The Crested Gecko is one of the most popular lizard species in captivity today. Despite being considered extinct, they were rediscovered and have since gained popularity and become widely available. Here we will answer the top 10 frequently asked questions about Crested Geckos!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crested Geckos
What Kind of Habitat Does a Crested Gecko Need?
To best accommodate crested geckos, provide them with a tall enclosure with hiding spots, climbing branches, and foliage. Additionally, maintain a warm and humid environment with a good heat source. If you are wondering what you need for a Crested Gecko, here is a shopping list you can follow to create a nice habitat for your pet:
- Glass terrarium
- Substrate
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Lighting
- Vitamin supplements
- Water dish or water dispenser
- Branches
- Artificial plants
- Foliage
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Crested Gecko’s Enclosure?
The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily and fully cleaned every 2-4 weeks. If you’re housing the Gecko in a bio-active enclosure, you can clean up any visible mess and keep an eye on the overall cleanliness of the enclosure. It’s still recommended to change the bedding a few times a year.
First, remove your animal, all decorations, and bedding to clean the enclosure. After clearing the enclosure, spray a reptile-friendly disinfectant all over it.
What Do Crested Geckos Eat?
Crested geckos consume plants and animals, including insects, fruits, and nectar. In captivity, you must provide a mix of insects and fruits. This is usually accomplished easily by providing a quality crested gecko diet like those made by Pangea and Repashy.
How Often to Feed Crested Geckos?
We feed Crested Geckos every other day and give them a diet of gecko diet and small crickets.
If you have a routine that works for feeding your Geckos and they seem healthy and active, then there’s no need to make changes. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your lizard’s weight and ensure it’s not getting too thin or overweight. Additionally, check their calcium levels periodically, especially if you have a breeding female.
Do Crested Geckos Need Heat or Light?
The temperature needed for the lizard will vary based on location and room temperature. Unlike other lizards, this type of lizard requires less warmth to thrive. This species is active during nighttime and prefers to dwell in areas with dense shade foliage that are not too hot. They thrive in temperatures between 21C-26C, which may decrease to 16C at night.
To keep your Geckos comfortable, ensure your room temperature stays within range. If you live in a cold area, use an overhead lamp to provide extra heat.
If you are wondering if Crested Geckos need light? They need a consistent day and night schedule to keep their crested Gecko healthy, as they are active at dawn and dusk. They also require exposure to low levels of UVB light, although they don’t need any light during the night.
Apparently, receiving small amounts of UVB light is good for its well-being and promotes natural behaviors. They get vitamin D3 from their food and don’t require UVB light to synthesize it. They do not need to sunbathe to produce their vitamin D3.
Can Crested Geckos Live Together and With Other Pets?
Crested geckos are solitary animals and should not be housed with other pets. If the enclosure is big enough, Crested Geckos can coexist. A group of 2 to 3 females should only have one male in their enclosure. A group of females can also be kept together without a male.
To ensure the well-being of these lizards, it’s crucial to provide them with sufficient space and hiding spots since they can be territorial.
How Big Do Crested Geckos Get?
Crested geckos go through three age groups as they develop: baby, juvenile, and adult.
Crested geckos are considered babies when they are 0 to 2 months old and have a size ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches and weight between 1.5 to 3 grams.
Crested geckos that are between 3 to 12 months old are considered juvenile. During this phase of their life, they experience significant growth.
Here is a chart that shows the growth of a crested gecko over time:
|
Age |
Weight | Size |
|
Hatchling |
1.5 to 2 grams | 2.5 to 3 inches |
|
Baby (2 months) |
3 grams | 3 to 4 inches |
|
Juvenile (3 months) |
4 grams | 3 to 5 inches |
|
Juvenile (4 months) |
5 grams |
4 to 6 inches |
| Juvenile (5 months) | 7 grams |
4 to 6 inches |
| Juvenile (9 months) | 16 to 35 grams |
6 to 9 inches |
| Adult (12 months) | 35 to 50 grams |
9 to 16 inches |
| Adult (18 to 24+ months) | 35 to 55+ grams |
9 to 16+ inches |
How Often Should I Handle My Crested Gecko?
Crested geckos should be handled gently and only for short periods, a few times a week. Handling crested geckos for around 15 minutes at a time is recommended, but there must be a schedule for how often to handle them. Paying attention to the Gecko’s behavior and comfort level is important.
If your Crested Gecko is only comfortable with being handled a few times a week, then you should stick to that schedule.
What Is a Crested Gecko’s Lifespan?
Many crested gecko owners are unaware that these creatures can live in captivity for 15 to 20 years if properly cared for. This means they will be a constant companion through many developments and milestones in your life.
What Is the Cost of Owning a Crested Gecko, Including Setup and Ongoing Expenses?
The cost of having a crested gecko as a pet may vary, but it usually involves buying the animal, the enclosure, substrate, heat source, food, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Buying a Pet Crested Gecko with Jabberwock Reptiles
Crested geckos are highly sought after as pet lizards because of their amazing personalities and looks. They make great pets for both novice and experienced keepers.
At Jabberwock Reptiles, we offer a variety of exotic reptiles for sale, including several species of geckos that range in size and color. We provide quality customer service to ensure your crested gecko safely journeys from our facility to yours. With us, you can rest assured that your new pet will be healthy, happy, and well-cared for. Contact us today!
