A1 Reptiles

Crested Geckos

The crested gecko is commonly referred to as the eyelash gecko. The scientific name for this specie is Rhacodactylus ciliatus.

Make sure a shallow dish with water is available at all times.

Unlike other gecko species the crested gecko tends to eat a large amount of fruit. Apricots, peaches, pears, bananas, plums, etc., are all acceptable fruit items to be fed. Apricots are the highest in calcium.

Fresh fruit is always best but when not available I use a variety of fruits contained in the baby food section of the grocery. Strained baby foods store easily and are quite inexpensive. On occasion the crested gecko will take insects such as crickets or mealworms. Mealworms should not be given to animals less than six months of age.  All foods should be dusted with a calcium supplement. Foods should be dusted with a good vitamin supplement twice monthly.

Crested geckos are found in New Caledonia and may grow to a length of around five to seven inches.

Only one male should be placed in the enclosure. You may keep up to four females with a single male.

Screen cages are always best and provide maximum ventilation inside the enclosure and a more natural environment. Ventilation is especially important when housing any specie that requires daily mistings. The more ventilation in a cage the better.  Glass aquariums tend to hold to much moisture. Constant wet soil conditions may breed dangerous bacteria which may cause illness or even death.  

Crested geckos are a nocturnal, arboreal specie (tree dwelling) and branches should be placed in the enclosure for climbing.

Crested geckos should also be provided with a hide area that is slightly dampened. The female crested gecko will be drawn to this damp area to lay her eggs. The crested gecko requires slightly more humidity than that of the other Rhacodactylus species.

The crested gecko readily breeds in captivity and is long-lived and has a life span of approximately fifteen years.

A substrate that may be used is a mixture of potting soil and Canadian sphagnum peat moss. A daily misting of the substrate is all that is required to keep the humidity levels in check.

Daytime temperatures should reach 74 degrees F. A basking light may be placed on top of the screened enclosure and the temperature under the basking light should be around 82 degrees F. The screened enclosure must be tall enough to permit the crested gecko to bask under the basking lamp and also allow the animal to move down farther in the cage to cooler areas for rest.

Breeding for the crested geckos takes place in the fall with the first eggs being laid in December or January.

Incubation temperature of the crested gecko eggs should be around 78 degrees F. At this temperature you will produce both male and female offspring. Incubation medium may consist of slightly dampened vermiculite or slightly dampened peat moss. Incubation time for the eggs is around fifty to sixty days.