seriously thinking about getting a crested gecko

[sweetcheeks]

Well this past weekend we went to the local reptile expo and the only thing that really interested me was crested gecko's....

the guy there said relatively no heating required and basically said if your happy he's happy, is this true, do they not require much as far as heat/lighting etc...

I have read up on them on a few care sheets, but some say you can use UTH but another says only nocturnal lamps should be used. etc.

can anyone tell me what the good and bad things to owning one? and when you hold one, do they try to get loose and jump etc... or are they fairly easy to handle etc..

I already have a 10 gallon critter tank that I could use, but i just need a new screen lid cause this one has a few holes in the screen and I wouldnt want him or her to get scratched.

Other than that what are some things I would need upfront to get prepared? Id like to get prepared first before searching for the proper gecko of my choosing.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I am more of a snake person myself but after seeing all the pics of cresties on this forum, I finally gave up and I am now the owner of three cresties.

They do jump and you need to anticipate how and where they will jump but that’s about it.

They are just amazing little creatures very easy to care for and a lot of fun.

I just keep them at room temps, no additional light and no additional heat.

One thing you might want to get is food, while the one sold in Pet Stores is made by them same manufacturer it appears to be a little different than the one frequently used by breeders (I know I bought some and they just refused it) so order a bag of food before getting your gecko and you will be all set. http://www.pangeareptile.com/products.htm#superfoods (4 oz will last you a while)

[SilverWolf]

I would say do it! They are great and so easy to care for. Check out that site linked above. Not only can you get the food from there they have a great information and a Crested Gecko forum.

I also do not use any lights or heat. Just keep at room temps (between 72 and 80) anything over 85 can stress them out. For now I just have my baby in a critter keeper (like the kind to keep crickets in), paper towel bottom, some fake plants/vines, water bowl and a coconut hide. Once it gets bigger I'll move up in enclosure size. I used to have my bigger ones in 10 gallon tanks on there end so the enclosure was taller.

But for sure check out that site and it'll give you lots of info. Let us know if you get one and of course lots of pictures!

[waltah!]

I'm totally in love with my new crestie! They are really easy to care for, and very entertaining.

[sweetcheeks]

hubby tried to buy one while at the reptile expo.... i decided against it, i dont like to purchase reptiles on a whim and not be properly set up, unless i really have a lot of cash to buy all supplies that day.


so other than paper towel what do you suggest for substrate? i personally like the thin carpet type stuff, less mess and just change to a clean one and go.

[NightLad]

I can sympathise with your husband’s desire, but kudos to you for deciding to wait, and for the reasons you decided to wait.

I don't use heat or extra light. My setup is beside a window which provides lots of light through the day. If it is a little overcast, I will keep the rooms light on just for a boost.

Just remember that although room-temp is okay, they are sensitive to high levels of heat. 85F+ can be lethal. The Island they come from in New Caledonia is rather small and surrounded by sea, so higher humidity and mid-range temps are ideal for them. This is detailed on most care-sheets.

For this reason I’d advise against a UTH, unless you want to invest in a rheostat or a $120+ proportional digital thermostat. UTHs can reach temperatures of 115F – lethal for many snakes, let alone a crested gecko!

I'd recommend getting a vertical cage. They are arboreal and love to climb. The ExoTerra 18X18X24" is great and comes with a lot of nice features. A 10g critter tank might be okay, though. That is what most big-breeders keep them in. Heck, some people even use those plastic storage bins propped up on their side. Just remember to get a good temperature/humidity gauge.

They can be jumpy when you first pick them up, but usually they will calm in a minute or so and become more manageable. They are a tree-dwelling lizard, so being jumpy is in their nature. However, some breeders do not recommend handling them until they are 6months-a-year old. Babies are much more jumpy and prone to getting scared. It’s up to you.

You can usually physically ‘feel’ when they are getting ready to jump, and what direction they are aiming for. So don’t let that freak you out too much.

I use brown package paper for substrate. It is super easy to cut off the big roll, and it is thick enough to be absorbent. The brown color also looks more natural. Most big-breeders use paper towels, since they are inexpensive and easy to clean. The carpet stuff you mentioned has a nicer aesthetic look, but it can breed bacteria if you don't clean it often. But if you buy a big roll, you can just swap it out once a month or so and it should all be good. That is in addition to spot-cleaning of course.

As for food, you can use the pre-mixed Repashy Superfoods “Crested Gecko Diet.” It is a powder that you add water to and it turns into a baby-food type liquid. It has everything a crested gecko needs to live on. You can buy this in pet stores, but who knows how fresh their supply is. I recommend getting it from a registered distributer so you know it’s the freshest and new formula. Click here for the page and a link to registered distributers in the US and abroad: http://superfoods.repashy.com/foods_MRP_Crested.htm

My crestie loves the Banana flavoured one. I hear good things about the Mango, and the Rose too.

If you want to help maximize the gecko’s growth in the first year, many people recommend feeding crickets in addition to the Crested Gecko Diet. I fed 5 or so crickets (dusted with calcium powder) and he loved it. Not only is it good for their diet, but it’s a fun little treat for them. Not the crickets. I still feed a few crickets now and then, just because I know he enjoys it. He gets so darn excited being a big, bad hunter. LOL

Get him things to climb on. It’s what they live for! And if you get a female, put in a dig-pot for her to lay her eggs in. They will lay duds even if not sexually active.

I hope this helps!

[Custom Exotics]

Cresties rock, I bought 6 awhile back, and we are totally addicted. When you get ready to buy, I HIGHLY recommend Emily Cook at www.cookreptiles.com, great geckos and great customer service.

[sweetcheeks]

Ty thats what i needed to know


I use carpet for my snake, i have two pieces, when he messes, i take it up, put the clean in, and take the dirty to the tub and clean with mild dishwashing liquid with bleach alternative in the bottle. Then i let hang dry.