[Crested Gecko -Babies
Crested Gecko - Babies available at great prices
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Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are popular pets in the UK due to their low-maintenance care needs and unique appearance. Here’s a full guide to keeping them happy and healthy.
Housing
• Tank size: A minimum of 45x45x60cm (18x18x24 inches) for one adult, though bigger is better.
• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent humidity buildup.
• Substrate: Use coconut fibre, orchid bark, or paper towel (easier for cleaning). Avoid loose substrates that can cause impaction.
• Decor: Provide plenty of vertical climbing space, branches, cork bark, vines, and hides. Live or artificial plants add enrichment.
Temperature & Humidity
• Temperature:
• Ideal range: 22-26°C (72-78°F) daytime, dropping to 18-20°C (64-68°F) at night.
• Avoid overheating (above 28°C / 82°F can be dangerous).
• A low-wattage heat source or heat mat (on a thermostat) can be used if your home is cold.
• Humidity:
• 50-70% is ideal.
• Mist the enclosure once or twice daily, allowing it to dry out slightly between mistings.
• Provide a shallow water dish, but they mainly drink water droplets from leaves.
Lighting
• Crested geckos are nocturnal, so UVB isn’t essential but is beneficial for calcium metabolism. A low-level 5% UVB light (on for 10-12 hours a day) helps with health.
• A low-wattage LED or daylight bulb can also be used to provide a natural day/night cycle.
Diet
• Staple diet: A high-quality Crested Gecko Diet (CGD), such as Pangea, Repashy, or Arcadia EarthPro. This provides complete nutrition.
• Live food: Offer small insects (crickets, locusts, or roaches) once or twice a week, dusted with calcium & D3 supplements. Avoid mealworms due to their hard exoskeleton.
• Fruits: Occasional mashed banana, mango, or papaya (but CGD is better). Avoid citrus fruits.
Handling & Temperament
• Crested geckos can be skittish, but they usually tolerate handling well with patience.
• Use the “hand-walking†method: Let them hop between your hands rather than gripping them.
• Avoid grabbing their tail—they can drop it and won’t grow it back.
Common Health Issues
• Shedding problems: Provide good humidity and rough surfaces to help.
• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Prevent with a proper diet and calcium+D3 supplementation.
• Dehydration: Ensure proper misting and hydration.
• Respiratory infections: Caused by excessive humidity or cold temperatures. Look for wheezing or mucus around the nose.
Legal Considerations in the UK
• Crested geckos are legal to own without a license.
• Captive-bred specimens are widely available, so avoid wild-caught imports.
• Ensure your pet is from a reputable breeder or shop with proper care standards.
Would you like help with specific care aspects, such as enclosure setup or diet recommendations?