Crested geckos are extremely popular in the pet industry for their unique look and relatively easy care. Named for their physical appearance, Crested geckos or "cresties" have crests along their heads, backs and often over their eyes creating dramatic looking “eye-lashes.” Crested geckos like many other geckos can drop their tail as a defense mechanism, however theirs do not grow back. These reptiles are nocturnal and do not require special lighting and can be kept around the same temperature as a typical home. Crested geckos are largely tree dwellers and are able to do so with the help of unique toes, covered in tiny hairs, that actually curl upwards when they walk! These friendly, slow moving creatures can be great fun for children (and adults) to observe walking along the sides of their enclosures. They are also an intelligent species that benefit from a variety of textures and hides, making their enclosures perfect for planting or decorating with elaborate naturalistic decor.
Cresties do extremely well in planted bio-active enclosures. The plants provide some realtive humidity, hiding places and enrichment, while Isopods provide a cleaner crew and consistent food supply. An adult crested gecko requires at least a 20 gallon enclosure and a consistent supply of fresh water at all times. Multiple crested geckos can be housed together in a larger enclosure providing that there is only one male, as males may fight if housed together. Like many other species, cresties require a temperature gradient in order to regulate their body temperature. This can be achieved by placing a ceramic heat bulb, or similar protected heating element on one side of the enclosure lid, leaving the other side unheated. This allows the animals to climb up to a warm basking area as they would in nature. If temperatures in your area are very cold, the lower area can be warmed using an under tank heat mat.
Crested Gecko
Crested Gecko Information Care Sheet:
(Crested Gecko)
Prolapse Care is perfect for Crested Geckos!
Difficulty: Beginner
Size: 4-5 inches of body (up to 8 inches with tail)
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Food Preferences: crickets, mealworms, powdered crested gecko diet
Temperature Requirements: 75-82* during day low to mid 70s at night (summer) or 60s (winter)
Lighting: Not required if providing Vitamin D3 in diet
Breeding: Easy
Substrate: User preference, coco coir or peat moss suggested for Bio-active enclosures - crested geckos spend most of their time in the vertical spaces of their enclosure so more attention should be spent creating climbing and resting areas with bark, cork, branches, and plants (live or artificial).
Humidity: 50% - 70%
Suggested Products: Reptanicals Cleaner Crews, Reptanicals Wound Care, Springtails
