Crested Gecko –
Crested Geckos are used to cooler temperatures, so a glass Terrarium is ideal. These Geckos like to climb so they would enjoy a higher enclosure rather than a wide one. Adult Geckos or a group of young Geckos a 45x45x60cm would be fine. A good substrate to use is humus; it absorbs water and doesn’t go mouldy. These fascinating lizards are nocturnal so they would benefit having a place they can rest during the day, a good way to do this is buy having wooden branches and artificial plants to create a forest habitat with foliage for them to hide in. Backgrounds can be used to make a more natural theme.
If Geckos are kept in a temperature that’s too high e.g. 85 Fahrenheit it could affect their health since they like cooler temperatures. In the daytime, they like to be kept at around 75F, sometimes this can be achieved without having any additional heating, if anything a small heat mat on the back or side of Terrarium is enough to keep your lizard happy. At night the temperature should fall to about 55F, this should be checked by a reliable thermometer.
Crested Geckos need around a 5% UVB light; most Terrariums already have their own lighting canopies built in so you can easily fit the bulb. The light should be on for around 10-12 hours a day which can be controlled by an electric timer.
They like to eat soft fruits (which are non citrus) and small insects. Bananas, Apricots and Peaches are very much enjoyed by Geckos, as well as Crickets. If you feel like treating your pet you could give him small mealworms, locusts and wax worms. Fresh water should be available daily and changed everyday. These lizards like to lick the morning dew off rocks and plants for hydration so it is important to mist the enclosure once a day with a water sprayer.
Crested Geckos loved to be cuddled and looked after, you should let them play in your hands, but don’t be alarmed if he happens to jump up on your shoulder as this is there way of getting around. Never pick a Gecko up by its tail as it will shed its tail off as a defence mechanism, it won’t grow back! Male Geckos don’t like living together and as adults will begin to fight, they are happier living with female geckos (if your enclosure is big enough). Females can live together as a colony. Faeces and leftover food should be removed regularly to keep your animal happy and hygienic. For any advice please ring us at Appleton Exotics petshop.
