jam in and a cube of mango which I mash up. Redo this every day or every other day. That is pretty much everything. Because they live in rain forests they need damp and humid conditions so heat lamps arent needed. Making things cheaper lol. But apart from all that, they are one of the easiest to keep. If you would like a picture of my crestie and the set up feel free to email or catch me on here and il do that for you. Good luck in the choice you make. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Cresties vs Beardies?
