A Crested Gecko Introduction
The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)is one the most popular reptiles kept in captivity, they are relatively easy to care for, can have calm temperament and remain relatively small (approx. 20cm) and can live for as long as 20 years.
Housing
Crested geckos are best kept in a terrarium that is taller than it is wide as they love to climb.
A glass terrarium 45x45x60cm is the most popular size as it can withstand the high humidity needed by the this gecko.
Plants with large leaves are a good option as the gecko will get much of its hydration from drinking the water from the leaves.
Care should be taken to not places any glass enclosure in direct sunlight or cold areas as the glass enclosure is not well insulated so large temperature increases or decreases are possible.
Solo Gecko
Crested gecko prefer to live alone only ever coming into contact with other geckos for short periods of time during breeding.
Crested geckos can become stressed when housed together even if in the past they may seem to tolerate each other, fights could break out at any time.
More than one crested gecko in an enclosure is a big no no.
Heating
Its natural for a crested gecko to spend a long time in the forest canopy under partial light.
A warm basking area of 75 Fahrenheit should be provided by way of a heat mat attached to one of the side panels of glass. This should be controlled by an on/off Thermostat set at 75 Fahrenheit (24C).
If glass enclosure is in a very cold room and the heat mat isn’t maintaining the minimum temperature you should use a low wattage backing spot lamp over the warm end during the day time.
Glass terrariums have plenty of ventilation but poor insulation so as long the enclosure is at least 45cm wide there should be a temperature gradient that will the gecko to self regulate.
Please use a thermometer “or two”
Although thermostat are very reliable you can never to be too careful and its good practice to have at least one other thermometer to double check your temperature.
UVB Lighting
The Crested Gecko live in partial shade in forest, UVB is available to them though out most of the day.
A 5.0 UVB lamp is recommend over a wide area of the enclosure>
5.0 UVB lamps are available as T5 or T8 liner tubes or as compacts among others.
Whichever your choice of lighting it should be mounted towards the front or back of the enclosure,
This is to provide a UV gradient from one side to the other.
Decorations, Hides & Substrate
Add lots of hiding places and situate them in different areas of the vivarium, then add lots of plants and branches. You should always aim to give complete coverage of the sides of the vivarium using cork, leaves or any other climbing area; this will help ensure the gecko feels secure and it also prevents ‘floppy tail syndrome’ which is common when geckos sit on exposed flat glass panels.
We would advise going ‘bio-active’ where possible. Using live plants in the terrarium will really help your gecko feel at home and help to create a naturalistic and beautiful setup.
Food & Water
The crested gecko is an omnivore so eats both fruit and insects.
There are several specialist crested gecko diets that have been formulated by professional keeps that can be fed to the geckos in a bowl on a ledge near to where the geckos are active during the night.
Many of these prepared diets contain vitamins, minerals and nutrients they should not be fed exclusive on these diets.
Geckos that are offered a variety of appropriate sized gut loaded livefoods insects will grow and develop faster and will receive more exercise due to hunting down the feeder insects in their enclosures.
Crested geckos can be fed on a combination of livefoods:-
Locusts, Crikets and Calci worms
Roaches, wax worms and silkworm should be fed a treat.
Supplements
If you are provided UV lighting for your crested gecko the synthetic vitamin D3
supplements more commonly used with crested geckos in the past, now play a minimal role in our routine. A single dusting every eight feeds with Vetark Nutrobal or ZooMed Reptivite with D3 provide a backup source of vitamin D3 for peace of mind. Should you have lower output, or even no UV lighting, you should adjust the regime accordingly.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Spot clean the enclosure daily removing any waste matter to help keep the enclosure clean at all times.
Complete a full vivarium clean every 4-6 weeks replacing all substrate, clean and disinfect the enclosure and decoration where it is safe to do so.
A well-established bio active enclosure containing clean-up crew will maintain itself.
Whilst waste matter falling to the floor will become part of the eco system you can still clean leaves, decor and glass sides on a regular basis.
A Crested Gecko Owner Responsibilities
This guide is designed as a basic overview and reference point for some of the common questions asked relating to corn snake care and setups.
There are several methods to achieve the same result and this information should be read in conjunction with other research, professional advise and subsequent developments and improvements in animal husbandry.
As a pet owner you are legally responsible to ensure that an animal under your care is properly cared for.
Your obligations are to provide the five freedoms of animal welfare.
- Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
- Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering