Crested Gecko Care Guide

Crested geckos (Correlophus Ciliatus) are one of the most popular pet gecko species due to their unique appearance, gentle temperament and relatively simple care requirements. Originally from New Caledonia, these arboreal reptiles spend much of their time climbing through vegetation, so their enclosure should focus on vertical space, climbing opportunities and a secure environment.

Known for their distinctive eyelashes, adhesive toe pads and wide range of colour variations, crested geckos are suitable for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers. The are generally hardy when provided with the correct habitat, diet, humidity and temperatures. This guide covers everything you need to know about crested gecko care, including enclosure set up, heating, lighting, feeding, handling and maintaining your gecko’s health.

Quick Facts

Feature	Information
Scientific name	Correlophus Ciliatus
Common name	Crested gecko
Origin	New Caledonia
Adult average size	7-10in (18-26cm) long, weight between 35 and 65g
Lifespan	15 – 20 years (in captivity)
Diet	Omnivore
Experience level	Beginner-friendly

 

Choosing a Healthy Crested Gecko

When choosing a crested gecko, always purchase from a reputable breeder or specialist reptile retailer, like Viperia. A healthy gecko should have clear eyes, good body condition, strong grip and an active, alert appearance. Avoid animals showing signs of poor health such as excessive weight loss, discharge around the eyes or nose, lethargy or difficulty climbing.

Ask about the gecko’s age, feeding habits and whether it is eating a complete crested gecko diet. Young geckos may require more monitoring as they establish themselves, whilst adults are usually more settled and predictable.

Lifespan and Adult Size

Crested geckos are a relatively small species, usually reaching around 18-26cm in total length. Most adults weigh between 35-65g, although healthy individuals can vary depending on genetics and sex.

With correct care, crested geckos commonly live for 15-20 years or more in captivity. Providing the right diet, stable temperatures, appropriate humidity and regular health monitoring plays a major role in supporting a long and healthy life.

Essential Equipment Checklist

Before bringing your crested gecko home, the enclosure should be fully prepared. Essential equipment includes:

ü  A tall (arboreal) vivarium

ü  Digital thermometer

ü  Thermostat

ü  Heat source

ü  Hygrometer

ü  Suitable substrate

ü  Climbing décor

ü  Hides

ü  Feeding ledge

ü  Water source.

A complete set up should also include artificial or live plants, branches, vines and cork bark to create a secure climbing environment. UVB lighting is recommended by many keepers, and any heating equipment should always be controlled by a thermostat.

Crested Gecko Enclosure

Crested geckos are arboreal reptiles, meaning they spend much off their time climbing rather than living on ground. Adult crested geckos should be housed in a minimum enclosure size of 45 x 45 x 60cm, with larger habitats providing even more opportunities for exploration.

Heating and Temperature

Crested geckos require cooler temperatures than many reptile species and can become stressed if exposed to excessive heat. The enclosure should generally be maintained between 22-26°C, with a slight drop overnight being acceptable.

Additional heating is often unnecessary in homes that remain within the correct temperature range. If heating is required, it should be provided carefully using a suitable heat source controlled by a thermostat. Temperatures above 28°C can be dangerous and may cause heat stress. Always monitor temperatures using an accurate digital thermometer placed inside the enclosure.

UVB Lighting

Crested geckos will thrive with exposure to low-level UVB and is considered beneficial by many keepers. UVB exposure can support natural behaviours, vitamin D3 production and calcium metabolism.

A low-output T5 UVB lamp around 2.5-7% is generally suitable when positioned correctly. The light should cover part of the enclosure, allowing your gecko to choose whether to access UVB or remain in shaded areas.

UVB lighting should typically run for 10-12 hours a day using a timer. Bulbs should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations.

Humidity

Crested geckos require moderate to high humidity levels, with humidity typically maintained around 60-80%. The enclosure should be misted regularly, creating a humid environment whilst still allowing periods where the enclosure partially dries out.

Constantly wet conditions should be avoided, as poor ventilation and excessive moisture can contribute to health problems. A digital hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity levels accurately.

Proper humidity is particularly important during shedding, as it helps your gecko remove its old skin successfully.

Substrate

The best crested gecko substrate should be safe, moisture-retaining and easy to maintain. Popular options include coco fibre, reptile-safe soil mixes, moss-based substrates and bioactive setups.

Paper-based substrates can also be useful for quarantine, juveniles or situations where monitoring waste and feeding is important.

Avoid substrates containing harmful chemicals, sharp materials or excessive dust. Whichever substrate you choose, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the enclosure hygienic.

Water

Crested geckos naturally drink droplets from leaves after rainfall, so regular misting is an important part of their care. They may also drink from a shallow water dish, which should always contain fresh, clean water.

Crested Gecko Diet

Crested geckos have a simple but specialised diet. The main part of their nutrition should come from a complete crested gecko diet (CGD), which contains the correct balance of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Commercial powdered diets are mixed with water and offered in feeding dishes every 2-3 days. Many keepers also provide appropriately sized insects, such as crickets or dubia roaches, as enrichment and an additional protein source.

Young geckos typically require more frequent feeding than adults, whilst feeding schedules should be adjusted based on body condition and appetite.

Handling Your Crested Gecko

Crested geckos are generally calm and can become comfortable with regular gentle handling. However, they are excellent jumpers and may leap unexpectedly, so handling should always take place close to a safe surface.

Allow a new gecko some time to settle before handling and avoid excessive interaction during periods of stress or shedding. Short, calm handling sessions are best.

Enrichment and Climbing

Providing enrichment is essential for an arboreal species. Branches, vines, cork bark, plants and hides allow crested geckos to climb, explore and rest naturally.

A well-designed enclosure should offer multiple climbing routes and secure hiding places. Rearranging décor occasionally can provide additional simulation whilst maintaining familiar areas.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Spot clean waste and remove uneaten food regularly. Food dishes should be cleaned after use, and décor should be disinfected periodically with reptile-safe products.

Bioactive setups require less frequent deep cleaning but still need monitoring to ensure healthy conditions. Maintaining a clean enclosure reduces bacteria and helps prevent health problems.

Shedding

Crested geckos shed their skin regularly as they grow. They usually eat their shed skin, making it less noticeable than in many other reptiles.

Maintaining suitable humidity levels ensures a successful shed. Signs of shedding include duller colours and reduced activity. Problems with retained shed are uncommon when humidity and enclosure conditions are met.

Brumation

Crested geckos do not undergo true brumation in the same way as some reptiles. However, they may become less active during cooler months or seasonal changes.

Maintaining stable temperatures and normal feeding routines is generally recommended for pet crested gecko rather than intentionally lowering temperatures.

Common Health Problems

Crested geckos are hardly reptiles, but poor husbandry can lead to health issues. Common problems include metabolic bone disease (MBD), dehydration, stuck shed, parasites, respiratory infections and nutritional deficiencies.

Providing correct UVB, calcium availability, suitable temperatures, proper humidity and a balanced diet helps reduce health risks. Monitor your gecko regularly and seek advice from a reptile-experienced veterinarian if you notice weight loss, unusual behaviour or difficulty climbing.

Is a Crested Gecko Right for You?

Crested geckos are excellent pets for keepers looking for a fascinating, low-maintenance reptile with a gentle personality. They require less complex care than many reptile species but still need a properly designed enclosure, suitable diet and long-term commitment.

With a lifespan of 15-20 years or more, owning a crested gecko is a long-term responsibility. For those prepared to provide the correct environment, they make rewarding and engaging pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size enclosure does a crested gecko need?

Choosing the correct enclosure is essential for keeping a crested gecko healthy and allowing it to display natural behaviours. As an arboreal species, crested geckos spend most of their time climbing rather than living on the ground, so height is more important than floor space. Adult crested geckos require a minimum enclosure measuring 45 x 45 x60cm, although larger enclosures are always recommended where possible. Juveniles can be housed in smaller enclosures before being upgraded as they grow if you wish.

A suitable crested gecko enclosure should provide plenty of climbing opportunities using branches, vines, cork bark and plants. Whether you are using live or artificial plants, dense foliage helps your gecko feel secure whilst encouraging natural climbing, resting and hunting behaviours. Include several hiding places at different heights throughout the enclosure, as crested geckos often choose elevated resting spots during the day.

Good ventilation is important to prevent stale, damp conditions whilst still maintaining the correct humidity levels. The enclosure should also include a suitable substrate, feeding ledge, shallow water dish, digital thermometer and a hygrometer to monitor environmental conditions accurately.

At Viperia, our range of arboreal PVC vivariums provide excellent insulation and ventilation, making it easy to create the ideal crested gecko habitat. We also stock climbing décor, feeding ledges, plants and accessories to help you build a natural, enriching enclosure.

What do crested geckos eat?

Crested geckos are omnivores and the majority of their nutrition should come from a complete crested gecko diet (CGD), which is specially formulated to provide the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. These powdered diets are mixed with water to create a smooth paste and are widely regarded as the best staple food for pet crested geckos.

In addition to a complete diet, many keepers also offer live insects such as appropriately size crickets, dubia roaches or locusts once or twice a week. Live insects provide enrichment and encourage natural hunting behaviours. Any feeder insects should be gut loaded before feeding and dusted with an appropriate calcium supplement according to your supplementation routine.

Juvenile crested geckos generally require food more frequently than adults. Most adults can be offered a complete diet every two to three days, with uneaten food removed before it spoils. Fresh, clean water should always be available, and regular misting helps support hydration as crested geckos often drink water droplets from eaves and enclosure surfaces.

At Viperia, we stock components of the crested gecko diets: live food, calcium supplements and feeding accessories, making it easy to provide your gecko with a balanced and nutritious diet throughout every stage of its life.

What temperature should a crested gecko enclosure be?

Maintaining the correct temperature is an important part of crested gecko care. Unlike many other reptile species, crested geckos thrive in relatively cool conditions and can become stressed if their enclosure becomes too warm. The ideal daytime temperature is 22-25°C, with a slight drop at night being perfectly natural.

Many homes remain with this temperature range for much of the year, meaning additional heating is not always necessary. However, if your room regularly falls below the recommended temperatures, a suitable heat source may be required. Any heating equipment should always be controlled by a reliable thermostat to prevent overheating.

Temperatures above 26°C should generally be avoided, as prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat stress and serious health problems. Position a digital thermometer inside the enclosure and check temperatures regularly to ensure they remain stable.

Providing plenty of foliage, branches and hides allows your crested gecko to move between warmer and cooler areas within the enclosure whilst remaining secure. Combined with appropriate humidity and ventilation, maintaining stable temperatures helps support normal activity, feeding and overall health.

At Viperia, we stock thermostats, heating equipment and digital thermometers to help you maintain the ideal environment for your crested gecko throughout the year.

Do crested geckos need UVB lighting?

Crested geckos do not strictly require UVB lighting to survive as they can obtain vitamin D3 through a correctly balanced diet and appropriate supplementation. However, many reptile keepers and specialists recommend providing low-level UVB lighting, as it can support natural behaviours, healthy calcium metabolism and overall wellbeing.

Although crested geckos are primarily nocturnal and become most active after dark, they still rest in areas where they may receive low levels of natural daylight. A low-output T5 UVB lamp producing around 2.5-7% UVB is generally suitable when installed correctly. The light should illuminate only part of the enclosure, allowing the gecko to choose between areas with and without UVB exposure.

Lighting should be operated for around 10-12 hours each day, using a timer to provide a consistent day and night cycle. UVB bulbs gradually lose their effectiveness over time, even if they continue to produce visible light, so they should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

UVB should always be used alongside a complete crested gecko diet, correct temperatures and appropriate humidity rather than as a replacement for good husbandry. At Viperia, we stock UVB kits, replacement tubes and lighting accessories suitable for crested gecko enclosures.

What humidity does a crested gecko need?

Maintaining the correct humidity is essential for keeping a crested gecko healthy. Crested geckos originate from the humid forests of New Caledonia and require an enclosure that provides adequate moisture whilst still allowing good airflow. A humidity level of around 50-70% is generally recommended, with natural fluctuations throughout the day being beneficial.

Most keepers achieve this by misting the enclosure once or twice daily. Humidity should rise after misting before gradually falling as the enclosure dries. Allowing the enclosure to partially dry between misting sessions helps prevent constantly damp conditions, which can encourage mould, bacteria and respiratory problems.

A digital hygrometer is the most important way to measure humidity. Live or artificial plants, moisture-retaining substrates and good enclosure design can all help maintain suitable humidity levels. Fresh water should always be available in a shallow dish, as crested geckos may drink from both water bowls and droplets left on leaves after misting.

Correct humidity is particularly important during shedding, helping the old skin separate cleanly from the body and reducing the risk of retained shed around the toes and tail. At Viperia, we stock hygrometers, misting equipment, substrates and enclosure accessories to help maintain the ideal humidity for your crested gecko.