Basic information
Terrarium
For crested geckos a glass or acrylic tank/enclosure is adequate. We do not recommend an enclose made out of chipboard because it is surely not water-resitant and cannot stand the high humidity that crested geckos need. When it comes to the measurements of the enclosure, literature suggests proportions of 40x40x60 cm with which I agree. The measurements have to however custumized according to the number of crested geckos and it is suggested for the terrarium to be lenght-oriented (to make it longer, not wider). We personally advise to keep the little ones in a plastic box. But keep in mind that sufficient ventilation is needed which can not only provide enough oxagen but also prevent the formation of moulds, that can be a frequent problem among breeders.
As a substrate that is placed to the bottom I highly recommend using peat, it is necessary to pick the one that is qualified as natural in which are no additive fertilizers or other harmful chemicals. Often, the mixture of peat and sand is used. On the other hand, we do not suggest to use coconut substrate because there is a small chance of engulfing during hunting down some crickets for instance. The coconut soil then enlarges itself in the stomach resulting in death. Besides that, peat can retain moisture and humidity that crested geckos need.
As for the plants, I definitely advise using live as well as fake plants. Every type ha got its own perks. With fake plants – you don’t have to také care of them and they are long-lasting. With regular plants – they do require certain care but they help with retaining humidity and in most of the times they are more visually appealing.
Heat and lightening
Crested geckos are not exactly demanding when it comes to heat and light. It is important to realiye that they are nocturnal animals. Thanks to that you can cratch diwn the need of UVB light that nocturnal animals don’t need. Day light is perfectly sufficient and it is important for them to recognuze day and nighttime. Heating the terrarium is not, under some circumstances, necessary. It depends on the average temperature of the room. In my room, therethe temperature is between 24-25 degrees Celsius during the whole year. You can of course use a small heating bulb but be careful with high temperatzres that coul cause harm to crested geckos.
Manipulation
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When it comes to manupulation you have to get by certain main rules. If you cought the crested gecko clumsily they might as well drop their tail that will never grown back which be a pity. Never squeez them, just place your hand infront of them because they often wander around or jump. It is great to be considerate of the height if you were for example standing and the crested gecko would jump out of your hand it could end up harmed. It advisable to handle them at least once a day, they will get used to it and won’t be that wild.
Food and vitamins
The main element of diet are insects. Fundementally, you have to choose the adequate size of insects. There is a simple method that helps establish the right size: insects should not be bigger than the gal in between their eyes. We feed them crickets the most, they hunt them down easily and it seems that they like them. You can also feed them with cockroaches or superworms. We cover the insects in calcium and vitamin D. It is also suitable to feem them puree or pre-mixed melange like Repashy ir Pangea, you’ll find more in the “diet” section.
Breed group
It is plausible to keep crested geckos in groups.very important is to have the right number of males and females in a group to ensure their safety, you cannot put males together due to their teritorial behaviour because they could be aggresive to each other. The combination one male-one female is also not ideal because the male could jade the female. Therefore, males intercourse effort shoukd be divided inbetween more females. The best option is to keep 3 females and 1 male as a group. They do however have to have the same approximate size, to be specific their weight has to be alike so that the smaller individual won’t be oppressed.
