Ever heard of a Crested Gecko? This nocturnal reptile is native to the rainforests in New Caledonia, an island group near Australia. Although found back in 1866, they were thought extinct until rediscovered nearly 130 years later! These amazing little creatures, also known eyelash gecko, spend their days tucked away from sight on the ground and then come sunset take flight up into trees canopies for some nighttime adventures hunting or scavenging food.
Other Caledonian gecko species include the Leachie gecko (also known as
New Caledonia giant gecko)
Are crested geckos beginner-friendly?
Crested geckos are a great choice for first-time reptile owners. They are relatively easy to care for, and they have lots of personality! Most crested eyelash gecko species will bond with their owners if socialized from an early age. This makes them ideal pets if you want something more than just a pretty lizard in your home.
These little guys have been bred in captivity for many years, so there are lots of different kinds available.
Some of them have fancy markings, while others are plainer. Some crested gecko species are more docile than others, so you can choose a breed that suits your personality and lifestyle.
Crested gecko appearance
Crested geckos are intriguing creatures with amazing eyesight, specialized toe pads and a prehensile tail. These lizards have big triangular heads adorned with two holes on each side to improve their vision in all directions. When the sun is shining bright, they close their eyelashes for protection, plus use them as an extra navigational tool! But when it’s time to hunt at nightfall, those same eyelids dilate wide open—giving these geckos incredible nocturnal skills too by sharpening up any movement of prey around them! They even cleanse their peepers regularly, using special tongue-licking motions that help keep everything healthy and working perfectly within every crevice of its environment.
Crested gecko size
Fully grown adult crested geckos can reach a staggering 8–10 inches in length, with weight of 30g to 35g within just the first year. The gender differences become apparent as young hatchlings, between ⅖ and 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, grow older—at twelve months old female iguanas are sexually mature while male maturity comes slightly earlier at nine months due to their distinctive hemipenes; externally visible bulges on either side of the tail!
Crested gecko colors
Crested geckos can be quite a sight to behold with their vibrant and varied color range (also known as color morphs). From light tan, peach, reddish-brown hues—these creatures captivate viewers! Not only do they possess the standard distinctive dark lateral stripes on their backs, but there are also three distinct pattern morphs; tiger morphs show off patterned bellies paired with darker stripes against lighter skin, whereas white-fringed morphs have crests of either yellow or white coloring. Interestingly enough, crested geckos have the incredible ability to slightly alter their colors as a form of camouflage or communication with other reptiles.
Crested gecko behavior and temperament
During the day, Crested Geckos hide in low-lying foliage to avoid both sunlight and potential predators. But come nightfall they venture out into tree canopies, climbing from branch to branch while hunting for insects or scavenging fruits. If ever feeling threatened during their quests—be it by predator or rival male gecko –they’ll stand up on their hind legs with a loud hiss as warning! Male geckos tend towards aggression when competing over females; if she would rather not copulate, he needs only look at her attitude for confirmation of rejection…
Crested gecko eyelids
Crested geckos do not have eyelids; instead they have a transparent scale that protects their eyes from dust or debris while allowing the animal to see clearly without obstruction.
Thy, just like other reptiles, can lick their eyes to clean them from any dust.
Crested gecko diet
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for your gecko’s wellbeing. Allowing an imbalance of nutrients, or calcium deficiencies, can lead to serious health problems such as metabolic bone disease. Your pet has the luxury of being both omnivorous and picky; they’ll snack on a variety of tasty fruits and insects that come out twice per week! You don’t have to worry about getting pre-made food, either—there are plenty of healthy options available if you choose so.
In the wild, the crested gecko diet consist of insects, fruit, and nectar. A diet for captive crested geckos should replicate their natural diet as closely as possible. A variety of commercially available foods are available that contain the nutrients your pet needs. In addition to prepared crested gecko food, you can feed your crested gecko live insects, such as crickets or mealworms. Live food should only be offered once or twice per week. Be sure to dust any live food with calcium powder before offering it to your pet.
Some good prepared diet bands for crested geckos, include Arcadia, Pangea and Repashy.
How to use prepared diets for crested geckos
- Mix the powdered diet with water to a smoothie consistency.
- Deposit the food in wall-mounted feeding cups.
How often should I feed crested geckos?
Feed Juveniles (0-12 months old) prepared diet daily, insects once or twice-weekly.
Adults (>12 months old) should be fed prepared diet every 2-3 days, insects once weekly.
Keeping crested geckos as pets
Creating the perfect crested gecko habitat requires careful planning. A glass tank of four to six feet in height with a capacity of 20 gallons is ideal as these arboreal reptiles love to climb smooth surfaces. Furthermore, all creatures need safety and comfort – be sure your gecko’s living space has plenty of vegetation, plants, branches, logs leaves or even egg cartons so that they feel secure within their habitat!
Enclosure set up
Crested geckos thrive in either glass terrariums or plastic enclosures. Reptile enclosures must be large enough to allow the crested gecko to stretch out, turn around, and climb. A 20-gallon glass terrarium is a good size for an adult crested gecko.
Do not use a wooden terrarium for your crested gecko, because it can easily rot due to the humidity. Make sure your glass enclosure has an adequate ventilation to avoid mold forming inside and getting your gecko sick.
Make sure it is tall enough, have foliage or branches for climbing, as these lizards are proficient climbers. Both types of enclosures should be equipped with a hiding place, as crested geckos like to have a place to retreat when they feel threatened or just want to chill.
Substrate
The substrate of choice for this species is versatile; you can use soil, cypress mulch, coconut fibers or paper towels. With the former two options, your tank will mimic their natural environment and support live plants—while with the latter you’ll have a more convenient solution which enables quick spot cleaning. Keep in mind that whatever option you choose should not contribute to excessive humidity levels!
Temperature and humidity requirements for your crested gecko
Crested geckos are tropical lizards and therefore require warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The temperature inside the enclosure should be maintained between 75–85 degrees Fahrenheit (24–29 degrees Celsius) during the day and 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit (21–24 degrees Celsius) at night.
The humidity level inside the enclosure should be kept between 50-70%. These conditions can be achieved by using an incandescent bulb or ceramic heat emitter as a basking spot and by misting the enclosure with water one or two times per day.
Lifespan and health concerns
This particular species of reptile can live a long and healthy life in captivity—up to 20 years or even longer! It is important, however, that they are provided with the best possible care by their owners.
An ideal diet should be maintained; overfeeding may lead to obesity, while inadequate calcium levels could potentially result in metabolic bone disease. Fortunately for these reptiles, endolymphatic sacs located on the roofs of their mouths store additional calcium reserves as backup when needed.
To keep your pet’s hydration at optimum levels, make sure to mist their tank twice daily with a spray bottle-keeping the humidity between 60-70%. Not only will this help ensure a comfortable skin shedding process for your pal, but it can also prevent other activities from being disrupted.
Handling your crested gecko
Crested geckos can be very affectionate towards people who handle them regularly but do not let this fool you into thinking they are tame enough to handle at all times!
During handling sessions with crested geckos, caution is a must. Even when handled carefully these small lizards may startle and bite if an unexpected movement occurs too close for comfort. To avoid any accidents it’s best to be sure the animal has calmed before attempting pick up or interaction!
Newly hatched crested geckos
Baby Crested Geckos know independence from the start! Hatchlings enter this world self-sufficient, and after their first molt they can sustain with an adult diet — albeit in small portions. Amazingly, even without parental guidance, these unfledged reptiles are able to determine how much food is enough on their own.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet reptile, the crested gecko is an excellent choice. These lizards are relatively easy to care for and do not require live food like some other reptiles do. When selecting a crested gecko as a pet, be sure to choose one from a reputable breeder in order to get a healthy animal. With proper care, your crested gecko will provide you with years of enjoyment!
FAQs
Is a crested gecko a beginner pet?
Crested geckos are interesting, fun, and easy to care for pets with a lot of personality. They are a good choice for beginners, and even children can enjoy their company.
Where are crested geckos found in the wild?
Crested geckos are found in southern New Caledonia, which is an island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Crested geckos live in both rainforests and dry forests. They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and come out to hunt at night. Crested geckos live on trees, rocks, and caves as high as 8 ft (2.44 m) above the ground.
Do crested geckos make good pets?
Crested geckos are an interesting species for beginning reptile owners, as their unique appearance and easy care requirements make them ideal. However, they can be tricky to spot in captivity since they typically prefer a more nocturnal lifestyle, similar to the one they would have living wild. Keeping this natural behavior in mind will help you enjoy your new pet all the better!
How big do crested geckos get?
Actually, they’re quite small. Crested geckos usually grow to be about 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) long. They will live up to 20 years or so, which is a very long time for a reptile.
Are crested geckos friendly?
Crested geckos are incredibly friendly lizards. Although they may be flying by nature and look to jump at every opportunity they have, they can handle it well.
How much does crested gecko cost?
Normally, the cost is between $40 and $200 per gecko. In some cases, the price can vary depending upon what type and what color you want.