Crested Gecko Care Sheet: The Complete Guide to Happy, Healthy Geckos
Guide to creating an ideal enclosure, balanced diet, humidity control and health checks.
Crested Gecko Care Sheet
Crested geckosâalso called eyelash geckosâare among the most popular and beginner-friendly reptiles thanks to their gentle disposition, manageable size, and captivating appearance. Proper care, however, is critical to help them thrive in captivity. This care sheet provides a thorough rundown for new and experienced keepers alike, guiding you through habitat setup, feeding, maintenance, health, and handling for a happy, healthy crested gecko.
Essential Supplies: What Every Crested Gecko Needs
- Appropriately sized habitat (vertical terrarium/vivarium)
- Commercial crested gecko diet
- Substrate (e.g., reptile-safe bedding or paper towels)
- Sphagnum moss
- Food and water dishes
- Mealworm/insect feeding dish
- Hideaway or shelter
- Climbing decor (branches, cork bark, vines)
- Live or artificial plants
- Heat lamp or pad (if room temperature is low)
- Heat fixture (if using external heat sources)
- Vitamin and calcium supplements
- Cricket quencher and cricket keeper (if feeding live insects)
- Thermometer and hygrometer (for temperature and humidity monitoring)
Habitat Setup: Creating a Gecko Paradise
Crested geckos originate from the forests of New Caledonia, so your goal is to replicate their natural, humid, and vertical environment.
Enclosure Size and Orientation
- Adults require a tall enclosure at least 18 inches high; preferred minimum is 18″W x 18″D x 24″H (45 x 45 x 60 cm).
- Babies and juveniles can do well in a smaller setup initially.
- Vertical orientation is essential for climbing and enrichment.
Substrate and Decor
- Choose humidity-retentive substrates such as coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or paper towels (for easier cleaning).
- Provide multiple hides and thick foliage (real or artificial) for privacy and security.
- Add sturdy branches, vines, and backgrounds to promote climbing and exploration.
- Consider a bioactive setup for long-term maintenance, but ensure a suitable drainage layer to prevent mold if using naturalistic substrates.
Temperature and Heating
| Zone | Recommended Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Warm End | 72â75 |
| Cool End | 68â75 |
- Never expose geckos to temperatures above 80°F (27°C) for prolonged periods, as it can be fatal.
- Most homes are within the safe range; supplemental heat may only be necessary if the room drops below 65°F (18°C).
Humidity
- Aim for humidity levels between 60-80%.
- Daily light misting with dechlorinated water or a reptile mister is recommended.
- Good ventilation is important to prevent mold and bacterial buildup.
- Monitor humidity using a reliable hygrometer in the enclosure.
Lighting
- Crested geckos do not require intense UVB, but a low-level UVB source (2.0â5.0) can help with vitamin D synthesis and overall health.
- Provide a 12-hour light/dark cycle to mimic natural day and night.
Feeding and Nutrition
Crested geckos are omnivores, primarily eating fruit and insects. In captivity, their nutritional needs are straightforward but must be met consistently.
Main Diet
- Feed a commercial crested gecko diet (CGD)âa powdered complete meal mixed with water. This is formulated with the correct balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Most geckos will thrive on just CGD, but variety can help promote appetite and enrichment.
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Insects and Fresh Foods
- Offer live insects (crickets, small roaches, mealworms, or black soldier fly larvae) 1â2 times per week.
- Always dust insects with calcium powder before feeding. If not using UVB lighting, supplement with calcium plus D3 2x monthly.
- Some keepers offer mashed fresh fruits (banana, mango, papaya), but only as an occasional treatânot a dietary staple.
- Remove uneaten food daily to maintain hygiene.
Feeding Frequency
- Juveniles: Feed daily.
- Adults: 2â3 times weekly is sufficient. Reduce insect feedings as the gecko matures.
Water
- Keep fresh, clean water available at all times in a shallow dish.
- Crested geckos may also drink droplets from leaves or enclosure walls after misting.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential to your geckoâs health. Consistency minimizes the risk of parasites, bacteria, and mold.
Daily Tasks
- Spot-clean to remove droppings, uneaten food, or soiled substrate.
- Replace water and clean dishes daily.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
- Remove your gecko to a secure, temporary enclosure.
- Take out all decor, accessories, and substrate.
- Scrub the empty tank and decorations with a reptile-safe cleaner or a 3% bleach solution (leave on for at least 10 minutes).
- Rinse everything thoroughly to eliminate residues or odors from cleaning solutions.
- Allow the tank and all items to dry completely before reinstalling substrate and accessories.
- Return your gecko to their clean habitat.
Handling and Behavior
Crested geckos are best appreciated as display animals but may tolerate gentle handling once acclimated.
- Allow new geckos a week to adjust before attempting to handle.
- Encourage them to climb onto your hand of their own accord. Never grab or restrain by the tailâthey can drop their tails (which will not regrow) as a defense mechanism.
- Limit handling sessions to 10 minutes at a time to prevent chilling or undue stress.
- Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent disease transmission.
Common Health Concerns and Preventive Care
- Overheating: Avoid exposure to temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
- Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS): Linked to sleeping upside down in tall enclosures; ensure multiple perching options and monitor posture.
- Shedding Problems: Ensure adequate humidity and provide rough surfaces to assist with shedding.
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Prevented by proper calcium supplementation and optional low-level UVB lighting.
- Obesity: Moderation in feeding, especially live insects, is important for adult geckos.
- Parasites and Bacterial Infections: Maintained enclosure hygiene and quarantine of new animals are crucial.
Social Housing
- Generally best kept singly to prevent stress or aggression.
- Never house males together; aggression is likely.
- Some females may cohabit if there is ample space, numerous hides, and free access to resources. Watch closely for signs of aggression (chasing, tail shaking, biting) and separate if necessary.
Bringing Your Crested Gecko Home
- Set up and run the enclosure for at least a week before introducing your gecko. This allows adjustments to heating, lighting, and decor, and establishes stable humidity and temperature conditions.
- When first introducing your gecko, place it gently in the enclosure, close the habitat securely, and leave the lights off until the next morning to minimize stress.
- Avoid handling for the first week to let your gecko acclimate and discover hiding places and food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do crested geckos live?
A: In captivity, crested geckos often live 15â20 years with proper care.
Q: Do crested geckos need UVB lighting?
A: While not strictly required, low-level UVB can benefit vitamin D synthesis and bone health.
Q: Can I handle my crested gecko?
A: Yes, but let your gecko acclimate first. Handle gently and never by the tail, limiting sessions to brief periods.
Q: What temperature is too high for crested geckos?
A: Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F (27°C) is dangerous and can be fatal.
Q: Can crested geckos live together?
A: Itâs safest to keep them alone. Female pairs are sometimes possible but require close supervision; never house males together.
Q: How do I know if my gecko is healthy?
A: Signs of health include active climbing, normal appetite, clear eyes, and intact skin. Lethargy, weight loss, or skin issues may indicate illness and warrant veterinary care.
Conclusion
With attentive husbandry, proper habitat, balanced nutrition, and routine maintenance, crested geckos make enchanting and resilient pets. Understanding their specific requirements is the key to helping them thrive in your home for many years to come.
References
- https://www.petmd.com/reptile/crested-gecko-care-sheet
- https://www.rspca.org.uk/documents/1494939/7712578/Crested+gecko+care+sheet+(PDF+676KB).pdf/4a4aab54-0a6b-b401-6ee4-c2f88fbd2ad3?version=3.0&t=1559127988608&download=true
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjP5AWHDcr0
- https://community.morphmarket.com/t/how-to-care-for-crested-geckos/48481
- https://www.petmd.com/hub/exotic-pet-care-sheets/p/4
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