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We love nothing more than helping other amazing reptile keepers on basic information guides, however please also take it upon yourself to check more than one resource and to always be updating your information. Please keep in mind this is a basic care guide, if you have any further questions about care regarding any reptile species, we would be happy to help you out/point you in the right direction of other amazing resources! This is a community where we support each other and always guide each other towards the best possible care!
Basic Crested Gecko Care 2024
Tank Requirements
A crested gecko should always be housed alone, never cohabitate your crested geckos.
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We recommended housing your adult crested geckos in 18x18x36, however the minimum requirement for
an adult crested geckos is an 18”x18”x24” terrarium, we just don't personally think
that provides enough space!
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Crested geckos are semi-arboreal which means in the wild they spend most of their lives in small trees and shrubs. Crested geckos should always be provided vertical space to climb, and enrichment provided like vines, plants, branches, driftwood, rope, etc. Make sure to also provide your crested gecko lots of clutter and safe live plants/fake plants so they feel secure and safe.
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​In the wild, crested geckos also seek out hiding places on the ground, so make sure to provide your crested gecko with as much enrichment as possible. Always make sure you are using a secure lid, since there is a risk of your crested gecko climbing out!
Heating and UVB
Depending on temperatures outside of the enclosure, your crested gecko may not need any additional heating. Crested geckos require a temperature range around 75’F 78’F, so as long as your room is slightly above room temperature you don't need any additional heating.
If you do require heating, especially come the winter months, we recommend using a low wattage ceramic heat emitter (CHE) with a dimmer thermostat so you have better control of temperature. Do not put the heating lamp directly on the screen, as this can cause serious injuries if the crested gecko climbs the screen.
Crested geckos are sensitive to high temperatures, so keep that in mind if providing additional heat.
Uvb is not required but has come highly recommended. Your crested gecko can survive without uvb lighting as long as it's getting the proper dieting and supplements when it comes to feedings. However, uvb has been proven to have many beneficial features for crested geckos time and time again.
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We recommend using a low wattage (5%) uvb light for your crested gecko while also providing feeders dusted with calcium/calciumD3/vitamins, and a properly dosed diet of repashy or pangea.
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At Southern Ontario Exotics, all of our rescues, from our American toad, bearded dragons, crested geckos,
ball python, sand boa, and everything in between.
We always suggest other reptile owners to do the research on the many benefits UVB/UVA has!
Humidity and Substrates
Humidity ; Crested geckos are from Southern New Caledonia, which is a tropical area. This means they require higher humidity levels!
Humidity levels need to be controlled by a hydrometer, and should be at a range around 60% during the day and 80% during the night.
Humidity shouldn’t drop below a range around 50%, and should have a period where it drops down from 80%. Misting is normally required twice a day, morning and night.
Substrates; Crested geckos require a substrate that is able to retain water and hold humidity well.
Bio active is the most natural way to go, however it can require extra care to maintain and get right. Do your research before attempting a bioactive enclosure and make sure to get your soil mix right!
You can also achieve a natural safe substrate without doing a bio active enclosure, for an example by using a DIY substrate mix of organic topsoil, repti soil, peat moss, cypress mulch, etc! You do not have to have live plants etc!
​Eco earth coconut fiber can be a dustier substrate to use, some people have great luck mixing it into other substrates to create a DIY mix, however it should not be used on its own.
Keep in mind, it can be tacky when wet and dusty when dry. ​
Paper towel also makes for a great quarantine substrate for your new reptiles, while you are waiting on their health checks and getting the most natural substrate ready for them!
Feedings and Supplements
A feeding schedule of a crested gecko all depends on age, and size just like with most reptiles!
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Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults should be fed a crested gecko diet roughly 3 times a week in addition to live feeders 1-2 days per week.
Make sure your feeders are gut loaded, and have a rotation for your dusting days!
You should be providing your crested gecko with calcium, and vitamins roughly every other live feeding! ​
Live feeders can include mealworms, superworms, crickets, beetles, wax worms, etc
Remember its always best to provide your reptiles with a variety of different live feeders!