Snakes, spiders, and scorpions...
Anyone who knows me knows my various animals. I've rehomed dozens of exotic pets, often taking on those that others can't or won't look after. I've been bitten many a time, but never been put off.

Some would say I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, I've tested motorcycles for a living, raced them and done crazy-stupid adventures. But no matter.

I've kept and handled (and adored) them all. From birdeater spiders to rear-fanged venomous snakes, hand-sized scorpions to big constrictor snakes, I'm happy around any animals.

But there's one creature, which I own, which terrifies me. It's the one I won't handle, won't pick up and, essentially, don't go near except to throw food in and rapidly close the (locked) glass doors.



The tokay gecko.

Now, I know, you're thinking "that cute little thing? It's adorable! Look at its big eyes and happy, smiling face."

Yeah, smiling because it's SATAN!

Let me explain. Tokay geckos are notoriously, insanely brave. Most reptiles will shy away from confrontation, even venomous snakes and big monitor lizards.

Not the tiny, foot-long tokay gecko. Oh, no. They have balls like coconuts. They'll charge at you with their mouth gaping, hissing and honking (they're the only lizard to call, and they shout 'to-kay', hence their name).

Did I mention that they're also lightning fast, they can climb on any surface, including wet glass, and their jaw locks solid for up to an hour when they bite?



Yep. Bright blue and orange lizard-monster which shouts its own name, charges at things a hundred times its size and ignores gravity? It's pretty much a Pokemon isn't it.



And even though it can't do much damage to a person, that damned honk sends a shiver down my spine, and that of most other owners…

It's coming for me. One day...
(Miraclefish How appropriate, you fight like a cow, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 12:43, 7 replies)

This is great
And judging by the crazed look in that Gecko's eye a tad scary too.....I wonder if the finger up the bum trick works with these little fellas ;)*clicked*
(bROKEN aRROW PUA HVI Master, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 13:16, closed)

agreed
cool story bro, however I can't see the pictures - fucking work filter thing!
(King Nightmare, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 15:10, closed)

Pah! A ferret would piss that.
Lovely looking creature though.
(oneinthepink is at your cervix m'lady, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 16:05, closed)

Oooh I love those guys! ... what about tarantulas? Indian ornamentals give me the heebie-jeebies. Or there was the time I dropped a Selenocosmia effera down the stairs, in her tub. Which smashed open and I had to chase this tarantula with a medically significant bite around the place :|
( Bathory, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 16:50, closed)

I love pokies
They're adorable. My friend is really freaked out by their patterning, but loves other tarantulas. Mental.

Currently have a very nice mid-sized Salem Ornamental and used to have a very nice looking P. regalis.

And box-dropping doesn't sound fun!
(Miraclefish How appropriate, you fight like a cow, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 17:35, closed)

Oooo Salems are gorgeous! I also have a few P.irminia/Suntigers. One is a sweetheart and I'm almost certain that she could be handled, as she is so gentle and slow and mild mannered. The other one is a psychopath. Actually, just speedy tarantulas in general give me the heebiejeebies. But I can't help myself, I just keep getting more..
( Bathory, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 18:23, closed)

awsome!
i want one!
(HandmadeLurkage it smells of farts in here, Tue 10 Apr 2012, 23:03, closed)