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Giving Every Species a Second Chance! RESCUE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Crested Gecko Care: The "Recovery Pets" Standard
1. The Enclosure: Vertical Space & Humidity
• Space: Unlike terrestrial geckos, Cresteds are arboreal (tree-dwellers). Adults require a minimum 18x18x24in vertical enclosure—height is more important than floor space.
• Humidity: Maintain 60–80% humidity. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor this closely. Mist the tank at least once daily (or use an automated mister) to ensure they can drink water droplets from the leaves.
• Security: A secure lid is mandatory. They are surprisingly fast jumpers.
2. Thermal Gradient: The "Room Temp" Lizard
• Temperature: They thrive at room temperature (70–75°F). They are very sensitive to heat; anything over 80°F can be fatal.
• Control: Because they do not need high heat, you rarely need a heat lamp. If your house drops below 68°F at night, use a small, thermostatically controlled heat mat on the side of the tank—never the bottom.
3. Nutrition: The Powdered Diet
• Primary Diet: A high-quality, complete powdered diet (like Pangea or Repashy) is the foundation of their health. Mix with water to a ketchup-like consistency.
• Feeding Schedule: Offer fresh food 3–4 times a week.
• Occasional Treats: You can offer live, gut-loaded crickets or roaches once a week for enrichment, but they do not require live insects if the powdered diet is high-quality.
4. Health: The "Recovery" Red Flags
• Floppy Tail Syndrome: When the tail hangs down, pulling the base of the spine, often due to a lack of proper climbing surfaces. Ensure plenty of horizontal branches/vines.
• Respiratory Infection: Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing, often caused by stagnant, dirty water or mold buildup from improper cage cleaning.
• Stuck Shed: Common in the toes or tail tip due to humidity that is too low.
5. Recovery Approved Sustainability Tip
• Upcycling: Use clean, food-safe plastic containers as "ledge hides" attached to the side of the tank with suction cups.
• Check our Starter Kits & Fundraiser page to see how we turn recycled materials into premium, vertical climbing environments.
The Reality Check
Crested Geckos are a 15–20 year commitment. They are high-humidity tropical animals that require daily misting and regular cage cleaning to prevent mold. If you cannot maintain their humidity and keep their environment clean, please do not adopt.