About Crested Geckos

Crested geckos are a species that is native to the Island of New Caledonia. In New Caledonia, the crested gecko can be found dwelling amongst treetops, climbing on trees, and foraging for fruit and insects. The Crested gecko was first discovered in 1886 by French Zoologist, Alphone Guichenot. The species was not discovered again until 1994, and was thought to have gone extinct. After rediscovery of the species, they were brought to the U.S. by herpetologists Philippe de Vosjoli and Frank Fast. Crested geckos are very common reptiles in the United States today. Today, crested geckos can live up to 20 years old in captivity! 

In captivity Crested Geckos enjoy a healthy balanced diet of crested gecko food and insects. My preferred diet choice is Repashy or Lugarti brand crested gecko diet. Both brands offer complete crested gecko diets, that are sufficiently balanced with specific nutrition and vitamins that the species requires. These diets should be fed every 2-3 days, and made to an applesauce or yogurt like consistency. This consistency can be met by adding equal parts of water to the diet. Crested geckos can also benefit from eating live insects 1-2 times a week, in addition to their diet. My preferred choice of insects are crickets. Crickets are a good choice, and easily accessible for most people to get. Some other good insect choices are meal worms (in ration), dubia roaches, and black soldier flies. Crested geckos should also be offered a shallow dish of water for drinking. 

Crested geckos are one species that do not require any additional lighting or heat, unlike some reptiles. Crested geckos can benefit from UVB lighting, but it is not mandatory. The humidity should be kept at 50-70%. To achieve ideal humidity levels, you can mist your geckos cage lightly with water every other day, or every day if necessary. The misting makes a great source of additional water for the geckos too! They are happiest when their temperatures are kept 68-78 degrees. 

Although there are many controversial opinions out there, about what the appropriate size of enclosure for a crested gecko is or what it should consist of, here’s some info. For glass tanks the the minimum size for an adult crestie should be 12 x 18. If you’re not picky about the visual aspect of housing preferences, and are looking for something more budget friendly, a tub set up(tote) is the way to go!

My hatchlings are housed in 7 qt tubs.

Originally I housed my juveniles and small adults in 20-29qt tubs, and adults in 60-64 qts. But over time I have switched almost all of my geckos over to converted shoe boxes. I like this idea as it is similar to pvc cages in appearance, but is much cheaper.

For substrate I recommend using Zilla jungle mix, Eco earth, or paper towels. I recommend only to use substrate other than paper towels on geckos who are 20 plus grams.

● Do not use reptile carpet as substrate. Reptile carpet is a known harbor of bacteria. Your Cresties nails can also get caught on the carpet and rip.

● Be sure to give your crestie plenty of places to hide. Lots of vertical and horizontal places to climb, since they’re arboreal. The goal is to not be able to find your crestie easily, meaning LOTS of foliage. 

I like to use Chlorhexidine, dawn dish soap, or a vinegar and water mix to clean the cages thoroughly.

● I soak all the cage decor in hot water and dawn, then wash out thoroughly. Then I spray down the cage with my chosen cleaner, and wash out with warm water afterwards. I then pat dry my decor and cage. Finally I add a new substrate and redecorate my cage.

● Gecko cages should be cleaned as often as needed. I prefer weekly spot cleaning for those housed on paper towels. A full sanitize on the tank is done at least once a month. This includes cleaning all decor, and scrubbing that tank good! Paper towels often will need changed weekly since they’re easier for mold to grow on, so keep that in mind. 

Many people like to house multiple geckos together, which is okay if done right. Here are some options;

One male and one female, one male and two females, or 2-3 females.

● Housing males together is not a good idea, as they can become territorial.

● Please note that you should only house multiple geckos together if you’re experienced and are prepared for babies, because mating can and will occur.

● If you do have a female please give her a lay box. This should be a small to medium sized Tupperware container with a hole cut out for her to easily enter and exit. The substrate should be of eco earth or zilla jungle mix, and sphagnum moss. This lay box needs to be kept moist (misted every feeding).

● Another thing is that this is a species that does not regrow their tails unfortunately. They can and will drop them if they’re spooked.

● Some geckos do not like to be held or messed with, while others don’t mind it. Just like any other animal or reptile. But I advise 1-2 weeks of leaving your gecko alone, only bothering to feed and mist their cage. After that time is up, feel free to handle your new friend for 10 mins or so tops.