Crested Gecko

Common Name: Crested Gecko
Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Distribution: New Caledonia
Size: 5-9″
Life Span: 8-20 years

Crested Geckos are fascinating, arboreal geckos from the small group of islands of New Caledonia. These amazing geckos come in a variety of color patterns, and their easy-to-meet care requirements have made them an excellent choice for beginners and a popular reptile in the hobby. These geckos are omnivorous and may eat many non-citrus fruits, pollen, and insects. Crested Geckos are a great display animal and are relatively easy to handle.

HABITAT

  • Zoo Med’s Naturalistic Terrariums® and ReptiBreezeâ„¢ Open-Air Screen Cages are great choices for Crested Geckos throughout all stages of life.
  • Crested Geckos are arboreal and should be kept in a vertically oriented cage.
  • Hatchlings can be kept in groups of no more than 5 per 20 gallon cage. Males should not be housed together as they may eventually become territorial and fight.
  • Offer plenty of climbing choices such as Zoo Med’s Cork Branch, Flexible Vines, and other cage decor. Addition of a Ficus tree is a good way to provide climbing space and cover. All plants must be free of pesticides and other chemicals and should be rinsed prior to adding to the enclosure.

HEATING

  • Daytime Terrarium Temperature: 78-82°F
  • Basking Spot: 82-85°F
  • Nighttime Temperature: 68-73°F
  • Crested Geckos come from a mild climate and are sensitive to excessive heat. It is crucial to make sure that temperatures do not exceed 90°F. Always use a thermometer to monitor enclosure temperatures – Don’t guess!
  • A low wattage heat bulb such as the Daylight Blueâ„¢ or Nightlight Redâ„¢ is a great choice for providing heat for Crested Geckos.
  • Zoo Med’s Naturalistic Terrarium® Hood, Mini Deep Domeâ„¢, and Mini Combo Deep Domeâ„¢ are good choices for accommodating these lamps.

LIGHTING

  • We recommend using a ReptiSun® LED or ReptiSun® 5.0 for Crested Geckos. Although Crested Geckos are nocturnal and do not require much direct exposure to sunlight, there is growing evidence that exposure to low levels of UV light is beneficial to their overall health and encourages natural behaviors.
  • A ReptiSun® LED is a good choice for enclosures with live plants as it will help encourage plant growth.

SUBSTRATES

  • It is strongly recommended that hatchling geckos not be kept on any type of loose substrate. Eco Carpetâ„¢ is the safest and cleanest substrate for young geckos.
  • Forest Floorâ„¢ and Eco Earth® can be used as a substrate in terrariums. Provide a nest box with at least 2 1/2 inches of substrate in all enclosures that house adult females.
  • New Zealand Sphagnum Moss can be added as a substrate topper to hold additional moisture if needed.

NUTRITION

  • Crested Geckos are omnivores that eat a variety of foods and need to be offered a well balanced diet. In nature, Crested Geckos live on insects and non-citrus fruits such as figs.
  • Zoo Med’s Crested Gecko Food is available in Juvenile and Adult formulas and makes an excellent staple diet for these geckos.
  • Zoo Med’s Day Gecko Food is an excellent choice as a supplemental food. Zoo Med’s Tropical Fruit Mix-ins are a great treat for Crested Geckos.
  • Feeder insects should be soft-bodied and no longer than the width of the gecko’s head. Crickets, mealworms, and the occasional wax worm are good choices.
  • ReptiViteâ„¢ and ReptiCalcium® should be added to foods as directed to ensure complete nutrition.
  • If possible, it can be beneficial to offer foods off the ground as Crested Geckos naturally feed in the canopy of trees and try to avoid ground predators.

WATER

  • Provide a clean water dish with shallow fresh water at all times.
  • Always add ReptiSafe® Water Conditioner to remove Chlorine and Chloramines. Crested Geckos prefer to drink or lap water from leaves. This can be accomplished in a terrarium by offering a Big Dripperâ„¢ drip system or a Repti Rain® misting system.
  • Terrariums should be kept at moderate to high relative humidity (50% – 70% RH). Use a Hygrometer to monitor relative humidity within the enclosure.
  • Spray or mist your terrarium daily to help maintain humidity.
  • The Repti Foggerâ„¢ and HygroThermâ„¢ can be used to regulate humidity.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

  • Crested Geckos do well in small groups, just be sure to provide ample space, hides, and resources for each animal.
  • If aggression occurs during feeding, provide multiple food dishes in different areas of the enclosure.
  • Do not house males together.
  • Place Cork Rounds in a vertical position to provide a hide similar to a hollowed tree.
  • Let Crested Geckos climb on you as opposed to you grasping them. These geckos are soft bodied and care needs to be taken while handling them.

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