Introduction

Our comprehensive ‌guide to caring ​for Crested Geckos offers expert advice to ensure the well-being⁢ of your pet. The Crested Gecko​ (Correlophus ciliatus) ⁣is a highly sought-after ⁣reptile in captivity due‍ to⁤ its ease of care, docile nature, and small size (approximately 20cm). Once believed to be ⁣extinct,⁣ they were rediscovered in‍ 1994 ⁢in⁣ New Caledonia and have since become a favorite among reptile⁣ enthusiasts, collectors, and breeders for‍ their calm demeanor, diverse patterns ‍and colors, and ⁤potential lifespan of up to 20 years in⁤ captivity.

Housing

Crested geckos are arboreal creatures and prefer ⁢tall terrariums. A⁣ 45x45x60cm glass terrarium is the most popular size as it meets the minimum requirements and can withstand the higher humidity ‌needs of this species.​ It is‌ important to avoid placing glass terrariums in⁤ direct sunlight, cold or ​drafty areas as they do ⁢not have the insulating properties of ​wooden⁤ vivariums.

At Web Reptile, we recommend​ purchasing ⁢a Crested Gecko when it reaches a weight of 8g. This ensures⁤ that the gecko is strong enough ‌to⁤ move ⁤into its⁢ adult-sized enclosure, providing it with a proper‌ thermogradient and access to UV light. We advise against starting with smaller geckos as they are often kept ‌in smaller enclosures. However,‌ there is no advantage to keeping a ‌gecko in a smaller setup, as ⁣they have unlimited space in the wild. It is ⁢also more challenging to monitor feeding and ‌growth in smaller enclosures. We suggest purchasing a ⁢more established‍ gecko to save on the cost of ⁢buying two enclosures.

Housing Multiple Geckos

Crested geckos prefer to live alone ⁣and should ⁣only come into contact⁤ with other geckos during breeding season. Housing them together can⁤ cause ⁢stress and​ even lead to fighting, resulting in serious injury or death. If you choose to ⁤keep multiple geckos together, make sure there are plenty of hiding places and never house ‍two ⁤or more males together. It is crucial to closely‌ monitor for signs of aggression and provide separate enclosures if necessary.

Additional ⁢Tips for Care

In addition to proper⁤ housing, ‌there ‍are a few other essential aspects to consider when caring for a Crested Gecko. These include providing a varied and balanced diet, maintaining proper⁢ humidity levels, and regularly cleaning⁤ and disinfecting the enclosure. It is also crucial to handle your ⁤gecko gently and avoid ‍excessive handling, as they are delicate⁣ creatures and can become stressed easily.

When it comes to feeding, Crested Geckos are omnivores and require a mix of insects and fruit-based diets. It is ⁣essential to offer a variety of insects,​ such as crickets, roaches, ‍and mealworms, as ‍well⁣ as a high-quality ⁣fruit mix. It is ‍also recommended to dust ⁢the insects​ with⁢ a calcium and vitamin supplement before feeding ⁣them to your gecko.

Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for the health of your Crested Gecko. The ideal humidity range is between 50-70%, and this can ⁢be achieved by misting the ‌enclosure daily‍ and providing⁢ a water bowl for your gecko‌ to drink from ​and soak in.

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the ⁣enclosure ⁢is essential ‌to‍ prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites. We recommend spot⁢ cleaning ​daily and‍ doing a deep clean every 2-3 weeks, ⁢using‌ a reptile-safe disinfectant.

Crested Geckos are fascinating⁤ and low-maintenance​ pets that can‌ bring joy to any⁢ reptile lover. By following our expert care guide, you ‍can ⁤ensure the well-being and longevity of your⁤ gecko. Remember to provide⁣ a suitable enclosure, monitor for signs ⁢of aggression, and ⁤maintain a balanced diet and proper humidity levels. With proper care, your Crested Gecko ​can live a⁤ happy ⁣and⁢ healthy life for up to 20 years.