5 Reasons I HATE Leopard Geckos!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

AHH I forgot my dear Cregan in the leopard gecko line up! He’s the most recent leopard gecko to come home, meet him here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXvNp4qJh6ypmNk

[@cara9648]

I also have a problem with labeling animals as "beginner" pets that people think they can just abuse and misuse to "get experience". All pets deserve the best care.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I agree!

[@saborblaze762]

Agreed

[@user-zl8vx5do4q]

Because leopard gecko is a good starter reptile for new hobbyist doesn’t mean they will get abused and misused you idiot 😂😂 leopard gecko are beginner reptiles.

[@leesreptilesandaquatics6368]

I got several leopard geckos and I think they are far from boring they are my most funniest , cutiest and most active reptiles in my reptile room plus they are the friendly to handle

[@Skylamander522]

I definitely agree with the kid thing- I got my leo when I was nine and I absolutely loved her but I didn’t have access to the right husbandry and I was a kid, so she lost basically all of her toes and was never gotten used to handling. I still adore her and my husbandry has greatly improved by now but I def think I should have waited till I was older to get a reptile.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@crocdundee4117]

Fun history fact, leopard geckos are thought to have been the first reptiles kept as pets. They are referenced in archaeological finds in the Middle East as being kept as pets dating back to the Persian Empire, over 2,500 years ago.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

How have I not heard this!

[@lindsayschmidt2177]

I absolutely love this

[@DarkPhantom2024]

Number 3 is quite true so easy to obtain so it makes people “throw” them away like if they were just some toy to avoid vet bills and tbh im happy i didnt follow that troupe i love my little guy and i will make sure he has the best life

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Awww that’s so good to hear!

[@Redneckkenobi]

So great to see you again! I love how interesting your names are for your geckos. I have 43 reptiles and I still have some that don’t have names 😅

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

LOL I can’t imagine them not having names! That’s so chaotic hahaha 😂😂😂

[@Redneckkenobi]

I mean there weight is on there enclosure, but. I take time for that. Lol but I suck at names

[@caitlynm8]

OK, But #3, #4, and #5 were straight up FACTS 👏🏼

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you!

[@aliciaflinchum6511]

I have 6 leopard geckos. Only one of those leopard geckos was actually purchased. All 5 of the others were taken from homes that either didn't want them or couldn't take care of them. One of those was accepted from a home where he was kept with a female in the same enclosure. They were given to a 10 year old girl. The mom did also take care of them though. Eventually, the male killed the female. He bit her somewhere in her backside area near one of her back legs and she bled out. The girl couldn't stand to look at him anymore, so they put out a call for someone to take him and we did. But... they also bred them while they had them. One of the babies died but they kept the other. Smh. I would like to think they learned a valuable lesson at the terrible expense of that poor gecko, but who knows? This is one of the reasons I get so annoyed when keepers try to argue that you can keep leopard geckos together. You might be able to, but should you take that risk?

[@aliciaflinchum6511]

Btw, I love all of my lil guys. They are each precious and different. They all have different little personalities.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Oh my gosh this is all so sad :(

[@saborblaze762]

No never take that Risk ever

[@Kosukie]

I got my bearded dragon as a stepping stone to a tegu one day since I never had a reptile before. I got her from a great breeder and she is doing great! Her 2nd birthday is in a month.

[@katlady567]

Poor sweet leos deserve so much better than they’re given. 🥺

[@creamimoon1530]

love the GOT names

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you!

[@jjettswriting1900]

I found it hilarious, adorable, and entertaining that you named them after Game of Thrones characters and dragons. 😂 (did you name them after reading the book or after watching the HBO TV series?) Love the haircut btw ❤

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I was OBSESSED with the show & started reading the books but then the last season absolutely crushed me 😂

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

And thanks! It’s the season of the Bob 💇‍♀️

[@sreace723]

​@@JessicasAnimalFriendsIt's SUPER cute!!

[@bibbi812]

I really agree when you say that a child should not be responsible for an animal by himself, no matter what animal it is. I have 2 leopard geckos today with my son as I was the one most interested in them he became interested in them too. I adopted them from the previous owner and we are the third home they live in. They live in my son's room and he takes care of them, but I have the main responsibility for them. They were 7 years old when we got them and today they are 10 years old and they will not move to another home. They have found their forever home and regardless of whether my son may tire of them in the future. I still have a great interest in them and I will take care of them until the end. ❤ Because I love them so much.

[@LawTimming0220]

You’re so wrong depends on how old they are. How old your child is. Depends like nine like is fine. It’s like nine above. It should be my child. Could have them like almost had a lever wrong with it.

[@juliemoore2536]

Btw, you look FABULOUS 🙂, not being creepy, just like the do !

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you so much!!!

[@anne-lenebakken5827]

Good to see you here again. Totally agree with you! And really, it's about us humans;) Love from my gecko and me :)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thanks so much!!

[@tammystratton2256]

I'm with you all the way on everything you're saying. I understand completely what you're saying and you touched on a few points that are accurate and you're right. If Your not I, it for the long haul then dont bother gettiing a leopard spotted gecko hou don't want a forever pet do don't bother leopard gecko because the leopard gecko will love you forever and they have their own little personalities they're adorable and there's nothing wrong with them and they should not be starter lizards because they're perfect

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you!! Yes I think they’re perfect too 🥺❤️

[@AJ-nq7ly]

I own pitties, cats, a gecko and 9 ball pythons. I love m’y reptiles just as much as my mammals. I can’t stand that people discard them, no matter what monetary value we place on them, they are little souls. My Valerian (leo) was my first reptile and he has never for a second been treated like I’ve ever been bored with him. Goes for all my animals. People need to stop treating animals like their lives are meaningless!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Oh my gosh nine ball pythons!! Such cool snakes.

[@caterscarrots3407]

I don't exactly hate that they are called "Beginner reptiles" cause they are certainly easier to take care of than a lot of other lizards if you're talking healthy specimens of both species and are thus "Beginner" in a sense. But I do hate that Beginner has this connotation of "Oh, I don't have to worry about my mistakes cause it's just a beginner level thing". The tail dropping is also something that I don't particularly like about geckos in general. It's one reason that I went for a bearded dragon instead when I got my first and still only reptile. I also felt than an omnivore would be easier for me to care for than a strict insectivore. I did years of research before I even decided that I wanted a lizard and then years more before I decided on what kind of lizard.

[@lindsayschmidt2177]

I have a normal ball python, and I totally feel you about being seen has having a “normal” or “boring” pet. Normal ball pythons deserve as much love and care as fancy morph ball pythons, or as other types of more “challenging” snakes! I wouldn’t trade my girl for the world (or my two crested geckos either, who are also considered “beginner”/“boring” animals)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yes!!

[@Mindy56743]

I agree with the children and pets! Children need to know how to care and how to handle pets but they should be supervised closely. I have seen this with just about every kind of pets! I did get pets that my children wanted but I did a ton of research on the kind of pet and made my children do it with me. Then we would decide if this was a pet that would fit into our lives. Many different animals got a hard no from me than a yes. Before we got one I made sure that I was willing to commit to the lifespan of the animal and that my children were also. The bottom line is it was my bunny, my guinea pig and my dog and cats. As the parents I was responsible for the care, I did make the kids do it but the bottom line was I had to make sure that it was done right every time!

[@spearmanerica676]

Hello Jessica welcome back u know I’m smiling ☺️ from ear too ear I saw my loves my boys I miss them soo much it’s gloomy here in Philadelphia Pa where I live seeing my boys I’m in love ❤❤❤❤thank u very much made my day.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Woaaahh I used to live near Philly! It’s relatively gloomy here in the Midwest too haha. I hope you’re doing well!

[@spearmanerica676]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends thank u I’m doing great 👍🏾

[@Phosphorescent-fox]

I definitely hate the idea of "starter pets" it doesn't teach you how to take care of other animals specific needs. People should do the research to make sure they can take care of the animal they are getting and they should get an animal they really want. Not a test animal, I hate that mentality especially when many so called starter pets will live a long time and actually still do need specialized care. It just encourages neglect or seeing animals as disposable

[@Ninanousje]

Can’t lie, the last reason is a big reason of why I went with a West Indian Leopard gecko. No morphs means not as much irresponsible inbreeding for money 😅 I don’t like much morph breeding in general, often just feels like exploiting. Not to say there’s no responsible morph breeders though!

[@natalyaadams8747]

I have 3 and adore them, and I agree with all your reasons....

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Just wait til you see the reasons I love them! I only do 5 but there could be so many

[@joe241able]

i have 2 and i love every thing about them

[@luisavasconcelos5166]

Devaluation is one of the things that lead me to believe that it is good for animals to be sold instead of donated because unfortunately the person will treat the animal better if they pay good money for it. There are obviously exceptions, but as a general rule this happens, especially in animals for beginners who don't yet know exactly what they want.

[@thechickenwizard8172]

You should rename the title to "5 things i hate about how leopard geckos are treated" since none of these things are really their fault. One thing i dont like about leos is their size, they're just a little too big for my preference. The solution was a banded gecko; basically a leo mut shrunk down to 3 inches. Can spent their whole life in a 10-20 gallon with no issues whatsoever

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Sure sure but clickbait yanno? Also they drop their tails is number one. I actually like their size! Banded geckos are a great size too tbh.

[@duckheadbob]

​@JessicasAnimalFriends nah you keep that click bait! 😂

[@saborblaze762]

Agreed all leopard geckos sold in shops or from breeders should come with a sign that says not a pet for CHILDREN. Ment for older young adults

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I think this would be a good start but would not happen!

[@cyberwasp461]

You always have great informative videos and always learn from them. I have the gecko from hell but love him.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

we all should have at least one gecko from hell hehe

[@Kimmaline]

I have no feesback on the video, I just wanted to say it's nice to see your face. I just think you're super swell, but you knew that. ;)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you so much!!

[@katiealdana150]

Great job! Awesome👍

[@FiorellaMendoza-p2w]

I have a leperd gecko named camo ❤

[@FiorellaMendoza-p2w]

I have a leperd gecko named camo

[@robertjackson1791]

I've got a temper giant albino leopard gecko he's so cute

[@TX_Miracle]

i wanna buy one soon isit better to buy a child / baby or a fully grown one ?

[@devinrobling638]

Fully agree with all points!! I personally own a normal ball python and betta fish (amongst many other reptiles) and I totally agree that there are just way too many animals for the demand. it comes down to greed and just a total disregard for the animals in question and breaks my heart 😭 for breeders that do it for the betterment of the species and do it in a healthy way then I’m all for it in moderation

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

👏👏👏

[@IkeAboutReptiles]

What vompany makes the cages behind you

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

All American Cages, which is linked in the description of my video!

[@rachelnaomi85]

I agree with many of your points. However I feel that your feeling towards children is a bit of a gross generalization. I'm sorry that you have had to remove animals from neglectful situations, but I promise that if the animal was being abused or neglected the children were too. There are many children who spend their entire lives caring for aniamsl very successfully. Have you been to a working farm before? Have you heard of 4H or FFA? There are also youth reptile and small animals organizations. Don't discount children because you met some neglectful parents.

[@LawTimming0220]

I almost had a leopard gecko for a year now and nothing has been wrong with it

[@petercho8910]

I don’t think any kids should have beginner pets but their parents allow them to have it without knowing how to care for them that’s what I hate.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Agreed!

[@Gaming_Gecko_64]

Bro offended every leapord gecko owner 💀💀💀

[@tierefuerimmer9635]

I've had a leopard gecko for 17 years and he was my first reptile and aside from 2 nasty bites that drew blood, he had a really curious and stubborn personality and maybe in the future I'd get another one from a rescue. Granted he bit me while he was in the process of shedding and I've read that they tend to be more aggressive while shedding. When I first saw the thumbnail, my reaction was WHAT, WHYY before realizing she quite a few leopard geckos.

[@leecross7006]

Do you have a tattoo of one?

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video

[@aaron-n9j]

I have 3. A boy and 2 girls

[@Dunkin_Pony]

I love this video

[@ronaldkichurchak3833]

What are your thoughts on cohabbing them? Like 3 females in a 6x2x2.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I have a video about cohabbing on my channel :)

[@ronaldkichurchak3833]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends thanks. I'll look for it.

[@alisaurus8254]

One of mine dropped its tail and I got all upset recently 😢 still feel all bad for my little baby 😅my pets are my babies lol

[@brandonbaird3917]

If you don’t let your child have responsibilities over an animal then how do you teach them responsibility? I’m not saying let said child kill the animal, but letting a child have a responsibility over an animal that yes isn’t that hard to take care of the first place could set up for the next responsible owner/breeder of reptiles.

[@audreyboogy]

I don’t think another living being should have to suffer poor care in order to teach a child responsibility. A parent should be overall responsible for the well-being of a pet, but a child can be given pet related chores to do to care for the animal too.

[@brandonbaird3917]

@@audreyboogy but look at what a leopard gecko actually needs for care, there is nothing that a child can’t do for a leopard gecko. My kids feed, and check everything for our leopard geckos and they are 5 and 4. They have had reptiles for years there is times they are doing things for her before I’m even ready for the day to start. A parent can supervise and make sure that the child does what needs to be done and after a month or maybe a little more for a child it become habit and they start doing it without needing a ton of supervision. I’m not saying just throw them in something and hope for the best but a child will learn more by not being hand held and given a list with rewards, than they will by being hand held with no consequences.

[@audreyboogy]

@@brandonbaird3917 a child would not be able to take the animal to the vet, purchase new food and supplies, and may not be able to identify when the animal is sick or injured. I’m not saying that children can’t care for pets and be mostly responsible, but it is ultimately the parents responsibility to make sure the pet is properly cared for. If a child neglects an animal, the parents need to step in. Parents are responsible for teaching children proper care and making sure the children follow through. I think we are mostly agreeing, but I don’t understand why that wouldn’t make it ultimately the parents responsibility?

[@brandonbaird3917]

@@audreyboogy first off my son has saved to buy or animals different things so to say a child could buy food and supplies is just you taking away from what a child can do when they put their mind to it. I know adult animal owners that don’t know signs In reptiles to take them to the vet and all. My oldest son actually called out his teacher for improper care of their leopard gecko at school, that was an interesting phone call I got until I got to the school and proved that my son was right and the adult was wrong. Yes vet visits and things of the such should be up to the adult, however if the child is around the animal all the time you will be surprised what they actually pick up on as far as health and behavior. My son noticed before I even did that my leopard gecko was about to shed and when asked how he knew he said she looked duller than she normally does. That being said if you take the responsibility away from the child they don’t focus on or want to pay as close attention to it. Now would I step in if I thought the leopard gecko was in danger, sure because I’m not going to let the animal suffer but my kids don’t know that and so they focus on making sure things are right. If the leopard gecko gets something new they bring up what they want to get her and then they do chores to “pay” for it. Sure they can’t fork out the actual money for it but they definitely can pay for it and learn that ok she needs this so we gotta do this and so forth. It’s about how you structure it and work on it with the child. Not just saying hey it’s my responsibility and take everything from them. Let me ask you this is it your responsibility as a parent to make sure they learn the subjects in school? Or is it theirs with the help of the teachers? So why at 4 should we expect them to learn things in school that they will need in life but can’t ask them to be responsible for an animal?

[@audreyboogy]

@@brandonbaird3917 your children sound great and I’m so glad they love and care for the pets ☻ I’m not saying to take “responsibility” as in care chores away from children though as I agree it can be a great learning experience. I know children *can* go above and beyond for their pets, I was like this too. But children’s resources can be limited and vary from household to household. Plus, not all kids are like yours, and some are not as passionate or attentive to their animals, who then suffer if the parents do not take ultimate responsibility for the pets. The fact that you agree that you would step in if the pet was not properly cared for or needed a vet visit, it does sound like you would take ultimate responsibility for the pet’s wellbeing, *if* it ever came to that. Which to me sounds like you would agree with the fact that other parents should be ultimately responsible for their children’s pets, for the sake of the pets life. So glad your kids are into animals, this is such a fun hobby and I’m thankful for having parents that fostered this love for animals and their wellbeing in me too ☻

[@ednaokorie7872]

im getting 2 leopard geckos in 2 years so once im 11

[@Thebuffalobrief]

Don’t care + ratio

[@Lilonika_]

i agree theyre so overbred

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yes!!