Crested Gecko Care Guide: Enclosure, Diet & Handling Tips [2026]

Why Crested Geckos Are Ideal Pets

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) were once thought to be extinct until being rediscovered in New Caledonia in 1994. They have since become one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world thanks to their gentle temperament, stunning variety of morphs, and remarkably simple care requirements.

They are one of the few reptiles that thrive at room temperature and can eat a commercially prepared diet, making them one of the easiest reptiles to keep.

Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

• Juvenile (0-6 months): 10-gallon or small arboreal enclosure (12"x12"x18")
• Adult (6+ months): 18"x18"x24" tall enclosure minimum
• Ideal: 18"x18"x36" for a single adult
• Crested geckos are arboreal — vertical space is more important than floor space
• Front-opening enclosures are preferred for easier access

Substrate

• Coconut fiber (eco earth) — Retains humidity well, naturalistic look
• Paper towels — Best for juveniles (easy to monitor health and droppings)
• Bioactive substrate — Mix of organic topsoil, coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter with isopods/springtails for a self-cleaning setup
• Avoid: Loose substrates for babies under 15g (ingestion risk)

Temperature and Humidity

• No special heating required if room temperature stays within range
• Danger zone: Above 82°F — crested geckos are very heat-sensitive and can die from prolonged exposure above 85°F
• Mist the enclosure heavily once or twice daily (evening and/or morning)
• Use a digital thermometer/hygrometer to monitor conditions
• Allow the enclosure to dry out slightly between mistings to prevent mold

Lighting

• Crested geckos are crepuscular/nocturnal — they do not need UVB lighting, but low-level UVB (5.0 or shade dweller bulb) can be beneficial
• A natural light cycle (12 hours light, 12 hours dark) is sufficient
• Ambient room light near a window (not direct sunlight) works fine

Decorations

• Branches and vines: Cork bark, bamboo, grapevine — essential for climbing
• Foliage: Live or silk plants (pothos, philodendron, bromeliads) for cover and security
• Hiding spots: Cork bark tubes, coconut hides placed at multiple heights
• Fill the enclosure densely — crested geckos feel insecure in sparse setups

Diet

Commercial Crested Gecko Diet (CGD)

The backbone of crested gecko feeding is a powdered complete diet mixed with water:

• Pangea — Most popular brand, multiple flavors, excellent nutrition
• Repashy — Another top choice, widely available
• Mix: 1 part powder to 1.5-2 parts water to create a smoothie-like consistency
• Offer fresh CGD every other day in a shallow dish, replace uneaten food after 24-48 hours

Insect Supplementation

While CGD is nutritionally complete on its own, offering insects provides enrichment and extra protein:

• Crickets — Most common feeder, dust with calcium powder before offering
• Dubia roaches — Excellent nutrition, low odor
• Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) — High calcium, no dusting needed
• Offer insects 1-2 times per week
• Insects should be no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes

Feeding Schedule

Handling

Crested geckos are jumpy but become calm with regular handling:

• Wait 1-2 weeks after bringing a new gecko home before handling
• Start with 5-minute sessions and work up to 15-20 minutes
• Handle low to the ground or over a soft surface — crested geckos can leap suddenly
• Use the hand-walking method — let the gecko walk from hand to hand
• Avoid grabbing the tail — crested geckos drop their tails permanently when stressed
• Handle in the evening when they are naturally active

Shedding

Crested geckos shed every 2-4 weeks and usually eat their shed skin:

• You may never see your gecko shedding — they often do it at night and eat the skin
• Ensure humidity spikes to 70-80% during shedding
• Check for retained shed on toes and the tail tip
• Stuck shed on toes can restrict blood flow — soak in lukewarm water and gently remove

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Caused by insufficient calcium. Symptoms include rubbery jaw, kinked tail or spine, tremors, and difficulty climbing.

Prevention: Feed a quality CGD (Pangea/Repashy have adequate calcium), dust feeder insects with calcium, consider low-level UVB lighting.

Floppy Tail Syndrome

The tail bends or hangs at an unnatural angle. Not dangerous but can indicate the gecko is spending too much time hanging upside down on smooth surfaces.

Prevention: Provide plenty of horizontal branches and perches.

Stuck Shed

Retained shed on toes or tail tip. Can cause circulation problems if not addressed.

Treatment: Increase humidity, provide a humid hide, soak in lukewarm water, gently assist removal with a damp cotton swab.

Mouth Rot (Stomatitis)

Swollen mouth area, cheese-like discharge, reluctance to eat. Usually caused by poor hygiene or stress.

Treatment: Requires veterinary care with antibiotics. Improve sanitation and reduce stress.

Conclusion

Crested geckos are one of the easiest and most rewarding reptiles to keep. They thrive at room temperature, eat a simple powder diet mixed with water, and come in an incredible variety of colors and patterns. Provide a tall enclosure with plenty of branches and foliage, mist daily for humidity, feed Pangea or Repashy every other day, and handle gently. With this basic setup, your crested gecko can live 15-20 years as a charming and low-maintenance pet.