| Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) Care Sheet |
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Crested geckos were thought to be extinct for over one hundred years, until they were rediscovered in 1994. These geckos are indigenous to the islands of New Caledonia, which is near Australia. Crested geckos are usually found on or near the ground hiding in leaf litter or near the base of trees. Female crested geckos are usually larger than males and adult crested can reach 8-10 inches in total length. Breeding crested geckos is fairly easy and they can be housed in small groups. Male geckos are aggressive towards other males and it is best to keep one male with several females. To sex your adult gecko examine the base of the tail, males will have a noticeable bulge. Crested geckos are usually sexually mature before they are one year old. Healthy female geckos will produce 1-2 eggs every month and can produce up to eighteen eggs in a year. When properly incubated crested gecko eggs hatch within 85 days. Crested geckos can drop their tails and they are unable to regenerate a new tail. Crested geckos are nocturnal and to fully enjoy them we recommend a red light for viewing at night. Red lights do not disturb nocturnal reptiles, just make sure to follow the temperature guidelines below when using any supplemental lighting. Our recommendation for bedding is bark, coconut bark, or cypress mulch. These types of beddings hold moisture very well and duplicate their natural environment. It is possible for a gecko to accidentally ingest its bedding and cause some type of impaction in the intestines. We feel that this type of impaction is rare and we have never personally encountered this problem. Calcium Crested geckos also require a calcium and vitamin supplement for proper health. This should be used every day as babies and reduced to 1-2 times a week as adults. Calcium is sold in a powder form and is sprinkled on the crickets and other insects. You should apply a very light coating to the food items, being careful not to waste any excess powder. Food Baby crested geckos should be fed appropriate sized crickets, mealworms, waxworms and any non citrus fruit baby foods. A mixed diet of these food items, five to seven times per week, is ideal and will ensure proper growth and health. Bookmark This Page!               
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