Care Guide
Everything you need to give your crested gecko a happy, healthy life.
Housing
Enclosure Size
Juveniles thrive in a 10-gallon vertical terrarium. Adults need at least a 20-gallon vertical enclosure to give them adequate vertical climbing space.
Temperature
Maintain daytime temps between 72°F–78°F (22°C–25.5°C). Temperatures above 80°F cause heat stress. No supplemental heating is needed in most Illinois homes.
Humidity
Target 60–80% humidity. Mist the enclosure each evening to create a damp/dry cycle. A hygrometer helps you monitor levels accurately.
Lighting
Crested geckos are nocturnal — no direct sunlight needed. A low-level UVB bulb (e.g., 2.0 or 5.0 UVB) on a 12-hour cycle is beneficial but not mandatory.
Diet
Commercial Diet
Offer a meal-replacement powder (MRP) like Repashy or Pangea 3–4 nights per week. These are nutritionally complete and form the backbone of a healthy crested gecko diet.
Live Insects
Supplement with gut-loaded live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae) 2–3 times per week for enrichment and added protein.
Fruit Treats
Occasional fruit treats (banana, peach, apricot) can be offered in small amounts. Avoid citrus, avocado, and high-oxalate foods.
Fresh Water
Always provide a shallow water dish or mist the glass so droplets form for your gecko to drink.
Handling & Behavior
Acclimation Period
Allow at least two weeks before handling your new gecko. This gives it time to settle in, find food and water locations, and reduce stress.
Gradual Handling
Start with 5-minute sessions, gradually increasing duration as your gecko becomes more comfortable. Always handle low to the ground in case they jump.
Tail Autotomy
Crested geckos can drop their tails if frightened — this is a natural defense mechanism. Unlike some lizards, they do not regenerate the tail, so minimizing stress is important.
Nocturnal Nature
Your gecko will be most active in the evening. Respect their schedule and try to do feeding and handling during their active hours.
Health Monitoring
Signs of Good Health
Bright eyes, healthy weight (slightly rounded tail base), regular feeding, and active behavior at night are all positive signs.
Warning Signs
Watch for lethargy during active hours, significant appetite loss, sunken eyes, discolored skin, or wheezing. These warrant a vet visit.
Shedding
Geckos shed regularly. Ensure humidity stays adequate during sheds. A humid hide (damp moss in a small container) helps with difficult sheds.
Veterinary Care
Find a reptile-experienced vet before you need one. Annual wellness checks are a great habit. Not all vets treat reptiles — look for an exotic/reptile specialist.
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