Crested Gecko Care

Crested geckos are native to Southern Grand Terre, New Caledonia and also to Isle of Pines. It is the crested gecko morphs where they derive their name from. There is a crest which starts at their eyes and runs down their backs. Crested geckos as pets have become popular pets because they are easy to handle and take care of. The other reason being many endearing characteristics which have made them to be great pets. Some interesting crested gecko information is that they can change color or 'fire up' at different times of the day and the colors can range from dull brown to light orange to reddish hues. These geckos have sticky pads on their feet, which enables them to walk up the walls and across the ceiling. They are accomplished at jumping and make full use of the available space. Watching geckos in their enclosure, is great fun, which you will see when you get one home.

How to care for a Crested Gecko

If you plan to keep a crested gecko for pet, you can maintain a crested gecko care sheet, which will help you in taking care of your pet. Crested gecko habitat are small trees and low shrubs. However, during the day they look for hiding places near the ground, to sleep during the day. Unusual appearance, unlimited breeding potential and ease with which one can care for a crested gecko have contributed to their exploding popularity. It is important to remember that they need higher humidity, than some of the other larger lizards, hence you will have to pay special attention to crested gecko habitat and keep it little more humid, than room temperature.

Enclosure for Crested Gecko
Housing enclosure for a gecko should be taller than its width, as these geckos continue to climb all the time. You can use a 20 gallon aquarium to keep not more than three geckos in it. It is recommended you do not place two males together in an enclosure. In the enclosure, provide the geckos with live plant, however, ensure it is not toxic and has multiple branches, which will help the geckos for climbing and hiding. You can make use of potting soil, different type of moss, etc. to make the enclosure have natural environment.

Crested Gecko Food
Crested geckos like crickets and different worms for their food. You can dust or spray the insects with vitamin supplements, including calcium, if you have a female gecko for a pet. There is also crested gecko pet food available at pet shops which you can get for your pet. The pet food will provide the geckos with a balanced diet, enriched with nutrients, which are necessary for the geckos. They also take liking to baby food, so you can also feed them with different type of baby food. Sweet fruits are also their weak point. They are especially fond of over-ripe fruits; when in wild, that is what they feed themselves with.

It is important to feed them at night, as they are predominantly nocturnal pets, but it is important you clean crested gecko terrarium every morning of all the uneaten food. It is recommended to feed them with insects 2 to 3 times a week, however, uneaten insects also have to be cleared the next morning.

As far as water is concerned, these geckos like to lick only droplets of water from leaves or other surfaces. You can keep a dish of water in the enclosure, for their crickets and it will also help in keeping the enclosure humid.

Lighting, Temperature and Humidity
In the enclosure, you can use a full spectrum of fluorescent light to provide 10 to 12 hours of light per day. Humidity should be maintained at approximately 50%. The enclosure can be misted every night to achieve the right humidity. If the enclosure of the gecko lies in a room which is especially cool, then use an incandescent bulb in the enclosure and maintain 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit temperature during the day and drop the temperature to 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Once you are aware of basic crested gecko care, they will become a great companion for at least 10 to 12 years, as they are very docile and need proper handling. Since they are jumpy reptiles, it is recommended to let them jump from one hand to another without the use of any force.