With their charming personalities and animated cuteness, crested geckos have become a favorite among reptile enthusiasts and beginners alike. If you're considering bringing one of these delightful creatures into your home, it's essential to understand their unique yet easy-to-keep requirements for a happy and healthy life. In this guide, we'll cover all the basic material about crested gecko care to set up.
Creating the Perfect Habitat
Tank Size and Structure: Choose a tank that provides ample space for your crested gecko to climb and explore. A 20-gallon tall tank is suitable for a single adult gecko, but larger enclosures are even better. Opt for a vertically oriented habitat to mimic their natural arboreal environment.
Substrate and Climbing Accessories: Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, reptile carpet, and paper towels all make ideal options for substrate. Enhance the enclosure with various climbing opportunities, such as branches, vines, and cork bark. Artificial plants or reptile-safe live plants can be added to create a lush and natural environment.
3. Temperature and Humidity: Crested geckos thrive at a room temperature range of 72-78°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. They do NOT need heat lamps as long as room temperatures are in the ideal range. Keep the humidity level between 60-80%, which can be achieved by gently misting the tank 1-2 times a day and using a hygrometer to monitor levels.
4. Lighting: Crested geckos do not need added light as long as there is plenty of natural light around them. For added benefits, you can add a low-intensity UVB bulb (these are heatless lights) with an 8-12 hour light period.
Feeding the Right Way
Balanced Diet: Crested geckos are omnivores, meaning they eat both insects and fruit. Their diet should consist of a variety of foods to ensure proper nutrition.
Commercial Diet: For the bulk of their diet, crested geckos eat CGD (Crested Gecko Diet) such as Pangea and Repashy. This is a complete diet that you mix with water, creating a smoothie-like consistency. CGD can be fed every other day.
Insects: Crickets, mealworms, roaches, wax worms, black soldier fly larvae, and silkworms can be fed to your gecko 2-3 times a week. Insects should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements before feeding.
Handling with Care
Gentle Approach: Approach your crested gecko calmly and avoid sudden movements. Allow them to crawl onto your hand voluntarily.
Short Sessions: Start with short handling sessions, around 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as your gecko becomes comfortable.
Avoid the Tail: Be cautious not to handle their tail, as it can detach as a defense mechanism. Note: Crested gecko tails do not grow back like other lizards.
Maintaining Health and Hygiene
Clean Environment: Regularly clean the enclosure by removing waste, uneaten food, and shed skin promptly. Enclosures, surfaces, decor, and hides can be disinfected with castile soap and vinegar spray. A clean habitat prevents bacterial growth.
Shedding Support: Provide a humid hide with moist moss to aid in shedding. If serious shedding problems occur, consult a veterinarian for guidance.
Veterinary Care: For check-ups, addressing concerns, or possible illnesses, be sure to use a vet that specializes in reptiles.
Observation: Pay close attention to your gecko's behavior, appetite, and appearance. Any signs of illness or abnormal behavior should be addressed promptly.
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