Frequently Asked Questions…


How does shipping work?

Shipping Information

All animals are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight—no exceptions. We ship directly to your local FedEx Hub, ensuring that your animal is kept in a controlled environment with stable temperatures, rather than being exposed to the extremes of a hot or cold truck for the duration of the journey. I do not ship on or around major holidays, and all shipping decisions are made at the sole discretion of The Barking Gecko. This method supports the health and well-being of your new pet. I have maintained a perfect track record with live shipping and intend to keep it that way. Thank you for your understanding.

During the purchase process, I will guide you through the simple steps needed to complete the shipping arrangement. Once shipped, you will receive an alert from The Barking Gecko with shipping details, including when your animal is "ready for pickup." Typically, animals will be available for pickup at the Hub between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. for your convenience. This streamlined process ensures a smooth and safe experience for both you and your new companion.


What should I house my new baby Gecko in?

Proper Enclosures for Your New Gecko

At The Barking Gecko, we believe in providing the best care for our animals from the very beginning. You can find all the recommended enclosures for your new gecko in the "Enclosure" section of our website.

For hatchlings and young geckos, I highly recommend starting with a small, controlled environment to easily monitor food intake, growth, and waste. Here at The Barking Gecko, we use small 6-quart tubs with custom air vents or holes, paired with paper towel substrate. This setup allows us to closely track the animal’s eating, drinking, and defecation habits, ensuring the gecko is thriving.

Once the gecko has gained sufficient weight and size, we transition them to larger enclosures. Typically, this is an 18x18x18 Exo Terra for juveniles, and as they grow into adults, they are moved into a 24x18x18 Exo Terra. This gradual progression ensures that your gecko’s environment is always suited to its needs, supporting healthy growth and development.


Will I know the gender of my new baby Gecko?

Sexing and Age Information

The sex of geckos under 6 months of age can be difficult to determine, and as such, I cannot guarantee the sex of any gecko that young. To ensure the best health and development of our animals, I do not sell hatchlings until they are at least 45 days old and consistently eating on their own. This allows them to reach a healthier, more stable point in their growth before they are rehomed.


Why Are Leachianus Geckos So Expensive?

I get this question a lot, especially from those just starting to explore the hobby. Leachianus Geckos, or "Leachies," are the largest gecko species in the world—yes, the entire world! Their impressive size, dinosaur-like features, and unique vocalizations make them truly remarkable animals.

There are several reasons why Leachies come with a higher price tag. First, they are known for having minimal clutches, which means they don't reproduce in large numbers. Additionally, not all pairs are compatible, making breeding even more challenging. Another factor is that Leachianus Geckos are indigenous to one specific location—New Caledonia—and due to legal restrictions, they can no longer be exported from the islands.

Producing Leachies in captivity is a complex and costly process. Not only are they expensive to obtain, but it takes years of careful breeding and monitoring for them to mature and potentially breed. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the animals will be compatible. Unlike breeding more common animals, it's not as simple as breeding rabbits—there’s a lot of work, patience, and skill involved.

Leachianus Geckos are incredible creatures that deserve not only the investment but also the respect and proper care they require. The price reflects the challenges involved in breeding and caring for these majestic animals.


Do Geckos Require Special Heat, Lighting, or UVB?

The short answer is no. While some species of geckos do require special heat sources and UVB lighting, the species I work with here at The Barking Gecko do not. These geckos thrive in room temperature environments, with light misting, moderate humidity, and, of course, proper care and attention.

Most reptiles and lizards need UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3 and a heat source to regulate their metabolism. However, the geckos we breed and sell obtain their necessary vitamin D3 through their diet, not from direct sunlight. As such, they don’t require basking or UVB exposure to produce "skin-manufactured" D3.

Heat supplementation is generally only necessary depending on where you live. In most cases, room temperatures between 65-75°F are perfectly fine for these species. It's important to keep them in a cooler environment rather than too hot, as temperatures above 80°F can be harmful.

Humidity should be maintained in the range of 60%-80%, as these species are native to dense rainforest environments and thrive in moderate humidity levels. They are nocturnal animals and, in the wild, do not experience direct sunlight exposure that would naturally help them process vitamin D3.

While vitamin D3

Ultimately, these geckos are low-maintenance when it comes to heat and UVB needs, but they still require a well-rounded diet and appropriate environmental conditions to thrive.

Where is New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is located east of Australia in the South Pacific. It's a stunning archipelago of small islands that is home to a diverse range of unique species, including the incredible Leachianus Geckos. The islands are known for their rich biodiversity and natural beauty, making it a top bucket list destination for me! If you ever have the chance, it's a must-see location for any enthusiast of exotic wildlife.

What Will My Gecko Eat?

In the wild, geckos primarily feed on a diet of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. At The Barking Gecko, I provide a balanced diet to ensure optimal health and growth for all my geckos. They are fed a powdered supplement from Pangea, which is easily mixed with water to the consistency of applesauce. This provides a nutrient-rich base for their diet.

In addition to the Pangea mix, I also supplement their diet with crickets, roaches, and pinkies for added variety and nutrition. Hatchlings are typically fed every other night, while adults are fed every 3-4 days. During breeding season, their feeding frequency increases to support their energy needs.

This combination of fruit-based mix and live insects ensures that your gecko receives all the necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy growth, development, and reproduction.

Can I House Geckos Together?

Yes, you can house geckos together, but it's important to follow a few guidelines to ensure their well-being. I recommend keeping them in small groups and avoiding housing adult males together, as they can become territorial and aggressive toward each other, leading to stress and potential harm for all tank mates.

At younger ages, hatchlings can be housed together, but there is always a risk of one losing its tail due to feeding responses or other interactions between tank mates. It's essential to monitor them closely during this stage. As they grow, be mindful of their individual needs and temperaments to maintain a peaceful and healthy environment.


What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Currently, I accept payments through PayPal and Venmo for your convenience. Both options provide a secure and efficient way to complete your transaction. If you have any questions about the payment process, feel free to reach out!

How Much Does a Crested Gecko Cost?

The cost of a Crested Gecko can vary widely depending on several factors, including morph, bloodline, breeder reputation, and the age/sex of the gecko. Prices typically range from $60 to $2,500, with more premium geckos—such as those from high-end bloodlines like the Super Dalmatian Crested Geckos—being on the higher end.

Morph: The specific morph of a Crested Gecko plays a significant role in determining price. Common morphs include Dalmatian, Harlequin, Pinstripe, and Patternless, with the intensity and color variations of these morphs being highly sought after. The rarer and more visually striking the morph, the higher the price.

Breeder Reputation: The reputation of the breeder is another factor. While you may pay a bit more for a gecko from a reputable breeder, it’s important to do your research to ensure that the price is justified and not inflated. Paying a little extra for a well-cared-for and healthy pet is worth it, but make sure you're not overpaying beyond the gecko’s true market value.

Age and Sex: Hatchlings are typically less expensive, as the breeder hasn't invested as much time or resources into raising them. Adult females, however, are often more expensive because they are highly sought after by breeders. Adult males are usually offered at a lower price, as breeders often end up with more males than they need due to the difficulty in sexing geckos until they mature.

At The Barking Gecko, we focus on breeding high-quality Super Dalmatian Crested Geckos, which are part of a higher-end line and are priced accordingly due to their exceptional lineage and striking appearance.

How Long Will My Gecko Live?

The geckos I breed and sell typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, provided they are given the proper care, nutrition, and environment. With the right attention, your gecko can live a long, healthy, and happy life as a companion.


Do Geckos Bite?

Geckos generally won’t bite unless they feel threatened or stressed. A Crested Gecko's bite is mild and can be compared to a fish bite—it feels strange but doesn’t cause pain or bleeding. On the other hand, Leachianus Geckos have a stronger, more pronounced bite, though it’s still not typically harmful.

At The Barking Gecko, all of our geckos are friendly and docile, and I often refer to them as "little puppy dogs" because of their calm nature. They may make noises and occasionally "bark," but they rarely bite. However, as with any animal, there’s always a small risk of a bite if they feel frightened or cornered. It's always best to handle them gently and respectfully to keep them comfortable and happy.


What species do you sell?

I specialize in Leachianus Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos, Crested Geckos, multiple Colubriud species to include Honduran and nelsons Milksnakes, Northern Pine Snakes and King snakes. Also have several Arachnid projects including multiple Tarantula speices.

How much does a crested Gecko cost?

There are a number of factors that determine how much a Crested Gecko costs. These include morph, bloodline, breeder reputation and age/sex of the Gecko. The price of most Crested Geckos will vary from around $60 to $2500.  Here at The Barking Gecko we focus on Super Dalmation Lines which are a higher end line of Crested Gecko.

The particular morph of a Crested Gecko will have an affect on their price. Some common morphs include the dalmatian, harlequin, pinstripe, patternless and so on. The intensity and colour variations of these morphs can be highly sought after. 

Breeder reputation is another factor that can affect price. While you would expect to pay a little more from a reputable breeder, do your research to ensure they are not overvaluing the Gecko. It isn’t a bad idea to pay a little bit extra to ensure you are getting a thriving pet but you shouldn’t pay way over the animals market value. 

Another factor that affects price is the age and sex of the Gecko. Typically, hatchlings are cheaper as the owner has not invested the time and money raising them. Adult females are the most expensive option as they would be most sought after by breeders. 

Adult males are often available at discounted prices. This is because breeders can’t sex the lizards until they mature so they will often end up with more males than they need.

Are Tarantulas Easy to Care For?

Yes, tarantulas are relatively low-maintenance pets that require minimal attention. Most species are comfortable at typical room temperatures, but since many originate from tropical climates, it’s important to keep them in a warm, draft-free environment. Additionally, some species require higher humidity levels than others, so monitoring and maintaining proper humidity is essential for their well-being.

What Do Tarantulas Eat?

Tarantulas are nocturnal hunters that primarily feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, other small spiders, and various arthropods. Some larger species may also consume small lizards. In captivity, I feed my arachnids a diet of crickets, Dubia roaches, and super worms. For my larger species, I occasionally offer a pinky mouse or hopper as a treat.


What Should I House My Tarantula In?

The ideal enclosure for a tarantula is a small terrarium or fish tank, typically between 5 and 10 gallons in size. Smaller Exo Terra enclosures also work well. Tarantulas do not require much space, so a 10-gallon tank with a secure, locking screen top is perfect for most species. Additionally, the newer ventilated acrylic enclosures are excellent for all tarantulas. I currently house all my species in display acrylics, as they provide great visibility and ventilation.

What Tarantula Species Do You Offer?

Currently, we have Monocentropus balfouri (Socotra Island Blue Baboon) available as 3–4 inch slings in communal setups. We are also awaiting males for Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Ornamental) to complete future pairings. Additionally, we recently attempted a pairing of Pterinopelma sazimai (Brazilian Blue) but, unfortunately, the male was lost to the female. Our inventory is always evolving, so check back for updates on available species.

How Long Do Tarantulas Live?

A responsible tarantula owner should be prepared for a long-term commitment. While males typically live around 4–5 years, some may reach up to 10 years. Females, on the other hand, can live for 20–30 years with proper care. Good husbandry and attention to their needs are key factors in ensuring a tarantula's longevity and well-being.

What Snakes Do You Offer?

Currently, my primary snake projects consist of Pituophis melanoleucus (Northern Pine Snake). Additionally, I am seeking a Male Drymarchon melanurus (Black Tail Cribo). For sale currently 2025 I have a pair of Thayeri King Snakes available, not proven. I also have a male Aspidites ramsayi (Woma Python) and a pair of tri-color Hypo Honduran Milk Snakes for sale. Please reach out for more information on availability and specific details.


How Are Milk Snakes and Kingsnakes as Pets?

Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis species) and Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis species) make excellent pets due to their manageable size, non-venomous nature, and a wide range of beautiful color morphs. They are generally hardy feeders and are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal pets for beginners in the reptile hobby. Their calm temperament and low maintenance requirements make them a great choice for those just starting out.

What Enclosures Do I Need for a Milk Snake or Kingsnake?

For hatchlings, I recommend a small enclosure that provides both a warm and cool area for temperature regulation. I house my babies in small 6-quart totes with heat tape, offering a water dish and a hide. I typically use paper towel substrate for hatchlings until they grow larger. As the snake matures, you can transition to a variety of enclosure types. I use larger tubs in a rack system with heat tape and a regulated thermostat for my adults. Exo Terra enclosures can also work well, as long as you provide a heated side for proper thermoregulation.

What Do They Eat?

Baby hatchlings typically start with baby mice, or "pinkies." As they grow, you can gradually offer larger prey such as hoppers and small mice. My adult snakes consume large mice or a medium Rat once a week, maintaining a healthy feeding schedule to support their growth and well-being.


Do Snakes Bite?

As with all animals, snakes are capable of biting, but they typically will not do so unless they feel threatened, are injured, or mistake your hand for food. Gentle and responsible handling is always recommended. Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis species) and Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis species) are often chosen for their docile nature and generally do not bite. If a bite occurs, the surprise or shock of the moment will usually be more intense than the actual bite itself.