Crested geckos originated on the Islands of New Caledonia, which are in the southwest Pacific Ocean about 1,200km east of Australia. The crested gecko is a species of gecko that was thought to have been extinct since 1866 until it was seen again in 1994. they were brought into Europe and the US and there it was discovered that the crested gecko thrive in captivity, they are easy to care for and breed readily.

The average life-span of a crested gecko is around 10 years.

Lighting:
Although Crested Geckos are nocturnal they still need a day/ nigh cycle in order to feel happy. We recommend a 5% UVB light. The light should be on for 10-12 hours per day.

Cleaning:
Remove faeces and uneaten food daily. Food/water bowls should be washed and dried each time fresh is put in. Vivariums should be totally cleaned out every couple of months or so with reptile-safe disinfectant.

Feeding
Crested Geckos are omnivorous meaning they eat live food and vegetation Their diet is high in small soft fruit (non citrus), along with whatever invertebrates that happen within striking distance. In captivity, fresh soft fruits (and baby food) like Banana, Peach, and Apricot, are relished by Crested Geckos, as well as Crickets and as a treat small locusts, mealworms and wax worms. Live foods should be coated in a vitamin and mineral supplement such as Nutrobal a couple of times a week to ensure the Crested Gecko is getting the best nutrition possible. A special Crested Gecko diet food is now also available, mix this with water and pour into their food dish.

Water
Drinking water should always be made available to the Crested Gecko from a water bowl. Although they will drink from standing water Crested Geckos also lick the morning dew from rocks and plants for hydration, it is therefore important to mist the vivarium at least once daily using a water sprayer.

Handling
Crested Geckos are a good lizard for handling. They should be treated gently, with love and care allowing it to sit on the hand. They naturally get around by jumping from branch to branch so don't be alarmed if yours suddenly decides to jump up onto your shoulder. Never grab or pick up a Crested Gecko by it's tail as they will shed the tail as a defence mechanism. It will not grow back!

Cohabitation
Males do not get on with each other as adults and will fight so only keep one per enclosure. Males can be kept with a harem of females providing the terrarium is large enough to accommodate them. Females are ok to be kept as a colony.

General Care
Signs of a Healthy crested gecko:

• The lizard should be alert, active (unless asleep) and not looking lethargic.
• The lizards eyes, nose and mouth should be clean and discharge free.
• Check that they Have been eating and drinking normally.
•  Another good indication of a healthy lizard is its tail,If the tail has fat stores then the lizard is probably healthy. If the lizard’s tail is bony and has no fat stores, they probably are malnourished or even dehydrated.

Shopping List

• Vivarium/Terrarium
• UVB Bulb & starter unit
• Thermometer & hydrometer
• Heat mat
• Food/water bowl
• Substrate
• Vitamin supplement
• Environmental enrichment
• Reptile safe disinfectant.
• Spray bottle

Some reptiles carry a form of salmonella, but is usually contacted by ingestion. Good hygiene and washing your hands after handling or cleaning out your lizard should be good enough to prevent any risk of infection.