Crested Gecko Care Sheet

Scientific/Latin Name
Rhacodactylus ciliatus

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• 2 - 3 foot Heavily Planted Vivarium (Tall)
• Orchid Bark
• Artificial/Silk Plants
• Shallow, heavy dishes
• Rocks or logs
• Crickets (Wax worms or mealworms occasionally)
• Calcium-rich gut loading pellets, for crickets
• Calcium/D3 and multivitamin supplements
• Undertank heating required with thermostat

Crested Geckos are quickly becoming one of the most popular geckos kept as pets and for good reason! They grow to a moderate size (max 10"), have relatively simple care requirements, are very hardy, tolerant of handling and have a docile temperament. Like leopard geckos, they are very easily tamed. When young only moderate handling is recommended, perhaps about 5 minutes a day, then as the gecko becomes calmer you can start handling him/her for more extended periods though no more than 20 - 25 minutes a day.

For over a hundred years these fascinating lizards were thought to be extinct. The last sighting (which was also the first sighting!) was in 1866 when the french zoologist Alphone Guichenot visited the island of New Caledonia. Since then they hadn't been seen until 1994 when they were rediscovered in the southern provinces of the island.

A few specimens were collected from the island and were soon found to breed readily in captivity which has resulted in the great abundance of captive bred colour morphs that exist after just over 10 years of their rediscovery!

One adult requires at least a 2 - 3 foot tall Vivarium with a tight fitting screen lid. A male can be kept with females but never with another male. Provide several hiding places throughout the cage as crested geckos are nocturnal and hide during the day. Keep one of those hiding places moist by placing slightly dampened sphagnum moss inside to help the gecko shed properly. Rocks and logs add interest and make good resting areas. Water must always be available in a heavy shallow dish though you may find your gecko prefers to drink water droplets off the vivarium’s sides or from leaves when you spray the tank. The optimum air temperature should be kept between 70F and 80F. To achieve these temperatures, you can use an undertank heater or a nocturnal incandescent reptile lamp though if using incandescent bulbs be sure to use a guard over the lamp to protect your gecko. Locate the tank out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating.

Adult crested geckos will thrive on a diet of brown crickets or small locusts. Babies and juveniles should be fed every day until full (5 insects appropriately sized). Adults should be fed 6 to 10 insects every other day. Dust crickets every feeding with a calcium and D3 supplement like Nutrobal. To dust, place the insects in a plastic bag, add a pinch of calcium and shake to coat the insects with the powder. Remove uneaten crickets after a half hour to prevent them from annoying your gecko. They also like fruit and, in particular, melon which you can leave in a dish high up in the vivarium. Alternatively you could use a specially formulated Crested Gecko Mix or fruit flavoured Baby Food is an ideal substitute as long as you mix in the necessary vitamin supplements (Nutrobal).

Wash out the water and food dishes daily. Place the gecko in an escape proof container while cleaning the tank. Both the tank and any washable floor coverings should be washed weekly in hot water and mild detergent. Use a Reptile Safe disinfectant to sterilise the tank such as BEA Reptile Disinfectant. Rinse well with hot water and dry thoroughly. Dry thoroughly.

Providing they are purchased in good condition, Crested Geckos are hardy pets which have relatively few problems. Occasionally they may have a problem removing all their skin while shedding. If you can see this to be the case try lightly misting your gecko and increasing humidity in the tank. DO NOT try to pull the skin off. This can cause serious injury to your gecko. If it needs help shedding then use a damp flannel cloth and gently try to rub the skin off. Do not force it as this can pull off the soft flesh underneath.

Treat any cuts or grazes with tea... yes, tea it is a natural disinfectant!

Occasionally a Crested Gecko may drop its tail. This is a natural defence in the wild to help avoid predators though in captivity it rarely occurs. Handling is an unlikely cause unless it is handled roughly. More than likely it would be caused by an aggressive tank mate or it had somehow gotten its tail trapped. To avoid tank aggression keep the geckos individually or if kept as a pair make sure there is plenty of room and hiding places for both geckos in the tank. Fortunately the loss of their tail causes no long term negative effects.