Crested Gecko | Care Sheet

Overview

Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus Ciliatus
Common Name: Crested Gecko
Average Lifespan: 5-10+ years
Adult Size: 8-9 inches
Origin: New Caledonia (North of Australia)

Description:

Large amounts of these little nocturnal Geckos were discovered in New Caledonia however, prior to 1994, they were thought to be extinct!

Crested Gecko's are a good lizard for a beginner as they are hardy and don't mind being handled however, they do have delicate skin and if handled for long periods of time can become stressed. All Lizards should never be handled by the tail as they have the ability to drop them when over-stressed, and Crested Gecko's unlike Leopard Gecko's won't grow their tails back.

Housing:

The Crested Gecko is an arboreal species which will require a tall vivarium that is at least 12 x 12 x 18 inch (LxWxH). The Exo-Terra Flexarium or a Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium 30x30x45cm would be fine, but the bigger the better and remember its the height thats important for your Crested Gecko not the length. You should also provide some hide and climbing areas with branches, logs and real / silk plants.

A damp hide box should be available at all times to help with shedding (a plastic container with a hole in the lid, with moist soil or moss inside).

Lighting:

A full-spectrum fluorescent light like the Arcadia Natural Sunlight Compact lamp or the Exo Terra Repti Glo 5.0 would be beneficial for your Crested Gecko, but is not required. If you do decide to use a light make sure you have it on for 12 hours a day (12hours on 12hours off to simulate night and day).

Heating:

Basking Spot Temperature: Basking spot of around 27.8°C
Daytime Temperature: The ambient temperature of 25.6°C - With a cool area of around 22°C
Night Temperature: Around 22°C (Make sure this doesn't drop below 20.6°C)

Substrate:

Coconut fibre substrate (T-Rex Coconut Bark Chips) is a good choice or you can use either Exo Terra Plantation Soil, Lucky Reptile Sphagnum Moss or T-Rex Jungle Bedding, with daily misting to retain 50% humidity.

Food:

Crested Geckos are insectivorous and frugivorous so feed a variety of pureed fruit (such as baby foods), Crickets, waxworms, mealworms should be offered now again as a treat.

Insects must be gut loaded at least 24 hours prior to feeding, a high quality fish food or Bug Grub would be perfect. Before feeding your Crested Geckos the crickets or mealworms etc should be coated with a calcium supplement like Nutrobal.

Water:

A shallow dish of water should be provided, and cleaned daily. Its also recommended that you treat the water with Zoo Med’s ReptiSafe Water Conditioner. Most Crested Geckos will lick droplets of water from leaves and from other surfaces in their terrarium.

Maintenance:

Any debris, dead crickets and feces should be removed from the vivarium on a daily basis, Baby food should be replaced every 1-2 days.

A full clean of the terrarium and its contents should be done every 2-3 months using a product like Medivet Vetaclean.