Badgerland Reptile Rescue

Crested Gecko Care Guide

Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus

Native Range

The crested gecko is endemic to South Province, New Caledonia.

History

This species was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 during an expedition led by Robert Seipp

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult crested gecko is an enclosure that measures 12″ x 12″ x 18″. If possible, crested geckos are best kept in enclosures 18″ x 18″ x 24″. Crested geckos often to do best on the following substrates: paper towels, Eco Earth, Zilla Jungle Mix, or a bioactive substrate mixture with isopods & springtails. We do not recommend using reptile carpet-type substrates.

Please note crested geckos are solitary animals. While some individuals may house two females in the same enclosure, we recommend this is only done with caution as bullying and aggression can occur. Additionally, if a male and female crested gecko are housed together, breeding will occur.

Heating & Humidity

Unless the ambient room temperature drops below 65 degrees, a heat source is not necessary for crested geckos.

Humidity should be between 55-70% and is best achieved by regularly misting the enclosure in the morning and at night.

UVB Lighting

We recommend the following: Arcadia ShadeDweller 7% or Arcadia Forest 6%, Zilla Tropical 25, ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0

Diet

Crested geckos consume a diet referred to as “CGD” (crested gecko diet). This diet is made from fruit powder and other ingredients, mixed with water to achieve the consistency of a smoothie. We recommend the following brands of CGD: Pangea Reptile, Repashy, Zilla, ZooMed, Black Panther Zoological (BPZ), Leapin’ Leachie and Lugarti.

You may also supplement your gecko’s diet with live crickets or dubia roaches, if possible, these should be dusted with calcium powder.

Average Lifespan

15-20 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

  • Alert and energetic
  • Able to support all of its weight and hold its head up
  • Normal movement, does not appear to be shaky or unbalanced
  • Bright, clear eyes
  • Healthy fat pads
  • No protruding hip bones

Sources

Azevedo, Emily. “Care Sheets.” Moon Lily Reptiles, www.moonlilyreptiles.com/caresheets.

“Crested Gecko Care.” Pangea Reptile LLC, 13 May 2019, www.pangeareptile.com/blogs/blog/crested-gecko-care.

Dukart, Seri. “Correlophus Ciliatus – Crested Gecko.” Creature Care Cards, www.creaturecarecards.com/crestedgecko.html.

Hallatt, AJ, and Nicole D’Avignon. “Crested Gecko.” BeWild Reptile Rescue, bewildnc.org/crested-gecko/.

Healey, Mariah. “Crested Gecko Care Manual.” ReptiFiles®, 11 Dec. 2023, reptifiles.com/crested-gecko-care/.

Mede, Erica. “Crested Gecko Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/crested-gecko-care.html.

Vemmer, Teresa. “Gecko Care.” LGP Gecko, www.lgpgecko.com/care.