Crested Gecko Care Basics: Enclosure, Humidity and Diet
Crested geckos are one of the easiest reptiles to keep well. Get height, humidity and diet right and they thrive.
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Crested geckos are gentle, hardy and don't need the hot basking lamps many reptiles do, which makes them a favourite first reptile. They do have a few specific needs.
A tall enclosure
Crested geckos are arboreal — they live in trees and climb. They need height more than floor space. An 18 × 18 × 24 inch front-opening terrarium is a popular choice for an adult.
Fill it with branches, vines and plants (real or artificial) so your gecko can climb and hide at different levels.
Room temperature, not hot
Crested geckos are comfortable at around 72–78°F. They're sensitive to heat — temperatures in the mid-80s°F and above can be dangerous. In most homes they need no heat lamp at all. A thermometer tells you for sure.
Humidity through misting
Mist the enclosure once or twice a day so humidity rises after misting and then dries out a little in between. A moisture-holding substrate helps.
Somewhere to hide
Give your gecko hides at different heights so it can feel secure.
Diet: a complete powdered food
Most keepers feed a complete powdered crested gecko diet mixed with water, served in a small cup a few times a week. Many add occasional insects for enrichment.
Lighting
Crested geckos are mostly active at dusk and night. Many keepers now provide low-level UVB lighting as well; if you do, give your gecko shady areas to retreat to.
The basics at a glance
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Exo Terra Glass Terrarium, 18 × 18 × 24 in Front-opening | Tree-dwelling geckos and small reptiles | View on Amazon |
| Zoo Med Digital Terrarium Thermometer (3 Pack) Temperature | Checking the warm and cool ends of a terrarium | View on Amazon |
| Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate, 8 qt (2 Pack) Humidity | Tropical set-ups that need humidity | View on Amazon |
| Exo Terra Reptile Cave, Medium Hide | A secure hiding place for geckos and small snakes | View on Amazon |
| Repashy SuperFoods Crested Gecko Classic Fruit Blend, 8 oz Complete diet | Crested geckos and other fruit-eating geckos | View on Amazon |
Handle young geckos gently and briefly at first — they're fast jumpers. A reptile vet check after you bring one home is always a good idea.