How to Care for a Crested Gecko: The Complete Guide

Caring for a Crested Gecko is a rewarding experience. Provide a spacious enclosure with plenty of hiding spots and a misting system to maintain humidity. Feed them a diet of fruit and insect-based food, and handle them gently to foster trust.

In this guide, we will discuss the basics of setting up their habitat, feeding them a nutritious diet, maintaining optimal health, and how properly handling your gecko. We will also provide tips on breeding Crested Geckos. Read on to learn all about caring for a Crested Gecko!

 

Housing and Habitat Setup for Crested Geckos

Crested geckos are a popular pet reptile that requires a specific housing and habitat setup to thrive. Here is a detailed guide on how to create the perfect living space for your crested gecko.

 

Enclosure Size

The size of the enclosure is important when it comes to housing a crested gecko. The minimum size for one adult crested gecko is 18” x 18” x 24”, although bigger is always better. Juveniles can start in smaller enclosures but will need to be upgraded as they grow. Provide multiple levels in the enclosure for climbing and hiding. Make sure to use non-toxic materials when building your enclosure. ​​

 

Substrate

There are many options for substrate, but some of the most popular choices for crested geckos include coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of both. The substrate should be deep enough for the gecko to burrow in if they choose, but not so deep that it becomes difficult for them to move around. It should also be kept moist to mimic its natural environment.

 

Temperature

Crested geckos are comfortable in temperatures between 72-80°F during the day, with a slight drop at night. A heat source may be necessary to maintain these temperatures, such as a ceramic heat emitter or under-tank heating pad. Make sure to use a thermostat to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.

 

Lighting

Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal and do not require UVB lighting, although a low-wattage bulb may provide some ambient light for viewing. It’s important to provide a consistent day/night cycle, so aim for 12 hours of light and 12 hours of complete darkness. Use a timer to ensure the light is turned off at night. Additionally, use a red or blue bulb for nighttime viewing without disrupting their sleep cycle.​

 

Humidity

Crested geckos require high levels of humidity (around 60-80%). This can be achieved through misting the enclosure several times a day with a spray bottle, or by using an automated misting system. A humidity gauge should be used to monitor levels, as well as provide plenty of hides to help maintain humidity. Additionally, use a hygrometer to make sure there is adequate ventilation and air circulation within the enclosure. ​​​

 

Decor

Crested geckos are arboreal and enjoy climbing, so provide plenty of branches and vines for them to explore. They also like to hide, so adding some foliage or a hide box is important. Live plants can also be added to help maintain humidity levels and provide a natural environment.

 

Feeding and Nutrition: What to Offer Your Crested Gecko

Crested geckos are popular pets due to their unique appearance and relatively easy care requirements. Proper nutrition is essential for ensuring the health and longevity of your crested gecko.

 

Feeding Schedule

Crested geckos should be offered food every other day. It’s important not to overfeed your crested gecko, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Overfeeding can also lead to the buildup of excess fat stores, which can be harmful to your pet’s liver. It’s best to feed your crested gecko in the evening or at night when they are most active. Offer only as much food as your gecko can consume within 15 minutes. Remove any uneaten food to prevent spoilage.

 

Food Options

There are several types of food that can be offered to your crested gecko. The most common options include:

• Insects – Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches are all good options for your crested gecko. When offering insects, make sure they are appropriately sized for your pet. You should also gut-load the insects prior to offering them to your crested gecko. This means feeding the insects a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours before feeding them to your pet.

• Fruit – Crested geckos require fruit in their diet. Common fruits that can be offered include mango, papaya, and banana. It’s important not to overdo it with the fruit, as it should only make up a small portion of your pet’s diet.

• Commercial Diets – There are several commercially available diets for crested geckos. These can be used as a staple diet or as an occasional treat. It’s important to read the label and make sure the food is free from additives and preservatives.

Remember, a well-rounded diet is the key to keeping your crested gecko healthy and happy. Offer a variety of food options to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.

 

Supplements

In addition to offering food options, it’s important to provide your crested gecko with supplements. Calcium and vitamin D3 are both essential for your pet’s health. Calcium should be offered in the form of a powdered supplement, which can be dusted over your pet’s food. Vitamin D3 can be obtained through the use of a UVB light bulb.

 

Water

Crested geckos require access to fresh water at all times. Water should be provided in a shallow dish, as crested geckos are not strong swimmers. The water should be changed daily to prevent the growth of bacteria. Additionally, offer a shallow dish filled with damp moss or substrate for your pet to drink from.

 

Maintaining Optimal Health: Preventative Care and Common Health Issues

A key part of caring for crested geckos is maintaining their optimal health. This includes providing your pet with a nutritious diet, proper housing, and regular check-ups with an exotics veterinarian. Additionally, there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure your pet stays healthy:

• Quarantine – It’s important to quarantine new crested geckos before introducing them to an established colony. This will help prevent the spread of any potential diseases or parasites.

• Vaccinations – Although not currently available for crested geckos, vaccines may be recommended by your veterinarian if they are at risk for certain illnesses.

• Parasite Prevention – Parasites can be a common issue in crested geckos. Regular fecal tests and deworming treatments should be performed by your veterinarian to prevent the spread of parasites.

Common Health Issues

Crested geckos are generally hardy and healthy, but there are some issues that can arise if they’re not cared for properly. Common health issues include:

• Metabolic Bone Disease – This is a condition caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the diet and can be prevented through proper supplementation.

• Respiratory Infections – These are caused by high levels of humidity or poor ventilation in the enclosure. Make sure to provide adequate ventilation and maintain appropriate humidity levels.

• Retained Shed – This is a condition caused by improper shedding and can be prevented through regular misting of the enclosure.

It’s important to monitor your crested gecko for any changes in behavior or appearance, as this may be an indication of a health issue. If you notice any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

Handling and Socialization: Tips for Building Trust with Your Gecko

Building trust with your crested gecko is essential for their well-being and a positive owner-pet relationship. Here are some tips to help you handle and socialize your crested gecko while building trust:

1. Give them time to acclimate: When you bring a new crested gecko home, allow them to settle into their enclosure for a week or two without handling them. This helps them adjust to their new environment and reduces stress.

2. Approach slowly and calmly: When it’s time to handle your crested gecko, approach its enclosure slowly and calmly. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them. Use a slow and gentle approach to avoid causing stress.

3. Hand scenting: To familiarize your gecko with your scent, place a clean and washed item, like a t-shirt, in their enclosure. This allows them to become accustomed to your smell over time.

4. Start with short sessions: Begin handling your crested gecko with short sessions, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable. Start with just a few minutes and gradually extend it over time.

5. Offer treats and positive reinforcement: To build positive associations with handling, offer treats like small amounts of fruit puree or baby food as rewards during or after handling sessions. This helps create a positive experience and reinforces trust.

6. Provide hiding spots: Ensure your gecko’s enclosure has plenty of hiding spots and foliage. This gives them a sense of security and allows them to retreat when they feel the need. Feeling safe in their environment will contribute to their overall trust and comfort.

Remember, each crested gecko has its own personality and comfort level, so adapt these tips to suit your pet’s needs.

 

Breeding Crested Geckos: Considerations and Best Practices

Breeding Crested Geckos can be a rewarding and exciting experience. However, it requires careful planning and adherence to best practices to ensure the health and well-being of the geckos.

• Age and Health: Ensure that both the male and female geckos are healthy and mature enough for breeding. Generally, they should be at least 1 year old and weigh around 35 grams before breeding.

• Pairing Compatibility: Select compatible geckos for breeding. Avoid breeding closely related geckos to prevent genetic issues. Introduce the male and female gradually, monitoring their behavior closely to ensure they are compatible.

• Nesting Spots: Provide multiple suitable nesting spots within the enclosure. These can include moss, coconut fiber, or reptile-safe substrates. The female gecko will lay her eggs in these areas. Ensure that the nesting material is moist enough to facilitate egg development but not excessively wet.

• Monitoring and Egg Incubation: Regularly check the nesting spots for the presence of eggs. Once eggs are laid, carefully remove them and transfer them to an incubator. Maintain the incubator temperature between 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C) and humidity around 70% to 80%. Follow appropriate incubation protocols based on the gecko’s species.

• Separating Geckos: After the breeding process, it’s essential to separate the male and female geckos. Continuous breeding can cause stress and negatively impact their health. Allow them to rest and recover before considering future breeding attempts.

• Egg Hatching and Care: Monitor the eggs closely during incubation. The eggs typically hatch within 60 to 90 days, depending on the species and incubation conditions. Once hatched, provide appropriate housing, diet, and care for the hatchlings. Separate them from adult geckos to avoid potential aggression.

Remember, breeding Crested Geckos should be done responsibly, prioritizing the welfare of the geckos.

 

In Conclusion

Caring for Crested Geckos is relatively easy and rewarding, but it does require specific housing and habitat setup to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.

Proper nutrition, temperature, humidity, lighting, and decor are all important factors for providing a happy home for your crested gecko.