Setting Up Your New Crested Gecko Enclosure!

Setting Up Your New Crested Gecko Enclosure: A Guide by David from TikisGeckos

Congratulations on welcoming a crested gecko into your home! These unique and low-maintenance reptiles make fantastic pets for beginners and seasoned reptile enthusiasts alike. A proper enclosure setup is crucial to your gecko's health, happiness, and longevity. Let’s break down everything you need to know about creating the perfect environment for your new scaly friend.

1. Choosing the Right Enclosure

Crested geckos thrive in enclosures that mimic their natural habitat: the humid, forested regions of New Caledonia. Here are some key factors to consider:

Size:

• For one or two adult geckos, a 18” x 18” x 18” (20-gallon tall) is recommended. For multiple geckos, go larger to avoid stress and territorial disputes.
• Vertical space is essential since crested geckos are arboreal and love to climb.
• EXTRA TIP : More important than the size of the enclosure is filling up the volume of the enclosure with plenty of climbing material so you utilize the full space.

Material:

• Glass enclosures with a mesh top provide excellent ventilation while maintaining humidity.
• Avoid fully screen enclosures as they lose humidity too quickly.

2. Substrate Options

The substrate is the material lining the bottom of your enclosure. It plays a significant role in maintaining humidity and keeping the habitat clean. Popular options include:

• 100% Cypress Mulch: Retains moisture well and is generally safe when the geckos are hunting crickets..
• Paper towels: A budget-friendly option, great for juveniles or quarantine setups.
• Bioactive mix: Ideal for advanced keepers. Combine organic soil, sphagnum moss, sand and/or mulch along with a combination of springtails and isopods for a naturalistic, "self-cleaning" environment.

3. Furnishing the Enclosure

Crested geckos love to climb, hide, and explore. Adding the right decor ensures their physical and mental stimulation:

• Branches and Vines: Provide climbing opportunities. You can use natural wood (like cork bark) or artificial vines. We use dried up sticks and branches from outside from time to time as long as they are insect & pesticide free. One way to ensure a sterilized 
• Plants: Use live plants (like pothos, bromeliads, or ferns) for a bioactive setup, or opt for artificial plants for easy maintenance.
• Hides: Geckos need secure spots to retreat during the day. Place hides at various levels within the enclosure.
• Feeding Ledge (not required): A raised platform for placing food and water dishes keeps them elevated and accessible. Food & water bowls for your crested gecko can also be placed on the enclosure floor.

4. Maintaining Humidity and Temperature

Crested geckos thrive in moderate temperatures and high humidity:

• Temperature:
  • Keep the enclosure between 72°F and 78°F ideally. Avoid temperatures above 85°F, as this can stress or harm your gecko specially if the humidity is not dialed in perfectly.
  • Remember, these geckos can tolerate the cold much better than the heat. So when in doubt, it is best to have them without any heat.
  • Use a digital thermometer and/or an infared temp gun to monitor accurately.
• Humidity:
  • Aim for 60-80% humidity, with regular misting.
  • Include a hygrometer to track levels, and mist the enclosure 1-2 times daily (if needed).
  • A shallow water dish can also help maintain humidity.
  • Enclosure should be humid but not wet. Allowing the enclosure to dry out is essential in keeping your new gecko healthy.

5. Lighting

While crested geckos don’t require UVB lighting, it is thought that it can be beneficial for their overall health and well-being. If you choose to use UVB, opt for a low-output bulb (e.g., 5.0 UVB) and ensure your gecko has shaded areas to avoid overexposure. Provide a natural day/night cycle with a 12-hour light period. We have kept crested geckos for over 15 years without UVB and they seem to thrive regardless of UVB exposure or not.

6. Feeding Setup

A healthy diet is vital for your gecko’s growth and energy:

• Offer a high-quality crested gecko diet (CGD), supplemented with occasional treats like insects (dubia roaches or crickets).
• Other insects that make great treats are superworms, mealworms, waxworms, etc.
• Be sure to dust the insects with a high quality calcium supplement every time you feed insects.
• Replace food every 24-48 hours to prevent spoilage.
• Feed baby Crested Geckos every other day and adult Crested Geckos 2-3 times a week.

7. Regular Maintenance

Keep the enclosure clean and well-maintained:

• Spot clean weekly to remove waste.
• Deep clean the enclosure every month or so depending on how dirty it gets with how many geckos and what size enclosure you have. For bioactive setups, remove waste and refresh substrate as needed.
• Regularly check for mold or bacteria growth in high-humidity environments.

Final Thoughts

Creating a proper enclosure for your crested gecko may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a rewarding process that sets the stage for a healthy and happy pet. At TikisGeckos, we’re always here to guide you with expert advice and high-quality supplies. If you have questions or need help selecting the right products, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your gecko will thank you with its curious antics and adorable personality! Check out our available Crested Geckos below Here