Crested Gecko Basics
Crested geckos are one of the easiest reptiles to keep well: they are hardy, need no live food or special lighting, and do best at normal room temperatures. They come from New Caledonia, live 15 to 20 years, and are arboreal, so they climb and jump more than they walk.
Adults typically weigh 35 to 55 grams and measure around 8 inches including the tail. They are most active at night and spend the day hiding in foliage, so expect to see them in the evening.
The essentials, each covered in its own article:
- A tall enclosure with plenty of climbing surfaces and cover
- Room temperature of 72 to 78°F, never above 82°F
- Evening misting, with the enclosure drying out during the day
- A complete powdered gecko diet and fresh water
- One gecko per enclosure
Crested geckos can drop their tails as a defense, and the tail does not grow back. Many healthy adults are tailless, which is normal and does not affect their health. Never grab or pull a gecko by the tail.
They are solitary animals. Housing two together risks fighting and stress, so plan on a separate enclosure for each gecko.