FAQ | Pure Gold Geckos

Question 1

How do I purchase a gecko?

Accepted Answer

Browse our Available Geckos page and click 'Inquire' on any animal you're interested in. We'll confirm availability, answer any questions, and send you a PayPal invoice. A 25% non-refundable deposit holds your gecko; the balance is due before shipping.

Question 2

Do you offer payment plans or layaway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer layaway on geckos priced $200 and above. A 25% deposit holds the animal for up to 60 days. Monthly payments are required to keep the hold active. The gecko ships once paid in full.

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept PayPal (goods & services), Venmo, and Zelle. We do not accept personal checks or cash. All transactions are documented for your protection.

Question 4

Can I visit in person to pick up my gecko?

Accepted Answer

Local pickup is available by appointment in the St. Louis Area. We also attend several reptile expos throughout the year where you can meet us and pick up your animal in person. Check our Shows & Events page for upcoming dates.

Question 5

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

We currently ship within the continental United States only. We do not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or internationally due to USDA regulations and the stress of extended transit times on live animals.

Question 6

How do you ship live animals?

Accepted Answer

We ship via FedEx Priority Overnight exclusively. Geckos are packed in insulated boxes with heat or cold packs as needed based on weather conditions. We only ship Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays at FedEx facilities.

Question 7

What is your live arrival guarantee?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee live arrival on all shipments. If your gecko arrives deceased, you must contact us within 1 hour of delivery with photos and video of the unopened box and the animal. We will replace the gecko or issue store credit at our discretion.

Question 8

What if the weather is too hot or cold to ship?

Accepted Answer

We monitor weather at both origin and destination before shipping. If conditions are unsafe, we will hold your gecko at no charge until conditions improve. We never ship when temperatures are forecast below 40°F or above 95°F at either location.

Question 9

How much does shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

Shipping is $55 for the first gecko and $10 for each additional gecko in the same box. This covers FedEx Priority Overnight, insulated packaging, and heat/cold packs as needed.

Question 10

Are crested geckos good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Crested geckos are one of the best reptiles for beginners. They're hardy, don't require live insects (though they enjoy them), tolerate room temperature without supplemental heating in most climates, and are generally docile and handleable.

Question 11

What do crested geckos eat?

Accepted Answer

The easiest and most complete diet is a commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) powder like Pangea or Repashy, mixed with water to a ketchup consistency. Offer 2–3 times per week. Live insects (dubia roaches, crickets) can be offered as supplemental enrichment 1–2 times per week.

Question 12

How long do crested geckos live?

Accepted Answer

With proper care, crested geckos live 15–20 years in captivity. They're a long-term commitment — which is part of what makes them so rewarding.

Question 13

Can I keep two crested geckos together?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend housing crested geckos individually. Males will fight, and even female pairs can stress each other. The only exception is a single male with one or more females for breeding purposes, and even then they should be monitored closely.

Question 14

My gecko isn't eating — should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

New geckos often refuse food for the first 1–2 weeks as they acclimate. This is normal. Ensure the enclosure is set up correctly, offer food every 2–3 days, and give them space. If a gecko hasn't eaten after 3 weeks or shows other symptoms, contact us.

Question 15

What is a Lily White?

Accepted Answer

Lily White is the only confirmed co-dominant mutation in crested geckos. Animals with one copy show white lateral markings and a distinctive white dorsal. Two copies (super form) are lethal — embryos don't survive. All our Lily White animals are single-copy.

Question 16

What does 'high expression' mean?

Accepted Answer

High expression refers to a morph that shows its characteristic traits strongly and clearly. A high-expression harlequin, for example, has bold, saturated lateral patterning covering most of the body. Expression is influenced by genetics, age, and individual variation.

Question 17

Will my gecko's colors change as it grows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Juvenile crested geckos often look quite different from their adult coloration. Colors typically intensify and patterns become more defined as they mature, usually reaching adult coloration around 12–18 months of age.

Question 18

What does 'proven breeder' mean?

Accepted Answer

A proven breeder is an adult gecko that has successfully produced fertile eggs and healthy offspring. Proven animals command a premium because their genetic expression and fertility are confirmed — there's no guesswork about what they'll produce.

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