First and foremost, there are many things you need to consider before getting a Crested Gecko. If cared for properly, Crested gecko can live up to 20 years in captivity. This is a long term and serious commitment. Ultimately, they will only be able to rely on you to meet their needs.
Do not buy on impulse. Do your research first.
Are you set up for your new crested gecko?
Have you located a qualified exotic veterinarian?
Do you have the time to commit to a crested gecko?
Can you afford the upkeep of a crested gecko?
How do you feel about having live feeder insects in your home?
Housing Your Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are arboreal, meaning they live up off the ground and in trees and bushes. So having plenty of space to climb is more important than having a lot of floor space.
I would recommend a Glass Exo Terra Enclosure.
I would recommend a Glass Exo Terra Enclosure.
Never keep more than one male crested gecko in a single enclosure. They are territorial and will fight. Housing multiple females together is fine as long as they are similar in size. You may also house a couple of females together with one male as long as they are all of breeding size (45 grams or more).
Setting up a Bio-Active Crested Gecko Enclosure
Substrate
The best substrate you can use for a crested gecko is Reptile Carpet. You can also use paper towels, butcher paper, tile or newspaper. Many crested gecko keepers use coconut husk but I personally do not recommend it. It can cause impaction problems, especially in babies and juveniles.
Heating
Crested geckos only require temperatures to be 74 to 78 degrees, so room temperature is fine for these guys, but never let your enclosure get above 78 degrees.
Lighting
Crested geckos do not require any special lighting because they are nocturnal lizards. They do not require any UVB lighting but in the wild, they are subject to some filtered UVB while they are sleeping. It is my opinion that exposing them to a small amount of UVB during the day will only improve their health. It certainly won't hurt them. You can use a low wattage bulb for a few hours a day.
Furniture
Items to include in your crested gecko enclosure are:
Hides or Cork Rounds stood on end make excellent places for sleeping.
Reptile Ledge for food and water. Your crested gecko will feel more secure if they can eat up off the ground.
Branches and limbs for climbing
Plants, lots of plants, for climbing and hiding.
Branches and limbs for climbing
Plants, lots of plants, for climbing and hiding.
Keeping your Crested Gecko Hydrated
Crested geckos do not require a lot of humidity but they do require some. Keeping a small water bowl with fresh water in the enclosure and misting them a couple times a day should suffice.
Diet
Crested geckos diet mainly consists pre-packaged, powdered food that is simply mixed with water. There are several brands out there but I recommend Repashy. There are some other brands that are getting good reviews but so far mine eat the Repashy the best.
You can also give your crested gecko crickets once a week. Be sure they are no bigger than the space between the geckos eyes.
If you are feeding crickets, remove any uneaten crickets after a couple of hours. If they are left in the tank, they may annoy your crested gecko by biting it while it sleeps.
For a Crested Gecko Owners Manual Click Here
If you are feeding crickets, remove any uneaten crickets after a couple of hours. If they are left in the tank, they may annoy your crested gecko by biting it while it sleeps.
For a Crested Gecko Owners Manual Click Here
No comments:
Post a Comment