Crested Gecko Care Instructions

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are small to medium-sized arboreal geckos native to New Caledonia. They are known for their distinctive crest of soft spines that runs from their eyes down to the base of their tail. Crested geckos make excellent pets due to their docile nature, ease of care, and fascinating behaviors. Here's a detailed care guide for keeping crested geckos healthy and happy:

Habitat Setup:

  1. Enclosure: Provide a vertically oriented terrarium to accommodate their arboreal nature. A 20-gallon tall terrarium or larger is suitable for a single adult crested gecko, while larger enclosures are preferable for pairs or small groups. Ensure the enclosure has secure mesh ventilation to maintain airflow.

  2. Substrate: Use a substrate that retains moisture well and is safe for your gecko. Options include coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a bioactive substrate mix. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction, such as loose sand or small particles.

  3. Temperature and Lighting:

    • Daytime Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) throughout the enclosure.
    • Nighttime Temperature: Allow temperatures to drop slightly to 65-72°F (18-22°C) at night.
    • UVB Lighting: Crested geckos do not require UVB lighting but will benefit from exposure to natural sunlight or artificial UVB light for 10-12 hours a day.

  4. Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, typically between 60-80%. Mist the enclosure with water daily to simulate natural dew formation and provide drinking water. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust misting frequency as needed.

Diet:

  1. Feeding: Crested geckos are omnivores, primarily feeding on fruit, nectar, and insects in the wild. Offer a balanced diet consisting of commercially available crested gecko diet (powdered or premixed) supplemented with occasional live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms.

    • Feed crested gecko diet every other day, and offer live insects once or twice a week.
    • Dust live insects with calcium powder (without vitamin D3) before feeding to ensure proper calcium absorption.

  2. Water Source: Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking. Change the water daily to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Environmental Enrichment:

  1. Branches and Foliage: Furnish the enclosure with plenty of branches, vines, and live or artificial plants to create a naturalistic environment. Crested geckos are excellent climbers and will utilize vertical space for exploration and thermoregulation.

  2. Hiding Places: Include cork bark tubes, hollow logs, or commercial reptile hides to give your gecko places to retreat and feel secure.

  3. Substrate and Decor: Add leaf litter, moss, and other naturalistic decor to the enclosure to create hiding spots and enrich the environment.

Health and Maintenance:

  1. Monitoring: Regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and behavior to ensure optimal conditions and detect any signs of illness or stress.

  2. Handling: Handle crested geckos gently and infrequently to minimize stress. Support their body properly and avoid excessive pressure on their limbs and tail.

  3. Veterinary Care: Find a reptile veterinarian experienced with crested geckos and schedule annual check-ups to monitor your pet's health and address any concerns promptly.

By providing proper care and a suitable habitat, you can ensure the health and well-being of your crested gecko, allowing you to enjoy their unique beauty and behaviors for many years to come.