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Rehoming your Leopard Gecko

If you have decided to rehome your leopard gecko, there are a few important factors to consider in order to ensure a responsible and safe transition for your pet. Rehoming a pet can be a difficult decision, but if done correctly, it can result in a happy and healthy life for your pet in their new home.

Introduction

First and foremost, if possible, it is recommended to sell your gecko with their enclosure. This can help reduce stress on the animal, as they will have a familiar environment during the transition period. Additionally, it will make it easier for the new owner, as they will not have to immediately invest in a suitable enclosure for their new pet.

When selling your gecko, it is important to set a rehoming fee. Never give animals away for free, as this may attract people who are not prepared to properly care for the animal. However, it is also important not to set the price too high, as this may discourage enquiries.

To attract potential adopters, take good photos of your gecko and their enclosure. Make sure the photos are clear and show the gecko in its natural habitat. If you know the morphs and sexes of your geckos, add them to the listing. If you are unsure, do not guess.

The best bit of advice we can really give is that if a potential adopter is giving you a bad feeling, run! There are always more adopters out there.

When communicating with potential adopters, ask them the following questions:

  1. What is your experience with Leopard Geckos? If they answer with none, ensure you provide them with lots of resources and groups to join that may help. This can include books, online forums, and local reptile groups.

  2. What is the basic care for a Leopard Gecko? Ensure they have a good idea of the diet, lighting, and heating needs of the species. This can include information about the type and amount of food to provide, as well as the temperature and lighting requirements for their enclosure.

  3. Who will own the gecko? This question is important to ensure that the potential adopter is ready and willing to commit to the long-term care of the gecko. If the person is buying the gecko for a child or as a gift, make sure they are aware of the responsibility involved and are prepared to take on the care of the animal.

In conclusion, rehoming a leopard gecko can be a responsible and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your gecko finds a loving and suitable new home.

Creating a Listing

Do

  • Add as much information as possible to your listing, including hatch date, medical history, genetics and lineage (if you have them) sex, and temperament.

  • Take as many photos as you can of the animal and its setup. Ensure photos are well-lit and not blurry.

  • Talk with potential adopters extensively. Building a relationship with them will ensure you know your animal will be in good hands.

Don't

  • Guess the sex, lineage, or genetics of your animal if you don't know for sure.

  • Price animals too high or too low. I recommend setting your price at around £50 for a Leopard Gecko.

  • Expect to profit or make any money back when rehoming - even breeders rarely break even!

An out of focus photo of a gecko, with only the top of their head showing.

Text reads: Gecko for Rehoming

Adult gecko, friendly, eats mealworms, doing all he should.

Comes with his enclosure.

A Poor Listing

  • Low quality image where you can't see the gecko clearly

  • Title doesn't specify the species

  • Doesn't give any exact information or detail

  • Very vague

A clear photo of a leopard gecko.

Text Reads:

Male Tremper Leopard Gecko - 3 years old.

We purchased this lovely boy as a juvenile in 2019, and he has been absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately we have had to move, and our new landlord does not allow animals of any kind so we are having to rehome him.

He hatched on the 30th of March 2019 and is a Glow Madness Tremper. He mostly eats dubia roaches, mealworms, and locusts but loves his waxworms! We feed him twice per week.

He comes with his enclosure which is a 90 x 45 x 45 cm fitted with a halogen basking bulb, UVB (Arcadia Shadedweller), and lots of hides and corkbark.

He is really docile and calm, very easy to handle.

A Good Listing

  • Higher quality image that shows the gecko's whole body

  • Lots of information on diet, temperament, and his enclosure

  • Title is clear and sums up the gecko well

  • Listing feels personal

Where to Sell

All sites have good and bad points, but here are a few places to check out.

  • Pets4Homes

  • Gumtree

  • Facebook Groups

  • Instagram

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