Crested Gecko Care Tips

HERP-CARE CHECKLIST

What will I need for my Crested Gecko?

  • A tank bigger than 20-gallons is preferable. The height of the tank is also important.
  • Crested geckos need room to climb, so provide a mix of branches, bamboo, and vines at a variety of heights and orientations.
  • Day time temperature of 80°F with gradient thermal down to 70°F, the other side of the tank
  • Keep the nighttime temperature at 65℉ – 75℉
  • A low level of UVB lighting (about 5 percent) is essential for overall reptile health. The animal tends to stress in high temperatures.
  • Keep the humidity level 50% – 70%
  • Provide humidity with regular misting with warm, filtered water.
  • Since they are nocturnal, feed crested geckos in the evening.
  • Feed crickets and other prey insects (roaches, waxworms, silkworms) and mashed fruits

 

The crested gecko or eyelash gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a species of gecko native to southern New Caledonia, Australia. The crested gecko is now one of the most widely kept and bred species of gecko in the world, only second to the common leopard gecko.

They were once thought to be extinct but were rediscovered around 1994. Since then, their popularity as pets has continually increased.

Usually, the adult size is 5” – 8” and lives between 10 to 20 years.

Crested geckos do not regenerate their tails once lost; most adults in the wild lack tails.

Females generally lay two eggs per clutch, which takes around 60–150 days to hatch. A female crested gecko only has to mate with a male to lay two eggs every 4–6 weeks for a breeding cycle of upwards of 8–10 months.

Crested geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to move along vertical surfaces effortlessly, and their prehensile tails add to their agility. They are also excellent jumpers.

Crested geckos usually have relatively docile temperaments, but they are a bit skittish, and care is required when handling. They do not like handling, so avoid it if possible.

Use the Herpville App to set reminders for feeding, watering, breeding and cleaning.

 

Temperature

Basking Spot Ambient Cool Side Night
Min 82°F 75°F 70°F 68°F
Max 85°F 82°F 75°F 72°F
  • Don’t overheat the cage as it stresses them out.
  • Use point and shoot thermometer to measure temperature regularly.

 

Lighting

  • The animal is nocturnal. So low level of UVB lighting (about 5 percent) is beneficial.
  • Provide a hideaway so the gecko can hide from the light.

 

Humidity

  • Cage Humidity 50 – 70%. Provide humidity with regular misting with warm, filtered water.

 

Shedding

  • To help with shedding, provide a moist hideaway box containing damp sphagnum moss; be sure to refresh the moss often.
  • Do not be surprised to see a crested gecko eating their shed skin; this is normal behavior.

 

Feeding Schedule

  • Feed juvenile geckos daily. Feed the adults every other day.
  • A commercial crested gecko diet is usually well accepted. It’s a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
  • Supplement food with crickets and other prey insects (roaches, waxworms, silkworms).
  • Crested geckos will eat fruit several times a week. Try mashed fruits.
  • Offer food from a shallow dish or feeding tank
  • Provide vitamin D3 supplements 3-times a week
  • Providing clean water regularly on a plate is non-negotiable.

 

Substrate

  • Reptile carpet is the best
  • Avoid gravel, wood chips, walnut shells, and sand.
  • It’s a good idea to maximize the height of the cage.

 

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Whether you are a reptile hobbyist, pro breeder, or own a reptile business, Herpville will significantly improve your reptile husbandry and will provide support for the entire lifecycle of reptile breeding.

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