Crested Gecko

An 18x18x24" front-opening enclosure is the recommended minimum for a single adult crested gecko, but bigger is always better - an 18x18x36" or 24x24x48" gives them far more room to explore and express natural behavior. Vertical height is more important than floor space because crested geckos are arboreal: they spend the vast majority of their time off the ground, perched on branches, cork bark, and leaves.

Front-opening enclosures are strongly preferred over top-opening ones. Reaching in from above mimics a predator attack and causes significant stress. A front-opening door lets you interact with the gecko at eye level, which is far less threatening.

Bioactive setups with live plants (pothos, bromeliads, ficus pumila) are ideal. Live plants help regulate humidity, provide natural hiding spots, and create an aesthetically beautiful display. If going bioactive, add a drainage layer, mix in isopods and springtails as a clean-up crew, and use a quality ABG-style soil mix.

Temperature should stay between 72 and 80 degrees F during the day, dropping to 65 to 72 degrees F at night. Crested geckos do not require supplemental heat in most homes. They are sensitive to heat - temperatures above 85 degrees F can be fatal. Humidity should be 50 to 70% during the day and can spike to 80 to 100% briefly at night after misting, then drop back down. This wet-dry cycle is important for respiratory health.

A commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) such as Repashy or Pangea should form the nutritional foundation. These powdered meal-replacement diets are scientifically formulated to meet all of a crested gecko's nutritional needs without live insects. Mix the powder with water to a smooth consistency and offer in a raised dish every other day, removing and refreshing every 48 hours to prevent spoilage.

Supplement the CGD with live feeder insects 1 to 2 times per week. Crickets, dubia roaches, and small hornworms are excellent options. Insects add protein variety and behavioral enrichment - crested geckos actively hunt prey and this keeps them mentally stimulated. Insects must be appropriately sized (no wider than the space between the gecko's eyes) to prevent choking.

All feeder insects must be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food for 24 to 48 hours before offering) and dusted with calcium w/D3 supplement 2 to 3 times per week and a reptile multivitamin once per week. Never skip supplementation - metabolic bone disease from calcium deficiency is preventable and devastating when it occurs.

Always provide fresh, dechlorinated water in a small shallow dish. Crested geckos also drink water droplets from leaves after misting, so consistent misting is a secondary hydration source. Fruit-based purees (mashed mango, banana) can be offered occasionally as a treat but should not replace CGD.

Provide an abundance of climbing structures at varying heights: cork bark tubes, cork rounds, thick and thin branches, and dense live or artificial plants. Crested geckos need multiple perching options to thermoregulate behaviorally and to feel secure. A gecko that has nowhere to hide is a stressed gecko.

Crested geckos are crepuscular, most active in the evening and early morning hours. Plan handling and interaction for dusk, when they are naturally alert and most receptive. During the day they rest in hides or pressed against cork bark and plant leaves.

For handling, move slowly and let the gecko walk from hand to hand at its own pace. Avoid grabbing from above. Start with short sessions (5 minutes) and gradually extend as the gecko becomes comfortable. Most crested geckos tame well with regular, calm interaction. Never handle during shed or within 48 hours of feeding.

Low-output UVB lighting (T5 HO 5% or a compact 5.0 bulb) on a 10 to 12 hour day/night cycle is now recommended by reptile veterinarians. While crested geckos were long kept without UVB, research shows they benefit from exposure. It supports calcium metabolism and natural circadian rhythm regulation.

Dysecdysis (stuck shed) is one of the most common health issues in crested geckos. Stuck shed most often affects the toes, which can constrict blood flow and lead to lost digits if not addressed. A proper humid hide and consistent misting schedule prevent most shedding problems. If stuck shed occurs, soak the gecko in shallow, lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes and gently remove the shed with a damp cotton swab.

Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS) is a condition where the tail flops to the side or over the back while the gecko sleeps inverted. It is thought to result from insufficient calcium and phosphorus balance over time, causing changes in the pelvis and tail base. It is irreversible but generally benign and does not significantly impact quality of life if caught before it becomes severe. Proper supplementation from the start prevents it.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) results from chronic calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency. Early signs include trembling, difficulty walking, and soft or deformed jaw. Advanced MBD is serious and difficult to reverse. Consistent, correct supplementation and UVB exposure are the best preventions.

Watch for weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory sounds, or abnormal droppings as general illness signals. Annual wellness checks with a reptile-savvy veterinarian are strongly recommended. Find a vet before you need one - locating an exotic vet during an emergency is stressful.