Saturday, as we were setting up for the reptile show, and the last gecko deli cup was added to the table, I started to look around for Speckles our male crested gecko that has been to about 50 shows with us.

He is an attractive flame crested gecko, not spectacular and not really that large of a male. However, he is very well behaved. When he comes out at a show, there are a couple of jumps and then he settles into his walking from hand to hand.... then he just settles into his 'I'll just lay here in the warmth of this person's hand'.

With everyone that has held Speckles over the years, he has become if not famous, at least beloved. One show about 6 months ago, I mistakenly brought one of the females in his enclosure instead of Speckles (I'm packing animals at 4:30 am for the show so I'm usually half awake). People were actually mad at me for not bring him!

As I brought Speckles out for Saturday's show I had a great idea (yes, I've had one or two in the past). I will take photos of folks holding Speckles and put them on the web page ! I think people will get a big kick out of seeing their photos with Speckles and it will be interesting to see these photos years later.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN CAUGHT HOLDING SPECKLES, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF

She Asked for it!

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Eublepharis macularius - Super Snow

I think the most underrated leopard gecko morph is the Super Snow. They are exceptionally beautiful and good-natured, and the potential for breeding morph combinations is endless. I've never jumped on a new morph bandwagon with the exception of my first Super Snow, Luna, that I got from John and Amy Mack at the Daytona Show years ago. I was instantly smitten by her, and paid a lot of money for her. She remains to this day my most treasured gecko.

Marcia McGuiness

Golden Gate Geckos

Pachydactylus rangei

One of my favorite species that I feel is very underrated would have to be Pachydactylus rangei (web footed gecko). I have not had this species for long but it was always a long term goal of mine to acquire a pair.

I got my pair from John Zabroski of Elusive Exotics at NARBC-Tinley Park this October.  P. rangei is one of the most interesting and entertaining species I have kept so far. They are veracious hunters and for their small size, only a few inches, they are surprisingly tame.  One of the remarkable things about this species is their transparent skin.  Looking at them, you can see their bones and veins, and also watch eggs develop inside of a gravid female.  My other favorite features about this species are their webbed feet and ability to walk on the surface of the sand.  They also love to dig moving more sand around their enclosure than any other terrestrial species I currently keep.

One interesting thing I recently learned is beacause of their transparent skin they can be sexed almost right out of the egg. You shine a light through them and you can actually see the organ that forms into a hemipene in males.

Cody Wilson 

Revolution Reptiles

Facebook.com/RevolutionReptiles

Gonatodes vittatus

After having the pleasure of working with leopard geckos and crested geckos for several years (nocturnal geckos), I found a certain pleasure keeping my first non-Phelsuma day gecko Gonatodes vitattus.  Not only are they attractive with the skunk white stripe down their entire dorsal, they are always active, even when all other geckos in the facility are sound asleep.

My pair of G. vittatus were purchased from Phil Tremper in early 2011 and wereplaced in a 3 gallon cube glass tank with a screen top.  This is perfect for this tiny, 1.5 inch geckos.  Decorated with slate and a pathos plant they feel comfortable enough to gobble up tiny crickets and wingless fruit flies- they seem like they are always hungry.  A misting a day to half the tank and they are all set.  If you are looking for a fun, active gecko, look no further than these Central-South American Gonatodes vittatus.

Wally Kern

Supreme Gecko

Cyrtodactylus pulchellus

I am torn between Goniurosaurus hainanenis and Cyrtodactylus pulchellus. Both are great breeders if kept right.  The Goni's (cave geckos aka Chinese leopards) are probably a better choice for beginners seeing how they are a ground gecko.

But in recent years I've noticed this one is gaining some momentum with other hobbyists.  I would have to say its the the Malaysian Banded-Bent Toe Gecko that is much more underrated.  These are really cool and prove to be great captives for anyone who is skilled with arboreal species. Males of this species can be very vocal at times. Breeding them is not too hard.  Just to have monitor their behavior and make sure they are compatible. Their eggs are brittle-hard shell, and they bury their eggs.  The eggs don't need any special incubator.   I keep all the egg containers at room temp (73-78) on shelves in my basement.   They usually take about 150 days to hatch.  They are a highland gecko so the year round tempts should not go over 80 degrees.  Misting is done twice daily.  Feeding is done 3-4 times a week for adults and daily for juveniles.  They only eat insects and snails and will sometimes take pinky mice as adults.

Jim McDermott

Facebook - Jim McDermott

Homopholis wahlbergi - Wahlberg's Velvet gecko

This is a south African species of gecko that likes to hang out in dead trees of the savannah and bush lands. They are a very inquisitive gecko...always looking around and "tasting' the air. They are arboreal, and are agile enough to climb walls and glass. They are really quick, but  run different than a lot of geckos that I've had. Instead of the hard swishing side to side and "S" type motion that a lot of geckos make, these run more of tight line. The also have quite a bit of attitude, and show plenty of aggression. They don't hesitate to bite, or at least put on a good display and open their mouths to show their really cool black mouth.

I really like this species because of it's attitude, it's robust stature, and it's coloration. There is something about a contrasting black and white gecko that really catches my eye. They can be found with two different looks...the striped ones like I have, or ones that have a more reticulated/spotted pattern.

Kyle and Krystal Salzmann

Gekkonidazed Geckos

(photo of gecko by the author)

You've heard the age old verse for the gingerbread Man- "Run, run as fast as you can.  You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man".  As my wife baked Christmas cookies a few weeks ago with her sisters and mother, I had to announce that the Gingerbread man was on the loose!

I've worked with some pretty quick little geckos in the past.  You get use to their movements, their habits, their idiosyncrasies.  I know when they are relaxed, alerted, and when they are ready to run.  I know how quickly most geckos move when escaping, where they will run, and how far they will run until they feel safe. It's not based on reading books or that I am just that smart.  It is through observation and doing the wrong thing a couple of times, then learning from it.

A few months ago, I purchased a few groups of smaller day geckos from the genus Lygodactylus.  Not the most colorful animals but certainly they have their nice markings and subdued colors, but they are little characters these hummingbirds of the gecko world.  They went into the only enclosures I had available- 10 gallons supplied with a sand/peat substrate, cork bark to climb on, a plant to hide in, and high intensity lights.  The one bad feature of these setups is the screen top.  Not acceptable for fast moving gecko.  New enclosures are being build as I write this but those screen tops... they are so difficult to work with!

Back to cookie making day (funny how my mind always diverts to food). While the ladies were baking, I was feeding the animals downstairs.  I was finishing up with the Lygos and started opening the first tank top while watching the behavior of the male closest to the top.  Funny, he looked right up to the top as I opened it, not looking for a hiding place to run to.  I closed the top, the gecko resumed resting position. I cracked back open the top and the head pivoted right to the screen.  Uh oh, he was on to me (the female by this time had dove behind the cork bark)!  Well, I will watch for any sudden movement and quickly close the top if I need to.

As I lifted the screen top and moved in to pickup the food cup from the bottom of the enclosure, with my eyes peeled on this little Speed Racer, it happened! I didn't even have a chance to close the top one centimeter. The gecko leapt onto the screen, onto my arm, and used it as a launching pad right onto the floor.  I had just enough time to realize what happened and just begin the thought process of what to do next , when as fast as the Gingerbread Man, the 2 inch gecko zipped the 10 feet right under the furnace! Gone! And me still holding the screen top open with dropped jaw.

It was 3 days later when I next saw him.  I knew I would again, it was just a matter of time.  Hiding behind some screen cages, I spent a half hour moving this cage, then that cage, then positioning the deli cup, then, when he was done playing with me and my stress level was at its peak, zoom off he was back to the furnace.  Two days later and I saw a flash above the sink dashing behind one of the basement rafters (still in the reptile room.  I knew I would have another chance but when.

Last Sunday night, I invited all the boys down to feed the crested geckos.  As we finished up, Tim loudly proclaimed "There it is!".  Sure enough, right back behind the same screen cage.  I set the team in position with deli cups and we began the strategic capture, the four of us surrounding the poor little gecko. Within minutes this time though, Jordan smartly guided the deli cup over the startled Lygo and with top slapped on, we moved it back into its 10 gallon home.  So, how many gecko keepers does it take.......

Now, I would feel embarrassed enough if this were the end of the story but, it gets worse.  Yesterday, while again feeding, the male bolted on me again.  Tim entered the room and diverted my attention just long enough for the gecko to find the opening and zip two tanks over (yes, I'm blaming my son).

This time however, he and I with deli cups perfectly positioned caught the little bugger.  The funny thing is that as I was herding the gecko toward the cups, he turned toward my hand instead. I took the chance and scooped up the gecko barehanded.  There must be a saying I can use here- "A Gecko in the Hand is Worth......"   I know one thing, I cannot wait for those new tanks to be finished!

Are your Rhacodactylus geckos finiky about what Repashy MRP flavor they eat?  Then this news is for you!!

On January 1st, Repashy will be discontinueing the following flavors  STRAWBERRY   BANANA    FIG.   They will be carrying the following flavors moving forward-  Original (Strawberry/Banana), Mango, and Peach.

If you need to stock up on any of these flavors, I will place an order Saturday. To get your last food order for these flavors, please do the following-

1. Determine how much you need from the list below as well as the cost (if you are not sure, send me an Email at supremegecko@wi.rr.com)
2. If you need the food shipped to you, include an additional $5 up to 32oz and $8 for orders over 32oz (I will bring the food to the next Chicago reptile shows or you can pickup at our home once it comes in)
3. Send me an Email with the flavors, sizes, and cost or pay directly through PAYPAL to supremegecko@wi.rr.com

I will place the order Saturday afternoon.  Your order has to be to me and finalized by this Saturday (12/31) at noon CT.

YOU WILL NOTE THAT I HAVE EVEN LOWERED THE PRICE FOR THIS ONE TIME ORDER! 

(don't forget shipping if you are not picking up at a show or locally)

In our 12 Supreme Days of Christmas Give Away, I asked you for suggestions to improve this web site.  Thank you for taking the time to give such great suggestions.  Below, you will find them listed, in order of duplicates, and my responses.  Before continueing though, let me note that many of you knew about my work schedule (70 hour weeks for most of the year).  Not an excuse but I did have to prioritize my responsibilities and updating the page fell quite a bit lower than taking care of the animals as best as I could.  2012 will be different.

1. More Pictures-  Many want to see pictures of our crested geckos, leopard geckos, and others- both breeders and available (to be covered later).  I have several groups of breeders not listed on the page and have begun adding as of last week (added 3 new crested groups) but, I will continue this and hopefully by the end of January will be caught up.

2. More animals available- both adding animals and keeping the page updated.  As this is the most time consuming activity for me (and one that I just do not look forward to) I try to batch updates every couple months.  Last year, I believe I only updated the page 2 or 3 times.  I will be more diligent this next year- including leos, crested, pictus, and yes gargoyles as well.

3. More Supplies-  I will look into cages and enclosure decor.  If there is anything else. let me know.

4. Add a Forum-  I did a couple years ago but disabled it soon afterwards.  Here is my thoughts.  Facebook, Google Plus, and Twitter provides such a great 'interactive' tool.  I've reviewed forum participation #s and all major forums have big drops in traffic.  I think another forum just wouldn't be used enough.  If you have questions, comments, photos to share, please feel free to add to the Supreme Gecko Facebook Fan Page

5. Add a Calander-  Already there on the first page.  But, I may look for one a bit easier to use for me and for you.

6. More HOW TO videos-  Great idea!  I just purchased a new camera and will play around with it this week.  My goal in 2012 is to add a dozen new videos (at least). Leave a comment below on what you would like to see.

7. More MRP flavors-  Well, Repashy MRP flavors will be limited starting Jan 1 2012.  Let me now what you need NOW!

8. MRP Easy Order Form-add flavors.  I made the form to make ordering easy.  One Flavor, one click.  For more flavors, please use the Store.

9. Behind the Scenes photos (including Setups)  & More 'Real Life' stories.  Another great idea.  I will plan behind the scenes for January or February and add more stories now!

10. HyperLinks for Available animals, last updated date, and more info before clicking on available animal.  I will start looking into this.  Good ideas.

And more suggestions-

11. Available animals on natural background-  I tried this back a couple years ago.  While easier to do, it did not show the animals that well, in my opinion.  I may give this another try on the next shoot.
12. Rarer Gecko Care Sheet- As I have the opportunity to work with, and breed, more geckos in 2012, I will provide more care sheets.
13. Offer Logo on TShirt-  In the works
14. Notes on How we decide on who to pair up-  Sounds like a good future article.
15. Sell adult cresteds-  Easier said than done.  I have tried to do this for a few years but the young ones go so quickly!  I am working on this.
16. Video on breeding insects-  I may need some help with this but we sure can add these.
17. Pictures on more species we are working with-  Coming this week!
18. Sell Red Panthers (pictus geckos)-  We are working on this :)
19. Follow up pictures of customer's geckos we sold to them-  Good idea.  I need to determine where they would go.
20. Redesign Logo-  I will look into this.
21. Navigation on sub articles clunky-  I will look into this.
22. Change User Name-  I will look into this.
23. More pictures with Speckles-  Join me at any show in 2012 and we will have Speckles there!

Did I miss any?

This past year we have been very fortunate at Supreme Gecko to have such wonderful friends supporting us in so many ways.   In the spirit of the  holidays, we  would enjoy giving a little back to our community.  Over the next 12 days, as a thank you, we will be giving away a gift a day.

WHO

WHAT Last year was our first year for the give away and we had some nice gifts including candy, $50 and $100 gift certificates to Supreme Gecko.  This year, more and better!  Wait till you see them!

WHEN will the gifts be given? Over 12 days from Monday 12/12 to Christmas Eve 12/24.

WHERE do you find out what the gift is, who won, and what the next gift is? RIGHT HERE  (and facebook)!

WHY are we giving away these gifts?  Because we want to wish everyone a very happy holiday and Thank You!  As a nice benefit, this is also a way to spotlight some of our sponsors that have contributed to the give away as well. Also, the more you sponsor our sponsors, the bigger and better the give away next year! 

How Can You Be a Part of the 12 Supreme Days of Christmas Giveaway?  It is very simple. Each of the 12 days, we'll randomly draw a name and that person will receive a gift. See above.

 
* Special Note- Get More Changes to Win!  Every comment you make gives you another entry in the 'entry drawing stocking' (see the comments below)!  So leave your comment every day for the greatest chance for a gift.   Finally, this only applies to people living in the US and Canada (no live animal shipments outside USA).

And the winner of Day 12 is.......   GARCHUKKS

First, I want to thank everyone that participated in this year's GiveAway.  I wish everyone could have won! But I do really appreciate the sharing and good will all around.  

We could not have done this without our sponsers-

• Ryan Hill and gang at Captive Bred Specialties
• Shane Ager and Aaron LaForge - SEWERFest
• Global Gecko Association (GGA)
• Reptiledirect.com
• Julie TenBensel of Windy City Chameleons
• Nanette Kern of Momneverstops.com
• J.t. of Windy City Reptiles
• Abby Malvestuto of Herpetological Girl

Finally, I will be taking everyone's suggestions this last day and writting and article this next week with your thoughts and suggstions.

Thank you again,

Wally

 12 Supreme Day of Christmas GiveAway Gift:

Day 12-  $ 150 Shopping spree at Supreme Gecko!

To enter-  Post a comment below and suggest one thing A) you would like to see on our web page in 2012 or B) you would fix/change on our web page

Day 11- 12x12x18 Hagen Exo Terra Glass Terrarium- WINNER - KarenS 

   Donation by

Day 10- 12X12X12 Hagen Exo Terra Glass Terrarium - WINNER  Amberjean86

 Donation by SEWERFest

 Day 9- This is special!  The Global Gecko Association has donated Four editions of Gekko!  This is a $44 value.  - WINNER - Reptilesforever

 Day 8- $25 Gift Certificate to ReptileDirect.com- WINNER - Tyler Daniels

 Day 7- Creative Memory Scrapbooking Photo Album AND Tastefully Simple Hot Coco mix - WINNERS- Mochas Mom

Day 6- DOUBLE DUTY!  YOU HAVE TO GET IN ON THIS ONE!!   WINNERS- Cindy Durant (TShirt and Cricket Crack) and Charles Schurman (Reptile Mag and $20 to Supreme Gecko)

Prize A  A great gecko T-Shirt and Cricket Crack (from Julie TenBensel of Windy City Chameleons)

Prize B  A $20 Gift Cert to Supreme Gecko and a year subscription to Reptiles Magazine (thank you Windy City Reptiles)

Day 5- Pro Exotics Temp Gun (a must have! $25 value)  WINNER- Nick Dandrea

Day 4- Gecko Loupe (great to determine the sex of your animal) WINNER - Kimberly DeShano

Day 3-Choice of 8 oz MRP (crested gecko diet) OR SuperCal & SuperVite Combo WINNER -Jon White

  or  

To enter Day 3-  Answer the question below-

"My most memorable 2011 Reptile Related moment was _____________"

Day 2- 2 Live Food Cultures from Abby Malvestuto-Herpetological Girl:    WINNER - Jesse Luther

Spring tails and Tropical Woodlice-  great feeder insects for small animals.

Day 1- 5 set of Crested Gecko Diet Dishes:    WINNER - Laney S.  Congrats!