Crested Gecko Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Racodactylus ciliatus
Geographical Location: Native to the islands of New Caledonia, Grand Terre and at least one small surrounding island (Isle of Pines).
Life span: 15-20 yrs with proper husbandry. (Estimated)
Food: Crested Geckos are Omnivores, they should be fed Repashy Crested Gecko Diet. This powdered diet is packed with the right amount of calcium, vitamins and nutrients they need to have a happy and healthy life. They should also be fed appropriately sized insects once in a while. Crickets and Dubia Roaches are two of the most popular available. When feeding insects they should be dusted with the proper Calcium and Vitamin powder.
Temperature: Crested Geckos will thrive at a temperature of 75F. Temperatures should not be below 65F or above 82F. A safe range to always be in should be between 74F and 80F. Purchase a thermometer so you can tell where your temperature is at in your setup.
Humidity: A safe range of humidity is between 60% and 80%. Humidity plays a really important part in your Crested Geckos hydration. Purchasing a hygrometer can aid in judging the proper humidity level. Misting your crested gecko cage twice a day should allow enough humidity depending on your setup. Always make sure the cage is well misted at night when your crested gecko is most active.. It is said that Crested Gecko's don't need water dishes in the enclosure because they will drink the water droplets from the misting. This can be argued so a water dish will be recommended in this care sheet.
Terrarium Type: There are allot of ways to house your crested gecko. Some people use glass enclosures and some people use plastic tubs. These both work very well for maintaining the proper humidity level. In the past people have used screen enclosures. Screen enclosures are difficult to hold humidity levels in. Crested Geckos require tall terrariums over long terrariums. These geckos are arboreal meaning they prefer height. They also like lots of bushy covering and stuff to climb on. The substrate for crested geckos should be something that retains moisture to aid in humidity levels, such as coconut fiber bedding, moss, or peat, though paper or paper towels can be used as well. Crested geckos are somewhat prone to ingesting substrate while hunting; if this is the case for yours, use moss (either alone or over another substrate like coconut fiber) or paper towels. Paper towels are recommended for juveniles as they are more likely to accidentally swallow substrate.
Terrarium Size: Hatchling's should be house in small tubs or Critter Keeper's. Juvenile's can be housed in Large Critter Keepers or 5 gallon aquariums. Adult crested geckos can be housed in nothing smaller then a 10 gallon tank stood on its end. Although 10 gallon is the minimal space 15 or 20 gallon stood on its end is preferred. Two males should never be house in the same enclosure. This can lead to bullying and a real stressful situation or could even cause death. Two females can be housed in the same enclosure if the same age and size. A male and female can be housed for breeding purposes if you are intending to breed your Crested geckos. If you don't intend to breed the Crested gecko's then it is not advisable to house a male and female together.
Lighting: Crested Gecko's really have no need for heat or uv lamps as they are a nocturnal species and thrive at average room temperature. With this said If your home drops below the safe temperatures then you might want to look into a low watt heat lamp. While UV light is not needed it won't hurt the Crested Gecko if one is provided. If you choose to provide a UV light make sure it also is a Low wattage uv light.
I hope this Crested Gecko care sheet answers some of the questions you may have. This care sheet is no way intended to be perfect and is just a helpful guide.
Scientific Name: Racodactylus ciliatus
Geographical Location: Native to the islands of New Caledonia, Grand Terre and at least one small surrounding island (Isle of Pines).
Life span: 15-20 yrs with proper husbandry. (Estimated)
Food: Crested Geckos are Omnivores, they should be fed Repashy Crested Gecko Diet. This powdered diet is packed with the right amount of calcium, vitamins and nutrients they need to have a happy and healthy life. They should also be fed appropriately sized insects once in a while. Crickets and Dubia Roaches are two of the most popular available. When feeding insects they should be dusted with the proper Calcium and Vitamin powder.
Temperature: Crested Geckos will thrive at a temperature of 75F. Temperatures should not be below 65F or above 82F. A safe range to always be in should be between 74F and 80F. Purchase a thermometer so you can tell where your temperature is at in your setup.
Humidity: A safe range of humidity is between 60% and 80%. Humidity plays a really important part in your Crested Geckos hydration. Purchasing a hygrometer can aid in judging the proper humidity level. Misting your crested gecko cage twice a day should allow enough humidity depending on your setup. Always make sure the cage is well misted at night when your crested gecko is most active.. It is said that Crested Gecko's don't need water dishes in the enclosure because they will drink the water droplets from the misting. This can be argued so a water dish will be recommended in this care sheet.
Terrarium Type: There are allot of ways to house your crested gecko. Some people use glass enclosures and some people use plastic tubs. These both work very well for maintaining the proper humidity level. In the past people have used screen enclosures. Screen enclosures are difficult to hold humidity levels in. Crested Geckos require tall terrariums over long terrariums. These geckos are arboreal meaning they prefer height. They also like lots of bushy covering and stuff to climb on. The substrate for crested geckos should be something that retains moisture to aid in humidity levels, such as coconut fiber bedding, moss, or peat, though paper or paper towels can be used as well. Crested geckos are somewhat prone to ingesting substrate while hunting; if this is the case for yours, use moss (either alone or over another substrate like coconut fiber) or paper towels. Paper towels are recommended for juveniles as they are more likely to accidentally swallow substrate.
Terrarium Size: Hatchling's should be house in small tubs or Critter Keeper's. Juvenile's can be housed in Large Critter Keepers or 5 gallon aquariums. Adult crested geckos can be housed in nothing smaller then a 10 gallon tank stood on its end. Although 10 gallon is the minimal space 15 or 20 gallon stood on its end is preferred. Two males should never be house in the same enclosure. This can lead to bullying and a real stressful situation or could even cause death. Two females can be housed in the same enclosure if the same age and size. A male and female can be housed for breeding purposes if you are intending to breed your Crested geckos. If you don't intend to breed the Crested gecko's then it is not advisable to house a male and female together.
Lighting: Crested Gecko's really have no need for heat or uv lamps as they are a nocturnal species and thrive at average room temperature. With this said If your home drops below the safe temperatures then you might want to look into a low watt heat lamp. While UV light is not needed it won't hurt the Crested Gecko if one is provided. If you choose to provide a UV light make sure it also is a Low wattage uv light.
I hope this Crested Gecko care sheet answers some of the questions you may have. This care sheet is no way intended to be perfect and is just a helpful guide.