CRESTED GECKO CARE

CRESTED GECKOS (Correlophus Ciliatus) are a species of gecko native to the New Caledonia. They have become incredibly popular in the pet industry over the course of the last 20 years. Given their simple care requirements they are welcomed by all reaches of reptile owners from novice to expert. Here is some brief information about Crested Gecko care we have collected to better help inform those who own or are looking to own. Enjoy!

PROPER CONFORMATION: One of the first things to look at when choosing and receiving an animal is its physical condition and conformation. Hatchlings start around 1.5 inches in length and approximately 2 grams in terms of weight A fully grown and  genetically sound gecko will be between 6-10 inches in length and approximately 40-60 grams in terms of weight. We personally use a scientific scale to record weight and track growth of each animal each week. This gives us the ability to make sure each animal is eating and growing in terms of a numeric value. a very helpful tool in monitoring health on a frequent basis. Also, a healthy animal will arrive free of any genetic conditions, diseases or parasites. The animals spine and tail will be aligned properly and not kinked in any areas. The eyes will be bulbous and not look sunken in. It will not have any extra growths or lumps. It should be fairly evident with some proper inspection if there are any major issues with the animal.

DIET: Crested Geckos are relatively easy to feed compared to most reptiles. Their omnivorous diet consists of a balance between fruits and insects in nature. Thankfully a few select manufactures actually make complete meal replacement powders designed to simulate the exact dietary requirements of Crested Geckos. Personally We use PANGEA REPTILE brand gecko diet exclusively (Pangea pls sponsor us lol) as we have found it to have the overall best feeding response with all of our animals. We use a mix of 50% "growth and breeding" Pangea mix and 50% "watermelon" Pangea mix 3 times a week. (supplementing things like extra calcium and bee pollen can be done as well.) We also feed 2-4 crickets to each of our geckos once a week. While technically not 100% necessary to feed crickets because of the fact that meal replacements do contain the complete nutritional requirements, We do find this to be one of the most enriching things you can do for your animal.

HOUSING: Perhaps one of the most simple housing requirements in the reptile industry. Sizing of enclosure depends on the sizing of animal. Geckos under 20 grams can stay in enclosures as large as 12x12x18. geckos over 20 grams can stay in enclosures as large 18x8x24.(size is generally debated in the community so just make sure your geckos aren't too crammed or have to much space either. balance is key!) Given they are an arboreal species and will spend most time in their enclosures decor and crevasses up high we strongly recommend vertical tanks with front facing doors. Substrate is not technically necessary as long as you are cleaning up the waste in some form or another. We personally use coco-fiber substrate in all our cages as we prefer a natural look and the ability to go bioactive however many people just use paper towel for eases of cleaning. Faux or live plants are recommended in the tank aiding their feeling of security in the enclosure. Vines and branches also give your animal plenty of places to hangout and explore. Simple NON heat producing light such as aquarium lights or plant lights work perfect and if you really want to go the extra bit, a 5% UVB bulb wouldn't hurt! 

BIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS:

TEMP: 68-76F.  Anything outside of this range can cause health issues or be fatal. Our enclosures average about 73F in the summer and 71F in the winter. 

LIGHTING: LED lights will suffice however UVB can be added for additional health benefit. NEVER USE ANY FORM OF HEAT LAMP OF LIGHTS.

HUMIDITY: We keep the average humidity between 60-70%. A daily misting of the cages will suffice as all the water your gecko will need. There are a plethora of automatic misting systems on the market for ease of ownership however We like to compare the daily spraying as that in which you'd do with a houseplant.