Care Tips for Keeping These Little Characters Happy!
If you’re looking for a pet that’s equal parts adorable, low-maintenance, and occasionally full of attitude, the Crested Gecko (a.k.a. "crestie") might just be the companion for you.
These quirky little lizards have a story as unique as their looks: they were once thought to be extinct! Native to the rugged, lush forests of New Caledonia, a small group of islands in the South Pacific, Crested Geckos were first documented to science in 1866 and then disappeared from the scientific radar. For over a century, they were the stuff of legend… until 1994, when researchers rediscovered them after a tropical storm. Now, they’re not only alive and well but thriving as one of the most popular pet geckos in the world! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about their care and habitat with a little humor sprinkled in.
The Perfect Pad: Where Should Your Gecko Call Home?
Cresties love a bit of height in their homes. They're not ones for sprawling on the ground like couch potatoes; they need vertical space to strut their stuff. For youngsters, an 8x8x12-inch terrarium is perfect—big enough to let them feel like they're on an adventure but not so massive they feel like a lizard in the wilderness.
Once they hit four months, you can upgrade them to a swanky 12x12x18-inch terrarium, and by adulthood, they’ll be perfectly happy in an 18x18x24-inch setup. Remember, it’s all about the height! The Exo Terra terrariums are like the Ritz for reptiles, and a sub-adult gecko will live in luxury in a 18x18x24-inch model.
Substrate Shenanigans: What’s Best for the Bottom?
Not all bedding is created equal! Say “no” to sand, walnut husk, or any other materials that can be swallowed and cause digestive disasters. If you want no-fuss cleaning, line the enclosure with a simple paper towel. For those aiming for natural vibes, consider and AGB mix, which helps keep humidity up and makes your crestie feel like they’re in a tropical paradise. Want to take things a step further? Add a touch of leaf litter and moss to level up your tank’s humidity game and give your gecko a spot to show off their best hide-and-seek skills!
Temperature, Heating, and Lighting: It’s Not That Hot
Crested Geckos are pretty chill about temperatures—literally. They’re happiest between 70-78°F, but anything above 82°F? Not a fan. They can tolerate dips into the mid-60s at night, so no need to fuss with heat emitters unless your home drops into igloo territory. They also don’t need UVB lighting; a simple LED will do, just to keep them and their plants on track with the seasons.
Humidity Hijinks: Keeping the Balance
Crested Geckos appreciate a humidity sweet spot of 50% to 80%. To keep your little friend properly hydrated and their skin primed for easy shedding, mist the cage once or twice daily. But here’s the catch: don’t turn it into a swamp. Cresties like a little spa session, not an all-day sauna! Letting the tank dry between mists is essential to avoid mold and bacteria that could dampen your gecko’s spirit.
Feed Me, Seymour! The Crested Gecko Diet
Cresties are famously low-maintenance in the meal department. The powdered Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) is a fan favorite because it’s like a complete meal in a shake. For a little extra crunch, you can toss in some dusted and gut-loaded crickets once or twice a week. If your gecko looks at crickets like they’ve seen a ghost, don’t worry—they might just be on a strict smoothie-only diet!
Hydration Station: Drinking 101
Crested Geckos don’t need much in the water dish department because they prefer the fine art of licking water droplets off plants and glass. This is why your daily misting routine doubles as a hydration station! Still, it’s smart to leave a small water dish just in case they decide to change their habits.
Handling: The Art of Gently Wrangling a Gecko
Cresties are chill but may do a flying leap now and then just to keep you on your toes. For newbies, start with short handling sessions, gradually extending the time. Soon, they’ll go from “What is this giant hand!?” to “Hey, is it that time again?” If they do a leap of faith, try the "hand walking" method—where one hand is always ready for them to jump onto like a mini trampoline.
Bonus Fact:These little guys can drop their tails if startled or mishandled. But don’t worry—it's nature's way of helping them out of a sticky situation. The only downside? It’s a one-time trick; unlike other lizards, cresties don’t grow their tails back.
Cresties Are the Total Package
With a good setup, regular misting, a balanced diet, and a bit of handling, Crested Geckos can make fun and hardy pets. They’ll stick to glass, peek around plants, and might even stare at you with those big, expressive eyes, making it hard not to give them all the attention they deserve. Just be prepared—Crested Geckos can go from “shy wallflower” to “parkour pro” when you least expect it. Happy gecko-keeping!
The Incredible Tale of the ‘Extinct’ Gecko
Imagine the surprise when researchers rediscovered the Crested Gecko on New Caledonia’s main island after it had been missing for over a hundred years! This species, believed to be lost forever, suddenly reappeared, and scientists around the world were amazed to have these charismatic creatures back. Today, the species is thriving and even enjoys the limelight as a popular pet around the globe.
