🦎 Crested Gecko Beginner Care Guide
Simple, ethical care for long-term success
🌿 About Crested Geckos
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are calm, hardy, arboreal lizards native to New Caledonia. They are excellent beginner reptiles when cared for correctly and can live 15–20+ years.
🏠 Enclosure Requirements
(Vertical is essential)
Must Be:
Tall (climbing species)
Well-ventilated (mesh or vented glass)
Furnishings:
Branches, cork bark, vines
Foliage (real or fake)
Elevated feeding ledge
Shallow water dish
Hides at multiple heights
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature:
Ideal: 21–24°C (70–75°F)
Safe range: 18–26°C (65–78°F)
❌ Never exceed 28°C / 82°F
Humidity:
Daytime: 50–60%
Night spike: 80%
Mist enclosure 1–2x daily
Allow enclosure to dry slightly between mistings
🍽️ Feeding & Nutrition
Staple Diet (Required):
Commercial Crested Gecko Diet (CGD)
(Pangea, Repashy, etc.)
Feeding Schedule:
Babies/Juveniles: Daily or every 2nd day
Adults: Every 2–3 days
Insects (Optional but beneficial):
Gut-loaded crickets or roaches
1–2x per week
Always dust with calcium (no D3 if using CGD)
Water:
Fresh water dish
Light misting provides additional hydration
❌ No baby food, or human foods.
🧼 Substrate Options
Beginner-Safe:
Paper towel ( ❌never leave it soaked or moldy)
Advanced/Naturalistic:
Bioactive soil mixes
Coco fiber + soil blends
❌ Sand, gravel, reptile carpet and wood chips are unsafe.
✋ Handling & Temperament
Allow 1–2 weeks to settle before handling
Short, calm handling sessions
Expect jumping — support hands underneath
Never grab by the tail (they can drop it)
Crested geckos tolerate handling but do not require it.
🧠 Health & Monitoring
Healthy Signs:
Bright eyes
Good appetite
Regular shedding
Strong grip
❌ Red Flags:
Lethargy
Weight loss
Stuck shed
Refusal to eat long-term
✅ Crested Gecko Care Checklist (Quick Reference)
Before Bringing Your Gecko Home:
☐ Vertical enclosure set up
☐ Thermometer & hygrometer installed
☐ Proper foliage and climbing space
☐ Feeding ledge mounted
☐ CGD ready
Daily / Weekly Care:
☐ Feed CGD as scheduled
☐ Fresh water provided
☐ Mist enclosure
☐ Check temperature & humidity
☐ Spot clean waste
❌ Never Do:
⛔ Overheat enclosure
⛔ Handle excessively
⛔ House two together
⛔ Use unsafe substrates
💚 Final Notes
Crested geckos thrive with consistency, proper humidity, and vertical space. When cared for correctly, they are calm, fascinating companions that reward good husbandry with long, healthy lives.