🦎 Crested Gecko Care Guide

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Introduction

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus), also called “cresties,” are hardy arboreal lizards from New Caledonia. Known for their eyelash-like crests and unique personalities, they are great beginner reptiles. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years.

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🏠 Housing

• Enclosure Size:

  • Juveniles: 10–15 gallons (12"x12"x18") minimum.

  • Adults: 18"x18"x24" or larger (about 30 gallons).

  • Bin enclosures will vary.

• Vertical Space: Essential—cresties are climbers. Use tall enclosures.

• Substrate: Coconut fiber, paper towel, bioactive soil mix, or reptile-safe moss. Avoid loose sand.

• Decor: Provide branches, cork bark, vines, and live or fake plants for climbing and hiding.

 

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature Range: 72–78°F daytime, 68–72°F nighttime.

  • Avoid temps over 82°F (heat stress risk).

• Heating: Usually not needed if room temp is stable. 

• Humidity: 60–80%.

  • Mist once or twice daily.

  • Allow enclosure to dry slightly between mistings.

• Ventilation: Good airflow prevents respiratory issues.

 

💡 Lighting

• Crested geckos are nocturnal but benefit from a 12-hour day/night light cycle.

• UVB is optional but recommended—it improves health, metabolism, and breeding success. Use a low-output UVB bulb (5.0 or ShadeDweller).

 

🍽️ Diet

• Staple: Commercial crested gecko diets (Pangea, Repashy, etc.) mixed with water every 2nd to 3rd day.

• Insects (2–3x weekly): Crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, or locusts. Always gut-load insects.

• Supplements: dust insects with calcium and multivitamins.

 

🧹 Cleaning

• Spot clean daily (remove waste).

• Deep clean monthly (replace substrate, sanitize enclosure and décor).

• If using bioactive, keep clean-up crew healthy (isopods, springtails).

 

🐾 Handling

• Crested geckos are generally gentle but can be jumpy.

• Rule of Thumb: Handle in short sessions, a few times per week.

• Use the “hand-walking” method: let them hop between your hands.

• Avoid grabbing the tail—cresties may drop their tails (they don’t grow back).

 

❤️ Health & Signs of Illness

• Healthy Gecko: Bright eyes, active, strong grip, good weight, regular shedding.

• Warning Signs:

  • Sunken eyes or lethargy → dehydration.

  • Weight loss, poor appetite, or impacted stools.

  • Stuck shed,  if not removed can lead to death or loss of tail tips and toes.

  • Difficulty breathing (wheezing, clicking).

If you see these signs, consult a reptile vet.

 

📌 Quick Tips

• Do not house multiple males together.

• Provide plenty of hides and climbing areas to reduce stress.

• Always wash hands before and after handling.

✅ With proper care, your crested gecko will thrive as a long-lived, fascinating pet!