Crested Gecko

Enclosure type

Vertical glass or screen enclosure; arboreal species requires height

Substrate

Coconut fiber, moss, or bioactive substrate. Paper towels work for quarantine or juveniles. Ensure substrate stays moderately moist but not waterlogged.

Hides

Multiple cork bark pieces and artificial or live plant cover for climbing and shelter

Notes

Minimum 18x18x24" vertical enclosure for adults. Provide multiple branches, cork bark, and live or artificial plants for climbing. Ensure good ventilation.

Ambient / cool side

72-78°F (22-26°C)

Basking spot

No dedicated basking spot; ambient room temperature is sufficient

Nighttime

65-70°F (18-21°C)

Heating method

No supplemental heating usually needed in most homes; fan or A/C if temps exceed 82°F

Humidity range

50-70%

Maintenance

Mist enclosure 1-2 times daily, allowing it to dry between mistings to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

UVB

Not required; optional 2-5% UVB beneficial for overall health and coloration

Photoperiod

12-14 hours on / 10-12 hours off

Lighting notes

No UVB required but low-level UVB (2-5%) is beneficial for overall health and coloration. Provide 12-14 hour day/night cycle.

Staple food

Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD)

Variety

Crickets, dubia roaches 1-2 times per week; occasional fruit treats

Frequency

Juveniles: CGD nightly, insects 2-3x per week. Adults: CGD every other night, insects once per week.

Supplements

If feeding CGD exclusively, no supplements needed. If feeding insects, dust with calcium with D3 every other feeding.

Notes

Omnivore: Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) as staple. Supplement with insects (crickets, dubia roaches) 1-2 times per week. Occasional fruit treats.

Water bowl

Shallow dish; replace daily; most drinking occurs from misted droplets

Notes

Mist enclosure daily. Provide water dish but most drinking occurs by licking droplets from leaves and enclosure walls. Replace water dish daily.

Disposition

Very docile; may jump during handling but tolerates regular interaction well

Recommendations

Handle gently 2-3 times per week for 10-15 minutes. They may jump, so handle over soft surfaces. Tails do not regenerate if dropped.

Metabolic bone disease, floppy tail syndrome (from calcium deficiency), stuck shed, prolapse, and respiratory infections from inadequate humidity or temperatures.

Crested geckos are nocturnal and can live 15-20 years. They are one of the few gecko species that can eat prepared diet exclusively. Males should not be housed together. Handle gently as their skin is delicate and tails will not grow back.