🦎 Crested Gecko Care Guide

Crested Geckos are popular pet reptiles known for their unusual appearance, large eyes, climbing ability and distinctive crests running from above their eyes down their backs.

They are an arboreal species, meaning they spend much of their time climbing rather than living on the ground.

Crested Geckos are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, becoming most active during the evening and overnight.

Adults generally grow to around 20–25cm (8–10 inches) including their tail.

With the correct care, Crested Geckos can live for 15–20 years or longer, so they are a long-term commitment.

This guide covers the basics you need to keep your Crested Gecko happy and healthy.

♂️♀️ How to Tell the Sex

Sexing a Crested Gecko can be difficult when they are young. The differences usually become much clearer as the gecko grows and matures.

🦎 Males

Mature males generally have:

• A noticeable hemipenal bulge at the base of the tail, just behind the vent
• A broader and thicker area around the base of the tail
• Clearly visible pre-anal pores when examined closely
• More obvious sexual characteristics as they mature

🦎 Females

Mature females generally have:

• No prominent hemipenal bulge
• A flatter, smoother area at the base of the tail
• No obvious or only very faint pre-anal pores
• A slimmer appearance around the base of the tail

🔍 Hemipenal Bulge & Pores

The underside around the vent and base of the tail is usually the best area to check.

Mature males develop a noticeable hemipenal bulge behind the vent. Pre-anal pores can also become visible and may help identify males before the bulge becomes particularly pronounced.

Females generally remain much flatter and smoother in this area.

⚠️ Young Crested Geckos

Young Crested Geckos can be difficult to sex accurately.

Some males may begin showing visible pores before other characteristics develop, but it is safer to allow the gecko to grow before confidently determining its sex.

⚠️ Sexing Disclaimer

Please note that Roxy’s Pet Shop is unable to guarantee the sex of any livestock.

Where we provide a suggested sex, this is based on the animal’s visible characteristics, age and our experience at the time. Some animals can be particularly difficult to sex when young.

Any sex stated should therefore be treated as our best assessment and not a guarantee.

🏠 Housing & Vivarium

Crested Geckos require a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of opportunities to climb.

For an adult, we recommend an enclosure of at least around:

45cm wide × 45cm deep × 60cm high

Larger enclosures can provide even more opportunities for natural behaviour when appropriately furnished.

The enclosure should include:

• Branches

• Vines

• Cork bark

• Plants

• Elevated resting areas

• Suitable substrate

• Food ledges

• Water

• Digital thermometer

• Digital hygrometer

• Suitable UVB lighting

Crested Geckos need plenty of cover.

A completely bare enclosure can make them feel exposed and insecure.

Aim to create a well-planted, three-dimensional environment with lots of different routes through the enclosure.

🌡️ Temperature

Crested Geckos prefer moderate temperatures and can become dangerously overheated.

Aim for a daytime temperature gradient of approximately:

🌡️ 22–26°C

A gentle drop overnight is natural, with temperatures around 18–22°C generally suitable.

Temperatures approaching or exceeding 28°C for prolonged periods should be avoided.

Always use reliable digital thermometers.

🔥 Heating & Thermostat

Depending on the temperature of your home, additional heating may be required.

Suitable overhead heating can be used where necessary.

Any heat source should be controlled by an appropriate thermostat.

Never use an uncontrolled heat source.

Crested Geckos are particularly sensitive to excessive heat, so always monitor the actual temperature inside the enclosure.

Heat rocks should not be used.

☀️ UVB & Lighting

We recommend providing suitable low-level UVB lighting.

Although Crested Geckos can survive without strong UVB when provided with an appropriate complete diet and supplementation, access to suitable low-level UVB can support natural vitamin D3 production and calcium metabolism.

The correct UVB strength depends on:

• Enclosure height

• Distance from the gecko

• Mesh between the lamp and animal

• Plant cover

• Manufacturer's recommendations

Provide approximately 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

All visible lighting should be switched off overnight.

💦 Humidity

Crested Geckos require moderate-to-high humidity with natural fluctuations throughout the day.

A useful target is approximately:

💧 60–80% after misting

Allow humidity to fall somewhat between misting sessions rather than keeping the enclosure permanently wet.

A digital hygrometer should be used.

Constantly saturated conditions combined with poor ventilation can encourage:

• Mould

• Bacterial growth

• Skin problems

• Respiratory problems

Humidity and ventilation need to work together.

🌧️ Misting

Mist the enclosure using clean, suitable water as required.

Many keepers mist more heavily during the evening when Crested Geckos naturally become active.

Misting:

• Raises humidity

• Provides droplets for drinking

• Supports healthy shedding

• Helps maintain live plants

However, don't simply mist repeatedly without monitoring the enclosure.

The enclosure should have an opportunity to dry partially between misting sessions.

🌬️ Ventilation

Good ventilation is extremely important.

A tropical enclosure should not be a permanently sealed, soaking-wet box.

Good airflow helps reduce:

• Mould

• Stagnant air

• Excessive moisture

• Bacterial growth

Balance suitable ventilation with misting to maintain appropriate humidity.

💧 Water

Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Provide a small, shallow water dish, often positioned on an elevated feeding ledge.

Change the water every day or immediately if contaminated.

Even if you regularly see your gecko licking droplets from leaves or glass, a fresh water dish should still be available.

🌿 Plants & Climbing

Crested Geckos are excellent climbers.

Provide plenty of:

• Branches

• Cork bark

• Vines

• Bamboo where suitable

• Broad-leaved plants

• Elevated platforms

• Hiding areas

Both live and suitable artificial plants can be used.

If using live plants, make sure they are reptile-safe and haven't been treated with harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Branches and decorations must be securely positioned.

🪵 Substrate

Suitable substrate options can include:

• Coco fibre

• Reptile soil mixtures

• Suitable tropical substrates

• Bioactive substrate

Young geckos or animals requiring closer monitoring may sometimes be kept temporarily on paper towel.

Avoid substrates that are:

• Dusty

• Sharp

• Chemically treated

• Strongly scented

• Likely to cause problems if accidentally swallowed

🍌 Feeding Your Crested Gecko

One of the advantages of keeping Crested Geckos is the availability of nutritionally balanced complete Crested Gecko diets.

These powdered diets are mixed with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A quality complete diet should form the main part of your Crested Gecko's diet.

Suitable live insects can also be offered as enrichment and dietary variety.

🥣 Complete Crested Gecko Diet

Prepare the food according to the manufacturer's directions.

Offer it in a small feeding cup, ideally on an elevated feeding ledge.

Replace uneaten prepared food regularly according to the product instructions and environmental conditions.

Don't worry if it appears that only a tiny amount has been eaten.

Crested Geckos are relatively small animals and may only leave small lick marks in the food.

🦗 Live Food

Suitable live insects can include:

• Crickets

• Locusts

• Dubia roaches

• Other appropriately sized feeder insects

Live food should be appropriately sized.

A useful general guide is that prey should not be much wider than the space between the gecko's eyes.

Feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded before being offered.

🦴 Calcium & Supplements

When offering live insects, they should be appropriately dusted with a suitable calcium/vitamin supplement.

The exact supplementation schedule depends on:

• Gecko's age

• Diet

• Frequency of live food

• UVB provision

• Supplement being used

A quality complete Crested Gecko diet already contains vitamins and minerals, so don't randomly add additional supplements to the prepared diet unless recommended by the manufacturer or a suitably qualified professional.

⏰ How Often Should I Feed?

Feeding frequency varies with age.

As a general guide:

Young Crested Geckos:
🍌 Offer suitable complete diet daily or almost daily.

Adults:
🍌 Offer complete diet approximately 3–4 times per week.

Suitable live insects can be offered alongside the complete diet according to age, condition and feeding plan.

Monitor your gecko's body condition and growth rather than simply feeding as much as it will eat.

🍓 Can I Feed Fruit?

Crested Geckos naturally consume fruit and nectar-like foods, but a formulated complete Crested Gecko diet is much better balanced than simply feeding mashed fruit.

Occasional suitable fruit can be offered in small amounts, but it shouldn't replace a nutritionally complete diet.

Avoid relying on baby food as a staple diet.

🦎 Handling

Crested Geckos can become comfortable with gentle handling, but they are quick and capable jumpers.

Allow a new gecko time to settle before beginning regular handling.

When handling:

• Keep close to a safe surface

• Allow the gecko to walk from hand to hand

• Move slowly

• Don't squeeze

• Don't grab the tail

• Keep early handling sessions short

• Supervise children carefully

Never chase your gecko around its enclosure simply to pick it up.

Build confidence gradually.

⚠️ The Tail

Crested Geckos can drop their tails if frightened, stressed or grabbed.

This is a natural defence mechanism known as autotomy.

Unlike some other geckos, a Crested Gecko's tail does not grow back.

A tailless Crested Gecko can still live a completely normal life and is sometimes affectionately referred to as a “frogbutt.”

Never pick up or restrain your Crested Gecko by its tail.

🧗 Jumping

Crested Geckos can jump surprisingly far.

When handling, expect your gecko to suddenly leap from one hand to the other.

Keep handling close to a bed, sofa, floor or another safe surface until you are familiar with your gecko's behaviour.

Never handle a gecko next to an open window or external door.

🪶 Shedding

Crested Geckos periodically shed their skin as they grow.

You may notice:

• Skin becoming dull or pale

• Reduced activity

• More hiding

• Loose skin around the body

Crested Geckos often eat their shed skin, so you may never actually see a complete shed.

This is completely normal.

💦 Helping With Shedding

Correct humidity is important for successful shedding.

Pay particular attention to:

• Toes

• Feet

• Tail

• Around the eyes

Retained shed around toes can restrict circulation if left untreated.

Providing appropriate humidity and rough surfaces such as cork bark can help.

Don't forcibly pull dry skin from your gecko.

Repeated shedding problems usually indicate that husbandry needs reviewing.

🧹 Cleaning

Good hygiene is essential.

Every day:

• Check temperature

• Check humidity

• Refresh water

• Remove waste

• Remove old food

• Check your gecko

Regularly:

• Clean feeding cups

• Clean water bowls

• Remove dirty substrate

• Clean decorations

• Clean enclosure surfaces

• Thoroughly clean the enclosure as required

Use a reptile-safe disinfectant and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Never spray cleaning products directly onto your gecko.

🌱 Bioactive Enclosures

Crested Geckos can do extremely well in a properly established bioactive enclosure.

A bioactive setup can include:

• Live plants

• Natural substrate

• Drainage layer

• Leaf litter

• Springtails

• Suitable isopods

These organisms help break down some organic waste.

However, bioactive does not mean maintenance-free.

You still need to:

• Change water

• Remove old food

• Monitor temperature

• Monitor humidity

• Maintain plants

• Check equipment

• Monitor your gecko's health

🩺 Health

A healthy Crested Gecko should generally:

• Have clear, bright eyes

• Maintain a healthy body condition

• Have healthy-looking skin

• Grip and climb normally

• Be active during its normal evening/night-time period

• Feed regularly

• Shed successfully

Learn what is normal for your individual gecko.

⚠️ Signs to Watch For

Contact a reptile/exotics-experienced vet if you notice:

• Significant weight loss

• Persistent refusal to eat

• Severe lethargy

• Difficulty climbing

• Weak grip

• Swollen limbs or jaw

• Abnormal posture

• Tremors

• Open wounds

• Persistent shedding problems

• Unusual lumps or swelling

• Breathing difficulties

• Discharge around the mouth, nose or eyes

• Prolapse

Don't wait until your gecko is severely unwell before seeking veterinary advice.

🦴 Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a serious condition associated with problems involving calcium, vitamin D3 and overall husbandry.

Signs can include:

• Weakness

• Trembling

• Soft or abnormal jaw

• Bent limbs

• Difficulty climbing

• Abnormal posture

MBD is much easier to prevent than treat.

A nutritionally complete diet, appropriate supplementation and suitable UVB provision all help support healthy bones.

If you suspect MBD, seek veterinary advice.

⚖️ Monitoring Weight

Regular weighing can help identify health problems early.

Use accurate digital gram scales and keep a simple record.

Young geckos should generally gain weight as they develop.

Don't become obsessed with comparing your gecko to a specific online weight chart — individual size varies.

A sudden or continuing change in weight is more important and should be investigated.

🦎 Can Crested Geckos Live Together?

We generally recommend keeping Crested Geckos individually.

Keeping multiple geckos together can lead to:

• Stress

• Competition for food

• Bullying

• Biting

• Injuries

• Unwanted breeding

Adult males should never be housed together.

Even animals that appear to tolerate each other may be experiencing competition or stress that isn't immediately obvious.

Individual housing makes it much easier to monitor feeding, weight, droppings and general health.

🦠 Hygiene & Salmonella

Like other reptiles, Crested Geckos can naturally carry bacteria such as Salmonella without appearing ill.

Always:

• Wash your hands after handling

• Wash your hands after enclosure maintenance

• Keep reptile equipment away from food preparation areas

• Supervise children's hygiene

• Clean contaminated surfaces appropriately

Never kiss your gecko or allow it near your face or food.

⚠️ Household Dangers

Keep your Crested Gecko and its enclosure away from:

• Aerosol sprays

• Air fresheners

• Cigarette and vape smoke

• Strong cleaning fumes

• Paint and solvent fumes

• Insecticides

• Fly sprays

• Scented candles

• Heavy fragrances

Never use household insect sprays around your gecko or its feeder insects.

🏡 Bringing Your New Crested Gecko Home

Before collecting your Crested Gecko, the enclosure should already be:

• Fully set up

• At the correct temperature

• Maintaining suitable humidity

• Properly ventilated

• Equipped with suitable UVB

• Furnished with plenty of climbing areas

• Supplied with food and fresh water

When you first bring your gecko home:

• Allow it time to settle

• Keep handling to a minimum

• Avoid constantly opening the enclosure

• Maintain stable conditions

• Offer its normal diet

• Give it plenty of cover

It's normal for a newly introduced Crested Gecko to spend lots of time hiding.

Remember that it will naturally become much more active during the evening and overnight.

👨👩👧 Is a Crested Gecko Right for You?

Crested Geckos can make fantastic pets and are often suitable for people new to reptiles.

However, they still require proper daily care.

Before buying one, remember that they:

• Can live for 15–20 years or longer

• Require a tall enclosure

• Need controlled temperature and humidity

• Require good ventilation

• Benefit from suitable UVB

• Need a nutritionally complete diet

• Need regular cleaning

• Can jump unexpectedly

• Can permanently drop their tail

• May require specialist veterinary treatment

• Need suitable care whenever you're away

For the right owner, Crested Geckos are fascinating, attractive and rewarding reptiles.

❤️ The Most Important Things to Remember

A happy, healthy Crested Gecko needs a tall, well-furnished enclosure, appropriate temperature, fluctuating humidity, good ventilation, suitable UVB, a quality complete Crested Gecko diet, fresh water and plenty of climbing opportunities.

Remember:

🌡️ Don't let them overheat.
💦 Maintain humidity but allow the enclosure to dry somewhat between misting.
🌬️ Provide good ventilation.
🍌 Use a quality complete Crested Gecko diet as the dietary foundation.
🌿 Give them plenty of cover and climbing opportunities.
✋ Never grab them by the tail.

Have the complete enclosure set up and running correctly before bringing your Crested Gecko home.

🦎 Roxy's Pet Shop

Need help with your Crested Gecko?

Whether you're choosing a vivarium, heating, thermostat, UVB, substrate, plants, complete Gecko diet, supplements or live food, please ask us. No question is too small or silly – we'd much rather you ask.

We recommend having your complete enclosure ready and running at the correct temperature and humidity before collecting your gecko.

Roxy's Pet Shop
Bloxwich High Street, WS3 3LA
☎️ 01922 492521
🌐 roxyspetshop.co.uk

This care guide provides general husbandry information and does not replace veterinary advice. Requirements can vary depending on the individual animal, enclosure and equipment used. If you are concerned about your gecko's health, contact a qualified reptile/exotics-experienced veterinary professional.