{"product_id":"crested-gecko-female-high-grade-mr26","title":"Crested Gecko Female High Grade","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCrested Gecko Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles due to their unique appearance, simple care requirements, and gentle temperament. Native to New Caledonia, these arboreal geckos were once thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in 1994. Today they are widely bred in captivity and available in many different colors and patterns known as morphs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos are named for the distinctive rows of soft spines that run from above their eyes down along their back. They are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in branches, plants, and vertical surfaces. Because they require relatively simple care and are generally calm, they make great pets for beginners and experienced reptile keepers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCorrelophus ciliatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEase of Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nocturnal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captive Bred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Caledonia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–10 inches including tail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–20 years in captivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrested Gecko Behavior and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos are generally calm, curious reptiles that tolerate handling better than many other small lizards. They are mostly active during the evening and nighttime hours, spending their days resting in foliage or hiding spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough they are usually docile, crested geckos can be quite jumpy and may leap suddenly when startled. When handling them, it is important to support their body and allow them to move from hand to hand calmly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese geckos are typically solitary animals and should usually be housed alone. Males are territorial and should never be kept together, while females may sometimes cohabitate in large enclosures but this can still lead to stress or competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf threatened, a crested gecko may drop its tail as a defense mechanism. Unlike many other geckos, the tail \u003cstrong\u003edoes not grow back\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it is important to handle them gently and minimize stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHousing the Crested Gecko\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause crested geckos are arboreal, they require a \u003cstrong\u003etall enclosure\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than a wide one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA suitable enclosure size is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJuveniles:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 × 12 × 18 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdults:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18 × 18 × 24 inches or larger\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe enclosure should include plenty of vertical climbing space with branches, vines, and plants. Both live and artificial plants work well to create hiding areas and help maintain humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther enclosure features should include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple climbing branches and vines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDense foliage for hiding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shallow food ledge or dish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood ventilation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpot clean daily and perform deeper enclosure cleanings regularly to maintain hygiene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHeat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos prefer moderate temperatures and generally do well at normal household temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal temperature range:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–78°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 68–72°F (20–22°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperatures above \u003cstrong\u003e82°F (28°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e can cause stress or heat exhaustion, so avoid overheating the enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost homes do not require additional heating, but if needed, a low-wattage heat source such as a ceramic heat emitter can be used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLight\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos do not require strong lighting because they are nocturnal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e12-hour light \/ 12-hour dark cycle\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended to maintain a natural day-night rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile UVB lighting is not strictly required, low-level UVB can be beneficial for overall health and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can quickly overheat the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHumidity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos require moderate to high humidity to stay healthy and shed properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideal humidity range is \u003cstrong\u003e60–80%\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maintain humidity:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMist the enclosure once or twice daily with clean water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide plants and moisture-retaining substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow humidity to drop slightly between mistings to prevent mold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hygrometer is recommended to monitor humidity levels accurately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate helps maintain humidity and creates a natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon substrate options include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoconut fiber (coco coir)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioactive soil mixes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReptile bark or forest floor bedding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaper towels (for juveniles or quarantine setups)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate should be replaced regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent mold or bacteria buildup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Do Crested Geckos Eat?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos are omnivores and have a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, most owners feed a \u003cstrong\u003ecommercial crested gecko diet powder\u003c\/strong\u003e mixed with water. These diets are nutritionally balanced and provide fruit, protein, vitamins, and minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir diet can also be supplemented with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrickets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDubia roaches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall mealworms (occasionally)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMashed fruits such as banana or mango\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles should be fed \u003cstrong\u003edaily\u003c\/strong\u003e, while adults typically eat \u003cstrong\u003eevery 2–3 days\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny live insects offered should be gut-loaded and lightly dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways provide access to fresh water, usually through droplets from misting or a small water dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Health and Behavior Problems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested geckos are generally hardy reptiles when kept in proper conditions, but a few health issues can occur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetabolic Bone Disease (MBD)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis occurs when reptiles do not receive enough calcium or vitamin D3. Proper supplementation and optional UVB lighting can help prevent this condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShedding Problems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow humidity can lead to incomplete shedding, especially around the toes and tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDehydration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the enclosure is too dry or misting is insufficient, geckos may become dehydrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStress or weight loss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePoor enclosure setup, incorrect temperatures, or competition between geckos can cause stress and appetite loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoutine observation, proper diet, and correct environmental conditions will prevent most health issues. If your gecko stops eating or shows unusual behavior, consult an experienced reptile veterinarian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003edo not ship live animals\u003c\/strong\u003e. You can order online and choose \u003cstrong\u003eclick and collect\u003c\/strong\u003e, and we will hold the animal for you until pickup. 🦎\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Newlands Garden Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53514904994119,"sku":"1139403","price":141.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/8821\/4500\/files\/CrestedGeckoFemaleHighGrade1.webp?v=1773428548","url":"https:\/\/www.newlands.ie\/en-gb\/products\/crested-gecko-female-high-grade-mr26","provider":"Newlands Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}