Are Crested Geckos Low Maintenance Pets? A Beginner’s Guide to Easy Care!

by

Crested geckos are believed to have evolved on the island of New Caledonia, where they have lived for millions of years. They were first introduced to the pet trade in the early 1990s, and since then, they have become one of the most popular types of pet geckos.

Physical Characteristics

Crested geckos are small lizards, usually measuring between 6 and 10 inches in length. They have a distinctive appearance, with a flat, triangular head and large, lidless eyes. One of their most unique physical features is their crested appearance, which is where they get their name. They have a row of soft spines that run from their head to their tail, which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood. They also have a prehensile tail, which means they can use it to grip onto branches and other surfaces.

Behavior and Temperament

Crested geckos are generally very docile and easy-going pets. They are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite, making them a great choice for families with children or those who are new to owning lizards. They are primarily nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. During the day, they will usually find a hiding spot to sleep in.

Crested Gecko Habitat

The key to successfully caring for a crested gecko is providing them with the right environment. Here are some important things to consider when setting up their habitat:

Tank Size and Setup

Crested geckos are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees and other elevated areas. As a result, they require a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing space. A 20-gallon tank is a good starting point, but as your gecko grows, you may need to upgrade to a larger enclosure. It’s important to provide plenty of branches, vines, and other climbing structures for your gecko to explore.

Lighting and Heating

Crested geckos do not require UVB lighting like some other reptiles, but they do need a heat source to maintain their body temperature. A low-wattage heat bulb or under-tank heating pad can be used to provide heat. It’s important to monitor the temperature in the enclosure to ensure it stays between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Substrate and Decorations

Crested geckos do well on a substrate of coconut coir or sphagnum moss. This substrate holds moisture well and helps maintain humidity in the enclosure. It’s also important to provide a shallow dish of water for your gecko to drink from and soak in. Decorations such as live plants, cork bark, and hiding spots can also be added to create a more naturalistic environment.

Crested Gecko Diet

Crested geckos are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods. Here are some important things to know about feeding your crested gecko:

Types of Food

Crested geckos can be fed a variety of foods, including commercial crested gecko diet, insects, and fruit. Commercial crested gecko diet is a complete food that can be fed as the main part of your gecko’s diet. Insects such as crickets and mealworms can also be offered as a treat, but should not make up the majority of their diet. Fruit such as mashed banana or baby food can also be offered as a treat.

Feeding Schedule

Crested geckos should be fed every other day, with a small amount of food offered each time. It’s important not to overfeed your gecko, as this can lead to obesity and health problems.

Supplements

Crested geckos require a calcium supplement to maintain their bone health. This can be provided in the form of a calcium powder, which can be dusted onto their food.

Crested Gecko Health

Crested geckos are generally healthy pets, but there are some health issues to watch out for. Here are some important things to know about crested gecko health:

Common Health Issues

Some common health issues in crested geckos include metabolic bone disease, which can occur if they are not getting enough calcium, and respiratory infections, which can be caused by poor husbandry or a weakened immune system.

Signs of Illness

Signs of illness in crested geckos can include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your gecko to a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.

Vet Care

It’s important to take your crested gecko to a reptile veterinarian for regular check-ups and to address any health issues. Finding a veterinarian with experience treating reptiles can be difficult, so it’s important to do your research and find a vet who is knowledgeable about crested geckos.

Crested Gecko Breeding

Breeding crested geckos requires a lot of knowledge and experience, and is not recommended for beginners. Here are some important things to know about crested gecko breeding:

Mating and Egg Laying

Crested geckos reach sexual maturity at around 1-2 years of age. Male geckos will display a territorial behavior and may fight if housed together. Females will lay a clutch of 1-2 eggs every 4-6 weeks during the breeding season.

Incubation and Hatching

Crested gecko eggs should be incubated at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for 60-90 days. The eggs will hatch on their own, and the baby geckos should be left with the female until they are independent.

Caring for Baby Crested Geckos

Baby crested geckos require special care, including smaller prey items and more frequent feedings. It’s important to provide a separate enclosure for the babies to prevent them from being bullied by larger geckos.

Conclusion

Crested geckos can make great pets for those looking for a low maintenance reptile. They require a specific type of environment and diet, but with the right care, they can live long and healthy lives. As with any pet, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide the necessary care before bringing a crested gecko into your home.

ThePetFaq Team
Latest posts by ThePetFaq Team (see all)