Crested Gecko Care Sheet

Crested Gecko Care Sheet

Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Category
Lizard
Average Size
6 - 7 inches long
Average Lifespan
15 - 20 years
Diet Type
Omnivore

Diet & Nutrition

Crested Geckos are omnivores. The staple food for Crested Geckos is Repashy or Pangea gecko diet - a powder that contains fruit, vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutritious ingredients. Crested Geckos can also consume a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, hornworms, and cockroaches.

Constant access to the Crested Gecko diet should be available. The diet can be left in the enclosure for 1-2 days before changing if it is kept moist. Babies should be offered calcium dusted insects. Adults may be fed calcium dusted insects 2-3 times per week. Insects should be dusted with multivitamin 1x per week. Do not continue to throw crickets in the cage if some are left over.

Housing & Habitat

Crested Geckos come from New Caledonia. The environment should consist of diagonal and horizontal branches for perching as well as foliage for hiding. Cork bark rounds are often desired as hiding places. Crested Geckos may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together geckos should be of similar size to avoid injury Housing multiple males together should only be done with caution and tend to be more successful doing so in large enclosures. Two females generally get along well. A male and female will likely breed if housed together.

Enclosure Size

An adult must have a minimum cage size of 20" Long x 10" Deep x 12" High, also known as a 10-gallon tank. A screen lid is recommended for safety.

Substrate

Due to humidity requirements an absorbent substrate is desired. Peat moss or coconut fiber are preferred.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

Although they come from a tropical environment, Crested Geckos prefer cooler temperatures. During the day, temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s are ideal. This can drop to the low mid 70s at night. Crested Geckos will become stressed if exposed to temperatures above 85. In most cases, room temperature will be adequate.

Lighting

Since this is a nocturnal species, lighting is not required. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics light may be used. There is no current proof that this animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.

Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.

Humidity & Watering

Humidity

Spray the cage with water once or twice a day. Humidity levels should be between 50% - 70%.

Watering

A small water bowl should be offered. Make sure this is not deep as babies can easily drown if they fall in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Crested Geckos eat?

Crested Geckos are omnivores. The staple food for Crested Geckos is Repashy or Pangea gecko diet - a powder that contains fruit, vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutritious ingredients. Crested Geckos can also consume a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, hornworms, and cockroaches. Constant access to the Crested Gecko diet should be available. The diet can be left in the enclosure for 1-2 days before changing if it is kept moist. Babies should be...

What size enclosure does a Crested Gecko need?

Crested Geckos come from New Caledonia. The environment should consist of diagonal and horizontal branches for perching as well as foliage for hiding. Cork bark rounds are often desired as hiding places. Crested Geckos may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together geckos should be of similar size to avoid injury Housing multiple males together should only be done with caution and tend to be more successful doing so in large enclosures. Two females generally get along well. A male and fem...

What temperature and lighting does a Crested Gecko need?

Although they come from a tropical environment, Crested Geckos prefer cooler temperatures. During the day, temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s are ideal. This can drop to the low mid 70s at night. Crested Geckos will become stressed if exposed to temperatures above 85. In most cases, room temperature will be adequate. Since this is a nocturnal species, lighting is not required. For live planted terrariums or aesthetics light may be used. There is no current proof that this animal requir...