CRESTED GECKO
Rhacodactylus Ciliatus
Crested geckos are originally from New Caledonia (a group of islands between Fiji and Australia). Crested geckos are ideal reptiles for beginners, they have simple and easy requirements. These geckos are primarily tree dwellers and they make outstanding displays in naturalistic vivariums.
AVAILABILITY
They were once considered the rarest lizard in captivity but today crested geckos are bred in large numbers and have become standard in the pet industry.
SIZING
Both male and female can reach a moderate size of 4-4.5 inches snout to vent length. They become sexually mature when they're around 35 grams and when they reach the ages of between 15-18 months.
LIFE SPAN
Under proper care, plan to have your crested gecko for many years. They can live forup to 15-20 years.
HOUSING
Baby crested geckos are best housed in either plastic or glass enclosures that are 20 inches high. Adults should be in an enclosure that is 28 inches high. They will fare well with enclosures that have screen tops, in areas with moderate to high relative humidity. These enclosures have the advantage of being light and easy to clean. Do not cohabitate males as they may fight. (I personally use a 45x45x60cm Exo-Terra).
TAILS
In nature, crested geckos will usually lose their tails and end up with a tiny, pointed nub. Taillessness is a normal condition for adults. In captivity, hobbyists like their crested gecko with tails, but this requires keeping your gecko individually and well pampered.
HANDLING AND TEMPERAMENT
Newly purchased geckos should not be handled, but first allowed to settle in for at least one to two weeks to allow them to adjust to their new environment and make sure your gecko is feeding regularly. When you start handling your gecko, make sure that you never grab the tail. Handling should be kept to a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. Babies are slightly fast and will jump so we advise you refrain from handling till they're around 3 inches long.
HEAT AND LIGHTING
Reptiles are ectotherms (their body temperature varies with the temperature of the environment) so it is important that you provide the proper temperature range for activity and feeding. A thermometer is essential for accurate temperature measurements. Crested geckos like temperatures of around 78-82.F during the day and it can drop to low 70's at night. In most areas this temperature range will be reached during the warmer moths without and additional heat. In summer place your gecko in a cool room if the temperature exceeds 87.F. During the winter crested geckos will tolerate drops into the low 60's. The easiest way to provide heat is a low wattage incandescent bulb or a ceramic heat emitter in a reflector dome placed on top of the screen top
