CRESTED GECKO
- Native to parts of New Caledonia.
- They are extremely hardy and easy to handle, they come in a variety of stunning colors and patterns.
- Crested Geckos have an average lifespan of 15-20 years and grow to be between 7 and 9 inches long from head to tail.
- Crested Geckos are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time off the ground in plants and trees.
Diet
In the wild Crested Geckos, and other New Caledonian geckos, feed primarily on soft fruits but will snack on the occasional insect. In captivity there are commercial foods that are readily available and easy to prepare called Crested Gecko Diet. A Crested Gecko can live healthy and happy its entire life on Crested Gecko Diet - a powdered diet that gets mixed with water to be about the consistency of pudding. Fresh Crested Gecko diet should be prepared every other night.
Insects, like crickets and roaches, may be offered but should always be used sparingly. Insects should not make up more than 20% of their diet. About one insect meal every two weeks works well. Insects should be no larger than the distance between the geckos eyes. Crested Geckos are nocturnal (active at night) and should be fed at night before turning off the lights.
Housing
Crested Geckos live at room temperature, between 70-80 degrees is perfect. If the room is slightly cooler a very low wattage (about 50) infrared or black night bulb may be used. Always ensure the enclosure is not over 85 degrees. Too much heat can stress out a Crested Gecko and cause health problems, as well as dry out the cage too rapidly.
Crested Geckos should be sprayed 1-2 times daily and the humidity should be allowed to fluctuate daily between 45%-80% to provide a proper humidity gradient. The cage should never be too wet, or too dry, for any extended period of time. They prefer to drink water off the walls of the enclosure after misting but a dish of fresh water should be available at all times. Soil type substrates are the best choice for crested geckos. Plastic or silk plants, cork bark, sticks, moss, and other decorations provide cover and help hold humidity.
Being arboreal, adults will need at least a 24 inch tall tank to provide a good amount of climbing room. Baby Crested Geckos require a smaller space to start in because they have troubles locating their food. A 12”x12”x12” enclosure provides the right amount of room for a baby Crested Gecko.
Like most reptiles, Crested Geckos prefer to live alone. Males should always be housed separately due to fighting. Adult females may be housed together but caution should always be used as not all will get along. Juveniles and sub adults can be very nippy with one another and should always be housed alone at this size/age.
Handling & Care
Crested Geckos are very easy to handle and friendly making them one of the best choices for a beginner. Like other geckos they can lose their tails from rough or improper handling but Crested Geckos will not grow them back. Care should always be exercised when handling any live animal. Always be in a safe area where they cannot get lost or hurt.
Always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap after handling any animal.
Health
Never feed any reptile insects that are found outside or use any decorations that are brought in from outdoors. There are outdoor insects that may be toxic or items that may have come in contact with toxic pesticides, etc. Metabolic Bone Disease is common in reptiles, but with a proper diet and supplementation it is easily avoidable.
