Whilst most people think of a tortoise, corn snake or a bearded dragon as a good first reptile, there is another great option. Crested Geckos are excellent beginner reptiles due to their low-maintenance care, docile nature and modest set up requirements.

They thrive at room temperature, making them ideal for beginners without complex heating requirements, and primarily eat a prepared powdered diet. 

These arboreal, nocturnal pets need a tall, well-decorated terrarium, and require moderate humidity.

Things You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you being your Crested Gecko home, it’s important to have the right set up. Here are a few essentials:

Terrarium: A tall terrarium is essential for Cresties, as they love to climb. Your terrarium should be a minimum of 18″x18″x36″ for an adult gecko.

Habitat Enrichment: Crested Geckos need plenty of hiding places and things to climb. Branches, vines, real and artificial plants, and rocks make them feel secure and at home.

Suitable Substrate: Moisture retaining substrate should be used to maintain humidity. Good options are Crestie Life, orchid bark or coconut husk.

Food: Crested Geckos mainly eat a tropical diet powder such as Blue River Diets or Repashy. They also eat live food including suitable sized crickets or dubia roaches.

Misting System: This can be as simple as a plant spray bottle, to help keep the humidity up in the enclosure.

Food and Water Bowls: Access to fresh, clean water should be provided at all times, using suitable bowls. Crested Geckos prefer to eat off of the ground, so raised bowls or ones that attach to the side of the terrarium are a great choice.

Crested Geckos originate from New Caledonia, an island country off the coast of Australia. They were once thought to be extinct but were “rediscovered” around 1994. Since then, their popularity as pets has continually increased.

Things to Note

Whilst Crested Geckos are usually docile, they can sometimes be skittish and it is worth spending lots of time allowing your Crestie to get used to you before handling. Crested Geckos may drop their tails if handled incorrectly, or in an attempt to get away. Their tails do not regenerate like some other species of Geckos.

They will only bite if they feel threatened. Bites are startling, but they don’t hurt and they’re not strong enough to cause bleeding.

Crested geckos love to climb. They have specialized toe pads that allow them to move along vertical surfaces effortlessly, and their prehensile tails—which can grasp objects—add to their agility. They’re also excellent jumpers.

Choosing the Right Crested Gecko

You should always purchase your pet from a reputable reptile shop or breeder. Consider whether you would prefer a younger gecko, or would like to rehome an older, more robust gecko.

At Hewlett’s, our experienced team of reptile specialists can help you decide what would best suit your needs and can offer expert advice to help you feel confident in your new pet’s care.