Crested Gecko Care Guide

Learn the vital information about caring for a crested gecko and become the best reptile parent for your pet. Whether you own a crested gecko or want to purchase one, knowing the basics of their care is essential. Keep reading our crested gecko care guide for more.

Crested geckos make amazing pets for reptile beginners and children. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t require specialized care. The crested gecko’s temperature, habitat, and diet are all important information any owner must know to help their gecko thrive.

At Jabberwock Reptiles, we are a reptile-focused pet store in Eastern Massachusetts with years of experience. We are committed to providing high-quality reptile pets and related knowledge to our community. Find out how to care for your current or future pet with our expert’s information and advice.

Crested Geckos as Pets

As mentioned above, crested geckos make great pets for children and rookie reptile owners. This is mostly due to the fact that crested geckos have easy-to-meet requirements, a diverse diet, and can easily adapt to various types of enclosures. Moreover, they tend to be quite docile, although not exactly fans of handling.

Also called eyelash geckos, crested geckos stand out for having very distinctive eyelashes that make them unique. Learn more about this extraordinary species below.

About the Species

Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia. They get their name from the soft spikes that grow from their head and eyes (for which they lack moveable eyelids) and were actually thought to have gone extinct before being rediscovered in 1994. Like most species of gecko, crested geckos are capable of dropping their tails. However, contrary to most gecko species that can regrow their tails, crested geckos will not grow it back.

Level of Care and Handling

Total care score: Easy. The overall hardiness and easy care of these geckos make them great starter reptiles. However, juvenile and baby crested geckos tend to be rather skittish and jumpy when handling. Therefore, they are therefore not a reptile that you can sit down and relax with. They usually mellow out as adults if handled consistently. 

How Long Do Crested Geckos Get?

The average size for crested geckos is between 4 and 6 inches long (without the tail) as adults. There does not appear to be any significant size difference between males and females. Mature males can still be identified by their cloacal glands, which make their vents look swollen compared to females. 

Crested Geckos’ Lifespan

Crested geckos have an average captive lifespan of 10-15 years. Following the basics of your pet crested dragon’s care needs is the best way to ensure it lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

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What Are the Ideal Habitat Conditions for Crested Geckos?

Despite crested geckos being generally low-maintenance, they still have environmental conditions they need to develop healthily. Learn more about crested geckos’ humidity, enclosure, and temperature needs. 

Ideal Temperature for Crested Geckos

As temperate/tropical lizards, these crested geckos’ temperature should be no lower than 67 degrees and no higher than 75. A slight, brief increase in temperature is generally not a huge cause for concern, but anything above the low to mid 80’s can quickly become lethal. If necessary, heating can be provided using a ceramic heat emitter plugged into a thermostat.

What’s the Ideal Humidity for a Crested Geckos’ Tank? 

Crested geckos come from a naturally humid environment so they require high humidity levels. Ideal humidity levels should stay around 70% (+/- 10%), which can be done by misting the tank at the beginning and end of every day.

Lighting Conditions for Crested Geckos

Some keepers provide their geckos with a weak UVB light bulb, but this is not necessary. 

What Size Tank do Crested Dragons Need?

Babies and juveniles should be housed in a smaller tank, 12x12x12 in. or similar. Adults should have a 12x12x18 cage at minimum. Being arboreal (tree-living) animals, cage height is a far more important factor than length or width.

What about Flooring Conditions?  

Eco Earth coconut fiber or similar products are recommended, as they hold moisture and make cage humidity easier to maintain. Paper towels or newspapers can also be used.

About Tank Decor

Crested geckos do well with ample live or artificial wide-leaf plants, and woods like cork bark make good additions for climbing. Any hides should hang on the tank walls.

What Do Crested Geckos Eat?

One of the most important details of a crested gecko’s care is its dietary needs. Feeding is most easily done via premade and fruit-based purees, common brands being Pangea or Repashy. Crickets can be offered as enrichment but most purees do contain sufficient protein. 

How Often Do Crested Geckos Eat?

The puree should be made available 24/7, and should be changed every other day if not sooner. Crickets can be offered once or twice a week for cresties.

Do Crested Geckos Need a Water Bowl?

Yes, their tank should be equipped with a water bowl. However, most importantly, it should be misted twice a day since they can also lick the water off of leaves an

Eastern Massachusetts’ Reptile Experts

At Jabberwock Reptiles, we are proud to serve Eastern Massachusetts residents on all their reptile needs. Our locally-owned and operated pet store is committed to providing high-quality pets for cold-blooded animal fans. Moreover, we ensure we provide high-quality customer service throughout the entire purchase process and beyond. We are with you and your pet before, during, and after the purchase.

We can assist you in finding the perfect pet for you. Whether you’re an expert reptile owner or a beginner. Moreover, we provide you with the most important information to properly care for your new pet. Our store also offers all the space, lighting, and dietary products you need for your pet reptile, amphibian, or insect.

Shop for high-quality cold-blooded animals from animal experts and lovers at Jabberwock Reptiles. We provide everything you need to take great care of your crested dragon. Visit us in-store or give us a call today.