I have now had Gonzo (my New Caledonian Crested Gecko) for more than a year. I’ve found caring for him is a little tricky (sometimes!), so I’ve made a care sheet for new owners of Crested Geckos.
Listed below are some of what I consider important elements of care for Crested Geckos:
- Housing: Because Crested Geckos are so versatile and hardy, they can be kept in a number of different types of enclosures. First, a single adult Crestie needs a tank of at least twenty gallons. It is better if the tank is longer than tall, as Cresties are arboreal. If you choose (or have) to go longer than tall, make sure to use plenty of climbing materials. Hatchlings to four month old crested geckos can be housed in 10 gallon aquariums or similar plastic keepers. In some cases, young geckos housed in large cages will not eat well. To avoid that I recommend that geckos less than 12 weeks old be housed in cages no larger than a 10 gallon aquarium. Four month old to adult crested geckos should be housed in a 20 gallon tall aquarium or larger. As for bedding, paper towels work, but natural bedding like coco bedding, eco-earth, and others are better. Provide sturdy logs or other materials for climbing, as the lizard can be heavy. Also, broad leaf plants are loved by Cresties. I use a Zoo Med “Repti Reservoir” for water, but small dishes work.
- Feeding: Cresties will consume a wide variety of foods, as they are omnivores. Gonzo is fed ten crickets once a week and fresh fruit every two to three nights. The easiest and most convenient method of feeding Crested Geckos is to use the powdered Crested Gecko Diet developed by Allen Repashy. On his website it states, “The Repashy Superfoods MRP’s are intended to be used as a complete diet without the need for additional supplementation.” Also, cresties can be fed baby food, wax worms, and meal worms. As for fruit, Gonzo likes watermelon, cantaloupe, and peach best.
- Health: Find a good herp vet.
So, are you ready to take on, care, and love for a cute, little Crested Gecko? With this sheet, you should be saying yes!
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Nice article on cresties. I think though that you mean 10 crickets a week but not 10 once a week
I like your Housing section too.
The crested gecko food is perfect. Like you mentioned, it is so easy to use, is a COMPLETE diet, AND is the least expensive food you can feed.
How frequently you feed your leopard geckos will vary relying on their age. Most of the mature leopard gecko needs to be fed between four to 10 insects every two to 3 days. While a hatching or rising leopard gecko needs 4 to eight insects or worms daily.