Captive Care
Proper captive care for the Crested Gecko is easy to achieve.
The proper space must be provided.
The enclosure could be a fish tank with a screen lid, a commercial terrarium, or a self made enclosure. In either case, the minimum space that a single adult gecko needs is a 10 gallon tank and a 20 gallon tank if you keep more than one adult. The gecko’s nature will prompt him to climb so ensure that the tank is set up with plenty climbing areas.
Materials recommended for a natural setting enclosure
Materials recommended for a minimal setting enclosure
The Substrate
There are various reasons why one would use different material for the bottom of the cage. However, the most important reason is to use substrate that will keep moist, this is benefitial for the gecko because it helps with the shedding. If the over all look of the set up is naturalistic in design; the substrate selected should be a mix of potting soil and some pieces of wood, plants etc. Make sure to elaborate climbing spaces as well as hiding ones. If Plants are incorporated in to the set up, make sure that the leaves are broad and the branches sturdy. The set up can also be as sterile as one will like. Paper towels can be used for the bottom of the tank to allow for easy maintenance and keep up moisture. Climbing alternatives can be as simple as stiks, poles, etc. Always consider the well being of the Gecko first.
Landscaping the terrarium
There are a number of different plants that can be used to set up the enclosure. Select any plant with wide sturdy leaves for the Geckoes to climb on. Include as many plants as desired; however, allow for easy accessibility (in case of cleaning or catching your Gecko). The same rule can be used for the drift wood, but make sure that you accommodate some pieces for horizontal and vertical climbing.
Some examples of recommended plants:
Diet
Feeding the gecko is the most important part of its care. A Gecko that is well fed adapts better to the environment in which is housed and can withstand environmental changes better. Best conditions possible are always encouraged. In nature, the geckos diet consists on fruit nectar, pollen, and insects. Fortunately for the hobbyist and thanks to the people who have previously broken ground in this field, feeding the gecko in captivity is not a problem. The Geckos are feed a powder formula tailored to the gecko’s peculiar diet. This is a complete formula that replaces the need to feed them anything else.