How to Keep Crested Geckos in Captivity

Crested geckos are small arboreal lizards originating from the lowland rain forest of New Caledonia. Once thought to be extinct, they were rediscovered in 1994 and have become popular among reptile fanciers. Crested geckos come in a variety of morphs, or coloration and patterning. Their nocturnal antics can be fascinating to watch. An environment that assimilates the natural world is best for successfully keeping a crested gecko in captivity.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass tank with screen top
  • Coco fiber substrate
  • Live or artificial plants
  • Wood climbing structure
  • Cork bark
  • Small food and water dishes
  • Misting bottle
  • Crested gecko diet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the glass enclosure -- at least 12-by-12-by-18 inches for one gecko -- with a screen top and preferably front opening doors. Keep it in a room away from direct heat and direct sunlight. The temperature of the room should be below 78 degrees F, and the humidity should be kept between 73 and 83 percent. Low humidity can cause dehydration and shed problems for the gecko.

    • 2

      Add 4 inches of coco fiber substrate to the bottom of the enclosure and evenly moisten with water. Add plants and a wood climbing structure such as a clean branch or piece of driftwood. Provide fresh water. Mist the enclosure with water twice daily.

    • 3

      Gently put the crested gecko in the enclosure. Watch for signs of stress, such as the gecko moving quickly around the enclosure without stopping. A positive sign is the gecko climbing or jumping onto a plant or under a piece of wood to rest. Leave the gecko alone without handling it for 24 to 48 hours to settle in.

    • 4

      Hold your gecko with an open hand. Sudden moves or grabbing the gecko may cause the tail to drop off. Crested geckos jump, and will usually coil or ready themselves and stare before jumping. Crested geckos do not close their eyes, even when sleeping.

    • 5

      Put in the food dish, which can be a small reptile plastic, glass, or ceramic dish purchased at a pet supply store, or a special magnetic reptile feeder setup. Mix the powdered crested gecko diet with water to the consistency of a milk shake. Place the mixture in the food dish in the evening. Feed the gecko every other day. Occasionally you may fed your gecko calcium-dusted crickets.

      Pick out gecko waste daily with tissue and wipe down the sides of the enclosure with paper towels and water or a chlorhexidine mix.