Difference between revisions of "Care for a Crested Gecko"

Also known as the eyelash gecko, Cresties are a great choice for wannabe reptile owners or experienced reptilia keepers. They are easy to care for, well-mannered, and relatively cheap to own. Thought extinct until rediscovered in 1994, these geckos were found in New Caledonia after a tropical storm. A crested gecko's diet usually includes meal replacement powder (commonly known as MRP) and insects (such as crickets, and Dubia roaches). They used to be an endangered species, but now millions of people own them as pets. Here's how to care for them.

Also known as the eyelash gecko, Cresties are a great choice for wannabe reptile owners or experienced reptilia keepers. They are easy to care for, well-mannered, and relatively cheap to own. Thought extinct until rediscovered in 1994, these geckos were found in New Caledonia after a tropical storm. A crested gecko's diet usually includes meal replacement powder (commonly known as MRP) and insects (such as crickets, and Dubia roaches). They used to be an endangered species, but now millions of people own them as pets. Here's how to care for them.

== Steps ==

== Steps ==

# Get a terrarium (10 gallon minimum). You want to have an a smaller terrarium (12"x12"x18") until the gecko is a year old, then upgrade to a larger terrarium (18"x18"x 24"). Terrariums are like cages, except they are made of glass, and inside there are plastic plants and substrate. Substrate is the bottom, the dirt. Beware though, geckos have been known to die from ingesting coconut substrate. The best way to go is Eco Earth with moss or bark on top. The Eco Earth will help you retain moisture. Repti Carpet is also a cheap and safe way to go. However it will not hold humidity as well as Eco Earth - it is also known to hold bacteria if not cleaned often. Paper towels are generally recommended for juveniles and hatchlings, as they allow you to monitor how much they are pooping without too much trouble.  

# Get a terrarium (10 gallon minimum). You want to have an a smaller terrarium (12"x12"x18") until the gecko is a year old, then upgrade to a larger terrarium (18"x18"x 24"). Terrariums are like cages, except they are made of glass, and inside there are plastic plants and substrate. Substrate is the bottom, the dirt. Beware though, geckos have been known to die from ingesting coconut substrate. The best way to go is Eco Earth with moss or bark on top. The Eco Earth will help you retain moisture. Repti Carpet is also a cheap and safe way to go. However it will not hold humidity as well as Eco Earth - it is also known to hold bacteria if not cleaned often. Paper towels are generally recommended for juveniles and hatchlings, as they allow you to monitor how much they are pooping without too much trouble.